The Aegir SD12864 includes a universal mounting system which works with AMD and INTEL processors. This bolt through mounting kit is very durable and is said to deliver an extremely high level of contact pressure between the heatsink and CPU. More on this shortly.
Our ASRock X58 Xtreme 6 motherboard is a 1366 slot solution and as such we use the outer holes on the backplate. Four long screws are pushed through to the front of the motherboard for mounting.
Next, four washers are placed over the screws to ensure isolation from the PCB. We have applied our thermal paste also at this stage … slightly more than normal as it will be pushed up between the grooves a little.
Four metal stoppers are then screwed into the bolts tightly to ensure a stable base for the mounting procedure.
The brackets are then placed over the metal stoppers and four other metal mounts are bolted into position above them. Xigmatek supply everything for this in the box, including the tightening tool.
An aluminum support is then placed between the cooler base and the fin assembly. There are two tiny guide holes for insertion, although pressure from the mounting process will secure it all tight.
The cooler can be placed on top of the processor with the bar placed over the mounting brackets (underneath). Two more mounts are placed over this section and tightened by hand.
You can see the multiple layers of mounting – it seems rather intricate compared to some coolers on the market. That said, we are pretty confident in saying that we have yet to see a more secure mounting system on a mainstream cooler, the pressure on the CPU heatspreader is immense and should ensure the best possible heat removal.
The Xigmatek Aegir is supplied with a single 120mm fan, but we have a handful in our labs, so we will test with both one and two installed.
Well I think I got my next cooler. looks awesome.
Pat on the back for Xigmatek. About time someone changed the mounting system for mainstream coolers as they are woefull INADEQUATE ! they deserve a lot of attention for this.
Thanks for focusing on the installation method, other reviews ive read ignored it, and to me it seems the biggest selling point (as it really works!).
I have been trying to buy this for weeks now, any ideas when it will be available in UK ?
That mounting procedure looks long winded, but its very clever. I guess its impotrant how much pressure is applied to the CPU for maximum cooling, right?
Finally a company who dont have their head up their ass. I have been unimpressed with thermaltakes coolers. Frio isn;t bad, but at anything above minimum its a whirlwind of noise.
This cooler looks to be very well though out and instead of aiming for sheer mass (like noctua NH D14), they have concentrated on getting the cpu block as good as possible, and as close as possible. This is a stunning product and they will get my money. great review.
ingenious mounting method, looks very substantial. ill pick one of these up after christmas for my new mobo.
ill order one of these when I can find it.
I have one of their older coolers andi t was great, ill upgrade nearer christmas to this.
Excellent, I also like the fact it isnt too big and doesnt end up blocking half the motherboard.