Cooler Master Eclipse Review - Installation
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Installing the Eclipse can be simple or difficult depending on which socket you are installing the cooler. Installation on the Athlon 64s is simple: remove the original cooler, clear off the thermal paste, spread an amount of provided paste equal to the size of a grain of rice across the integrated heat spreader, remove the protective film from the base of the heat sink and mount the heat sink as you would install a stock cooler.
Installing the Eclipse on an Intel processor is much more difficult. It does not mount like the stock cooler but uses a through-the-motherboard mounting system. This requires access to the backside of the motherboard, which in most cases means removal of the motherboard.
The first thing you need to do is install the screws into the clip for the base of the heat sink. Once they're screwed in, remove the backing strip from the rubber rings and place them on the metal clip. Next you need to secure the clips to the heat sink. Now you're ready to apply the thermal paste to the CPU. The same method is used: put a drop the size of a grain of rice onto the CPU and spread it out evenly over the integrated heat spreader.
Carefully guide the four screws through the holes in the motherboard, and then use the plastic washers and nuts to secure the heat sink in place. Cooler Master provides a small tool which acts as a tiny socket for tightening the nut. All you need is a screwdriver and you're set. Secure all four corners and you're good to go. Check to make sure the heat sink is level on the CPU, and is free from obstructions. Now you can admire the cooler.
Of course you have to mount the motherboard back into the chassis. So be sure that your heat sink is making full contact with the core. This will prevent you from having to remove it in order to assure good contact. Most power supplies have to be installed before the cooling system, so if you're building a system for the first time, make sure you can get everything else installed first.
Next: Testing the Eclipse >>
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