Zalman 7000B-AlCu mounting question?

[tj06]

I am currently trying to mount a Zalman 7000B to a MSI K8N-Neo4 motherboard. I am not using the provided black backplate because the board already has a metal one that came with it.

The Zalman came with two nipples that I attached to the board but the fan was loose and floating on top of the processor. Note: the provided metal backplate already has nipples that come out a 1/4 of and inch. I bent the bracket for the zalman to fit the board. Did I do wrong?

Through trial and error I was able to get the Zalman to fit very snugly on the processor through bending the bracket in the opposite direction. In doing so the metal backplate on the back of the board separated and caused the IDE controller to fail upon boot. I don't see why this cause a problem, the metal plate was used with adhesive and was pulled off completely by me after the fail, but did have circuit indentations. I am getting a replacement board and am stuck with this bent bracket Zalman. What should I do, attempt #2 and try not to left the backplate again or replace the fan with a new bracket and remove the metal backplate and use the provided plate that came with the Zalman?

I spoke with MSI and the tech told me the metal backplate should not be removed, yet Zalman is suggesting to use their backplate.

The issue here is the plate that came with the board did not make the Zalman snug enough and the provided one would. Is it ok to remove the metal backplate that came with the board? Because when I did I had problems.

 

[imported_Kensai]

I pulled my metal backplates and replaced them with the Zalman ones. The stock ones just don't work.

 

[ecvs85]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=1564455&ent on how to remove the backplate safely, remember that you don't need to rush and do it gently and slowly.

If you insist on using the metal backplate by msi, I tried (k8n neo platinum, using the same metal backplate) and as a quickway you can use the aluminium socket 478 holder from zalman that came along the cnps7000b-alcu installation tools. You just need to add like 7 washers that (again came along with the cnps7000b-alcu) add up to be about the same height with zalman's nipple+zalman's backplate. It will hold up firmly but as paper washers are used it is not good for long term usage.
Another way is to sand the zalman's nipple to be about the same height when coupled with the msi metal backplate, BUT YOU MAY HAVE PROBLEM MOUNTING THE NIPPLE TO THE METAL BACKPLATE, AND THERE MAYBE PROBLEMS WITH SCREW HEIGHT (it's in capital so you don't miss out the big point, so you don't sue me )

all in all you should remove the backplate, It is not hard to do, you just need patience to do it slowly.

 

[tj06]

Thank you for the link

I must have damaged the board when the backplate lifted off. I am going to follow the instructions on how to safely remove the backplate and the use the provided one that the Zalman came with.


tj06

 

[billwinkle]

Strange that everyone has had to change the backplate. I had no problem at all using the one that came with my board. The Zalman installed with no problem.
Good luck on your next install tj06.

 

[Mucker]

There are 2 different nipple sizes for the 7000 series. The brass socket 754 nipples are shorter than the socket 939 nipples. Zalman will send you out the right size for your board, their support is excellent.....

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