Cooler Master V8 CPU Cooler Review

Installation

I will be using an Intel LGA775 CPU and motherboard for testing.  In most cases, you will need to complete installation of the V8 cooler before installing the motherboard into your PC enclosure.  The User’s Manual includes detailed and well illustrated instructions for installing the cooler. 

Prior to installation, the CPU IHS and the V8 base were cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before applying a small amount of Cooler Master’s thermal compound to the top of the CPU. 


The first step is to install the two support bars and four studs with washers onto the bottom of the cooler base.


Once everything is ready you just carefully set the cooler in position and secure it with four nuts on the bottom using the included backing plate.


Overall, the V8 CPU cooler proved relatively easy to install onto my LGA775 test bed.  Yes, you will need to remove the motherboard if your system is already installed in a case.  The only hard part was getting the nuts screwed onto the studs inside the backing plate rim – this whole process could be made much easier if different shaped nuts had been used (smaller diameter and/or longer) or thumb-nuts.  Even though the cooler is relatively large clearance around the socket area components was good and there were no problems with interference. 


For many users a typical mid-tower case with a rear panel exhaust fan will line up with the V8 cooler and assist with airflow thru the cooler.