This category holds mounting kits and brackets for processor coolers, for buyers who need to fit a cooler to a new socket or replace missing hardware. Our range is small, with products from ZALMAN, RAIJINTEK and THERMAL GRIZZLY.
How to choose a cooler mounting kit
Socket. Mounting hardware is made for specific sockets, such as Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5. Check the socket on your motherboard first and make sure the kit names it, because sockets that look alike can have different mounting hole spacing.
Cooler compatibility. Most kits are designed for a particular cooler or cooler family. Look up your cooler model on the manufacturer's compatibility list before ordering, as a kit from another brand may not fit its fixing system.
Contents of the kit. A complete kit usually has a backplate, brackets, screws, nuts and sometimes springs. Work out whether you need the whole set or just one missing part, and compare that with what the product listing says is included.
Type of part. Some products adapt a cooler to a different socket, while others replace the standard CPU retention bracket to change how the cooler presses on the processor. Decide which problem you are solving, since the two are not interchangeable.
Access inside your case. Many backplates sit behind the motherboard, so you may need to remove the board unless your case has a large cut-out in the motherboard tray. Check this before you start, especially in a tightly built system.
Brands we carry
- ZALMAN: a long-established maker of CPU coolers, so its kits are mainly intended for its own cooler designs. It has two products in this category.
- RAIJINTEK: known for PC cooling and cases, including its Morpheus series of graphics card coolers.
- THERMAL GRIZZLY: best known for thermal paste and for upgrade parts aimed at enthusiasts, such as contact frames for Intel processors.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a mounting kit from a different brand?
Sometimes, but it is not a safe assumption. Mounting systems differ between cooler makers, and a kit only works if the hole spacing, screw threads and brackets match your cooler. Check the manufacturer's compatibility information for your exact cooler model first.
Do I need a new mounting kit when I change my CPU socket?
Often yes, if you move to a different socket family, for example from AMD AM4 to AM5 or from an older Intel socket to LGA 1700. Some coolers already include several mounting sets, so check your cooler's box or manual before buying anything extra. If your cooler does not support the new socket, an adapter or a replacement kit is usually the answer.
How do I find out which kit fits my cooler?
Start with the exact model name of the cooler and the socket of your motherboard. The cooler manufacturer's product page normally lists supported sockets and the matching mounting parts. Compare this with the kit description, and make sure both the socket and the cooler model are named.
Do I need to replace the thermal paste when I refit a cooler?
Yes, in most cases. Removing a cooler breaks the contact between the heatsink and the processor, so the old paste should be cleaned off and fresh paste applied. Doing this keeps the contact surface even and helps the cooler perform as intended after the new mounting hardware is fitted.
