One of the most intimidating parts of assembling a PC is installing a CPU cooler—or so it may seem. In fact, it is a straightforward task, although it requires care and attention. To do that, here’s our quick guide on how to install a CPU cooler.
Note that all coolers will come with instructions, and our guide is not designed to replace them. We can only give you a general guide, and you’ll still want to check your manufacturer’s instructions for specific information.
What you will need
Note: This guide assumes you are installing a new CPU cooler on a new CPU. If you use any other, you also need isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean the old hot glue.
Installing a CPU cooler doesn’t require much in the way of tools or preparation. All you need is:
- Phillips head screwdriver (iFixit Mako Driver Kit is great if you plan to work with electronics regularly)
- Thermal paste (like Arctic MX-6)
- Splitter cable for fans (optional, only two cooler-fans)
However, be aware that some CPU coolers will come with some or all of these in the box, so you should check the box before buying any extras. Almost all will include some form of hot glue, and some companies even throw in screwdrivers for higher end units.
That said, we think it’s still a good idea to buy a high-quality hot glue and use that instead of the insert glue. You may also want to consider heating pads, but more on this later.
A good Philips-head screwdriver is always handy to have, too. A good one will come in handy for other PC repair tasks, such as removing and replacing your graphics card.
Step 1: Install Standoffs, Mounting Hardware, or Backplates
If you are installing stock coolers, you can skip this step. Intel and AMD motherboards come from the factory ready to accept their respective coolers.
Installing aftermarket coolers on Intel motherboards usually requires installing an additional backplate, which will come with the cooler. This usually involves sliding screws on the backplate and attaching it to your motherboard from the back. Your CPU cooler will have clear instructions and indicate any important mounts or nuts to install.
Source: Shut up!
AMD AM4 and AM5 motherboards will generally not require an additional backplate. Instead, you’ll need to unscrew the stock CPU cooler mounting hardware and install the rails and brackets that came with your cooler. Also, follow your cooler’s instructions on how to do this properly.
There are several different CPU cooler mounting systems on the market, most manufacturers have their own take on the process. We cannot hope to cover them all here; instead, be sure to read the instructions that came with your CPU cooler. Many companies also upload YouTube videos detailing the installation process, which some of you may find more helpful than static images.
Includes Intel mounting hardware for Be Quiet! CPU cooler. Source: Shut Up!
Step 2: Apply Thermal Paste
Once you have all the necessary hardware in place, it’s time to fix your CPU using hot paste. Thermal paste goes on your CPU’s integrated heat spreader (the silver part with the model and manufacturer name) and helps move heat from your CPU to your CPU’s heat sink.
Thermal paste is a surprisingly controversial part of PC assembly, and there are several ways to use the paste. Thankfully, there really isn’t much of a difference between all the different methods. Can you believe us? Here’s what Gamer Nexus players had to say on the matter:
So, all you really need to do here is take your tube of hot glue and apply a little pressure to your CPU—no need to spread it. We usually go with a blob or a pea-sized dot.
It’s a less foolproof option and lasts longer to use thermal pads such as Thermal Grizzly’s Kryosheet instead of hot glue. Hot pads have no application issues, and won’t dry out like paste. They probably won’t work as well as high-end hot glue, but the longevity and peace of mind they provide may make up for that.
Just make sure you get the right size sheet for your application, and you’re good to go.
Step 3: Configure Your CPU Cooler
Before you attempt to attach your air conditioner, check the installation guide. Some CPU air coolers come with pre-installed fans but need to be removed to install the cooler. If this is the case with your product, do this before attaching the tower to your motherboard.
If your CPU cooler does not have pre-installed fans, follow your instructions. If the manual suggests installing the fans before installing the cooler, do so. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Attach Your CPU Cooler
Source: Shut Up!
Now, it’s just a matter of lowering your CPU cooler to its hardware mount while making sure it’s facing the right direction (usually front to back). Press down firmly on the cold to make sure it spreads your hot glue around evenly, then apply it to the mounting hardware.
Some coolers use four screws, while others use two. Whichever method your cooler uses, we recommend taking it slow. Tighten the screws alternately, starting loose and tightening with each pass. If you have four screws, this will be an “X” pattern; if it only uses two screws (like Thermalright’s Peerless Assassin 120 SE), it alternates between them.
Source: Noctua
Properly designed mounting systems will have ways to ensure that you are not over-tightening your screws. But even if your cooler isn’t working, you should be able to feel when your screws are ready. Just take it slow and don’t rush to tighten your screws down.
Note that Intel’s stock cooler (and some stock AMD coolers) do not come in with a screw; instead, four plastic pins simply snap into place with minimal force.
Step 5: Enter and Connect Your Followers
Source: Shut up!
Now that your cooler is firmly attached to your motherboard, it’s time to install the fans. Just throw them into the tower, making sure they are facing right and blowing left (in other words, the back of your case).
Once the fans are in place, the last step is to connect the fan connector to the CPU fan header on the motherboard. Look for the header labeled “CPU_FAN” and connect your fan cable there. The CPU fan header is usually on the top edge of the motherboard, next to the CPU socket.
Some motherboards, like the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX, will have two CPU fan headers, the second one is usually called “CPU_OPT” or similar. If you are using a dual-fan heatsink, you can connect a second CPU cooling fan to the CPU_OPT header.
That said, we recommend connecting your CPU cooler fans with a separate fan cable and connecting them to the same fan header. This allows you to control both fans with a single fan curve, making setting up fan curves very straightforward.
Some dual-fan coolers come with fan splitters or daisy-chainable fans, so you may not even need to buy a splitter to do this. Be sure to check the box and fan cables before you go to Amazon.
Closing Thoughts
There, it wasn’t that hard, was it? Installing a CPU cooler may seem like a tricky and tough process, but it’s much easier and safer than you think. A good CPU cooler will come with clear instructions, whether printed or as a video; follow them, and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Building on a compact case and looking for cool CPU recommendations? Check out our list of the best low-end CPU coolers.