CPU Block Installation:

Our test bed is going to be performed on a LGA775 Socket "T" platform. You will get the following hardware included with the LGA775 bracket:

This is the LGA775 mounting bracket and hardware. This is a very easy mounting system to install if you take do care and pay attention to detail. The manual shows a detailed diagram of the installation procedure and makes installation a breeze with very easy to understand instructions.

Double-checking our hardware count, we can now start the CPU mounting bracket assembly. We will be using a DFI LANParty 925X-T2 LGA775 motherboard as our test recipient. With the manual handy and the mounting gear compiled next to our test platform, we will proceed with the installation.

Handling the motherboard by the edges of the PCB we carefully inspected the mounting area and lightly dusted off the CPU area of the 925X-T2. Flipping the board up side down we put fiber-washers on each of our 4 studs and inserted each fastener to the board.

The stud installation should be sequenced in the following order:

Philips screw, black fiber-washer, motherboard, black fiber-washer, lock-washer and hex nut. Using fiber-washers on either side of the motherboard is critical to prevent shorting of the motherboard. Once the posts are securely fastened to the motherboard, you can re-install it inside the chassis.

Flipping the board right side up again, we can now install the remaining washers, lock washers and nuts to secure the studs in place. You must use the black fiber-washers on the top and bottom sides of where the stud and stud nuts meet the motherboard surface. Hand tighten the nuts to the point of being "snug" do not crank down on these nuts. You will only need a few inch pounds to secure this assembly.

Studs are secured and we are ready to prep the CPU with some Artic Céramique thermal compound. Do not glob this stuff on, just use a liberal amount to allow enough compound to spread a thin film across the surface of the CPU.

Using a piece of thin clear plastic, we spread the compound across the CPU surface, avoiding finger contact with both CPU and compound. Do NOT use your fingers to spread the compound as the oils from your hands will break down the compound and cause heat spotting and or lower cooling performance. Seriously!

Handling the MCW6000 "Stepped Base" water block by the vinyl tubes, we slid the bracket over the tubing until it met up with the water block. Now we will guide the bracket and water block over the studs and gently press fit the assembly to the CPU surface.

*Important* When installing the MCW6000 "Stepped Base" water block to the LGA775 CPU, the "step side" must be over the socket lever as shown below.

*Remember* The CPU water block orientation is backwards for the LGA775. While other socket installations will have the CPU water block orientation with the outlet spigot facing up, it will face down on the LGA775 installation.

Now its time to install the four nylon "Shoulder Washers" on the studs. Make sure the shoulder is facing upwards to allow the retention springs to seat properly against the washer.

Now that the springs are in place we will make very small adjustments to the water block to ensure its squared up to the CPU. We also check for side-to-side clearance from the motherboard capacitors lined up along the Socket "T" area and made any adjustments to facilitate proper alignment. Now its time to add the acorn nuts and secure the water block to the CPU and motherboard. Done deal!

Tips:

• Tighten the four Acorn nuts in a cross pattern.
• Dry rag the components to remove finger oils from hardware.
• Use alcohol and a rag to clean up the CPU surface from any prior grease, compounds or fingerprints.
• Avoid the flexing and touching of motherboard and its components.
• Discharge any static build up by grounding yourself before handling static sensitive devices such as motherboards and video cards.
• Additional tightening of CPU retention mechanism should be performed after 10 days of thermal cycling for maximum performance. ( 1/4 turn max )

This task is complete and now we can move on to the next phase of this installation, which will be to fasten the motherboard to the case and placement of the pump and reservoir and final tweaking...