HSF Weight A Problem?

[_WBaS_]

I really want to get a high performance HSF, but most of them are between 400-900g. This is really heavy! I've heard people talking about the possibility of damaging a mobo and I was curious what you guys think. This probably isn't too big of a concern for somebody that never moves their tower, but I move mine (by car usually) at least 2-3 times a year. Do you see a risk with me using these coolers? What if I lay my case horrizontally?

Thanks!

[Stormcrow]

The problem with heavy coolers is that if that they may warp a mobo if installed incorrectly or too tightly. The more weight you add, the more it strains the motherboard itself, especially when moving it around. Laying the computer on it side removes this problem since gravity is no longer pulling down on the HSF. As long as you install them correctly and don't bend or warp the mobo by tightening it too tightly you won't have a problem. When moving carry it horizontally and lay it on its side in the floor board or trunk.

[screwballl]

I have a Scythe ninja which is very large and I feel the same way, as long as I don't touch or move the case, I have no worries. But the way my daughter jumps and bangs and bounces around, I am waiting for this to start beeping from the hsf being knocked off (I have the mobo to start beeping when the cpu reaches a certain temp, 59ºC)

[Yellowhello]

I used to have a CM GeminII, (a HUGE cooler) and I always thought I would snap the mobo or something, but that never happened. But if your moving it around a lot, I would go with something not as heavy...

[gvblake22]

If you are using those cheapo plastic push-pins on the Intel sockets with a big, heavy tower cooler, then yes, I would be worried. But if you spend the time to find a quality heatsink that comes with a metal mounting bracket, screws and backplate, then you should be fine.

[PrOLifIC_onE]

For heavy coolers the mobo brackets are a must, but they are also a PITA to install because it requires mobo removal to do so. I really wouldn't recommend a pushpin cooler over 600g (except maybe the TT V1 @ 637g). There are some good mid-range respectable coolers under 600g with pushpins (TT MaxOrb and Scythe Katana 2 are a couple I reviewed). But if you are looking for high performance then you are most certainly going to end up with heavier cooler, with a mobo bracket to place on the back.

[gvblake22]

Personally, I am more than happy to remove the motherboard and install the cooler if it means better performance and reliability. Hell, who are we kidding anyway? We're computer enthusiasts, we look for any chance we can get to crack open the case and fiddle with hardware!!!

[stinger608]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

I used to have a CM GeminII, (a HUGE cooler) and I always thought I would snap the mobo or something, but that never happened. But if your moving it around a lot, I would go with something not as heavy...

Yea Yellow, you used that cooler for what, about a week!

[Jokerswild]

Anyone here ever break or seen a broken mobo from a weight issue? I machined fiberglass circuit boards for quite a few years and have never seen one break. The fiberglass is damn tough stuff (G10-FR4) and I doubt that a HSF or anything thats out right now could do any serious damage.

http://www.coe.montana.edu/ee/jpeterson/Circuit%20Board%20Design.pdf

[_WBaS_]

That's kind of my point in making this thread. I hear lots of talk about how heavy HSF's are bad, but I haven't seen any proof. If it falls off then that's a different story... obviously a heavy HSF will knock a few things on the way to the floor of your case.