ALPH PAL 8045 mounting

[farmercal]

I have two motherboards: the Aopen AK77 and a Shuttle AK35GTR. I believe they are both configured with holes to allow mounting of the PAL 8045. What I don't understand and can't figure out is how does this HSF mount? I don't see how you can mount this without taking a chance on breaking the motherboard due to the pressure of the screws and what do you screw into? If someone could explain this to me in layman?s terms it would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Budman]

Here's a link that might help you.

Link.

 

[2Cool]

Well, I wont tell you to read the manual, as you didnt state that you had the heatsink yet, so it might be rather difficult to do so, eh?

The heatsink mounts pretty easily. There are 4 standoffs (same as you used to mount your motherboard in the case originally). The standoffs mount through those holes around the socket, with nylon nuts underneath (supplied with the heatsink). Once mounted you attach the heatsink itself by screwing the bolts Alpha supplies down through the heatsink into those standoffs. The bolts will bottom out in the standoffs before they can apply too much force on the board, and the actual retention force is provided by springs that are on each bolt, between the bolt head and the heatsink. So basically you won't break your board, nor do you need to get crazy when tightening everything in place.

 

[farmercal]

Thanks 2cool! I really want to purchase this HSF but was reluctant because I wasn't sure how difficult it was to install. I really like the reviews given to the 8045 and thanks to your reply I'll get it!

 

[Phunktion]

Originally posted by: Budman
Here's a link that might help you.

Link.

LMFAO Dude! But this guy doesn't have the heatsinks manual to read but regardless LOL

 

[MoFunk]

Make sure to use the right washers! I am not sure if they still do it but mine came with 2 sets of washers. One set was flat and the other was notched. I used the notched ones but the hole on my Epox were not big enough. Fried my chip real quick! Just take your time and do it right and you'll be lovin life!

 

[Zoinks]

Rather than being an ass, here is a helpful link.

You can read Alpha's own installation guide here: http://www.micforg.co.jp/cat_pfe.html

 

[Jeff7]

Yes, do read the directions correctly, and don't use the wrong washers. Not speaking from experience here, but ya, you'll be crying during your processor's funeral.
<---- Happy 8045 user. The thing can be a bit of a pain to install (the AK35GTR might have a capacitor in the way; mine did - Dremel to the rescue). But once it's on, well, it's on. Oh yeah, the fan is supposed to mount with the air blowing AWAY from the heatsink, as per the directions. Not a normal heatsink, above normal performance.

 

[blackhawk]

some practical advice.

Have the 8045 and have had it on a Ga-7dxr and an Epox 8kha+ and no problem with breaking or bending the mb.

The nylon washer advice is very important and use the appropriate ones. Its not an easy hs to install or change out as you have to remove the mb each time and the nylon nuts tend to slip. Its not easy to get a good level contact all round and the aluminum standoffs tend to bind in the nylon nuts. I prefer the ease and quality of my swiftech mcxc370 but they're both good quality.

 

[bozo1]

However, according to the manufacturers website, that HSF will not fit on the AOpen AK77. (components in the way) They don't list any info about the Shuttle.

 

[farmercal]

Bozo1, so your saying that just because the motherboard has the mounting holes doesn't mean that the HSF will fit that motherboard? If that is the case, would the Thermalright AX7 be a good second choice?

 

[bozo1]

Bozo1, so your saying that just because the motherboard has the mounting holes doesn't mean that the HSF will fit that motherboard?

Yep. The AX-7 is also large-ish so it may not fit as well. There is a thread at amdmb.com here that people have compiled a listing of what will and won't work with an AX-7. They have that Aopen board listed as not working either. They do list the Shuttle board as working.

You won't have any problem with an SK-6 as it is the same size as the processor socket.

 

[IndyJaws]

As much as I like my 8045 and the cooling job it does, I would be seriously tempted to get an AX-7 the next time around. Why? Because the 8045 was somewhat of a PITA to install and it's difficult to know if you got it on just right (level). If I changed processors quite a bit, there's no way I'd mess with one, but since this one will stay in the PC for a while, I'll put up with it! (sarcasm for the humor impaired)

 

[Boobers]

The Thermalright AX-7 is the KING. You don't need to remove the MB to install it and IMHO there is NOTHING that cools better. Use a low speed 80mm fan and you'll never even hear it. If you want extreme cooling, simply add an 80cfm fan (if you can stand the noise. ). I would not hesitate to recommend this HSF to anyone. Just make sure that it will actually fit your MB. I have a KK266R, and it fits like a dream. VERY quiet with a Panaflo HA1 (40cfm) w/ 39 idle and 44 full load temps (1.4 @ 1.6 T'Bird).

 

[Nessism]

I'm running a 8045 on a Epox EP-8KHA+ and the plastic washers pinch down on top of the motherboard traces. Epox screwed the pooch on the trace layout in my opinion, they are way too close to the holes. Fortunately, everything is working fine so far but this setup worries me for those that transport their box around a lot.

 

[Boythorn]

Installed a PAL 8045 and Panaflo combo on my 8K3A+ mainboard. Provided instructions were fine and installation was trouble-free. You can easily feel when the springs are compressed - just tighted 1/2 to 1 turn per screw in a cross pattern to apply even pressure.

I'm pleased with the installed combination in my Lian Li case, particularly with the fan exhausting warm air away from the surface of the board.

Do check to Alpha page for the Aopen mainboard - the PAL 8045 fits on the Shuttle board. Then I suggest you select your heatsink based on airflow best suited for your case ("suck" or "blow"). PAL 8045 and AX-7 are both top choices.

 

[muddocktor]

I have mounted my 8045 on a Shuttle AK31, but I had to dremel out a divot toward 1 corner of the heatsink for it to fit by a capacitor. It took approx. 3 minutes to mod the 8045 to fit and it works great on the AK31.

 

[Lord Evermore]

It really annoys me that either motherboard makers don't respect the "standoff" area around the socket that AMD or Intel specify, which is meant specifically to allow a certain heatsink size to fit, or that heatsink makers aren't designing them to fit that standoff size (I assume that it's the mobo makers not following specs in most cases). If the heatsink spreads out a lot at the top and extends beyond the clear area, then it's not the motherboard maker's fault if a capacitor is in the way, but if the base of the heatsink is at spec for the area then it should be able to fit without having to grind off any parts.

 

[MrGoodTimes]

I got my Alpha PAL 8045 w/ a Vantec Stealth fan (80mm) last week at a computer show for $40. I will be installing it on my Soyo Dragon + as soon as I get my AS3 next week. Will let you know how everything goes.