NB Spring Clips...grrrr...

[Thornbrand]

Just to vent a little frustration...

I'd like to meet the engineer that designed the northbridge hook-clip mechanism for Intel boards...in a dark alley (for a civil discussion of course.)

Was just getting ready to fill and test my new (and first) water cooled system when it happened. I was re-re-checking all the tube connections, and was staring at the northbridge block with a flashlight in hand. There was a little "tink" sound, followed by a deafening silence, as one corner of the MCW20 pulled only slightly away from the motherboard.

Further inspection confirmed my fears...the loop had pulled through the motherboard, and sat dangling from the bottom of the hook it once held tight. It wasn't over-tightened. Nor was there any undue force acting on it, unless the light from my flashlight bouncing off the block was just too much (I did just put new batteries in it.)

Bah...guess I'll pull everything out and see what can be done. I sincerely hope manufacturers don't continue to use this Mickey Mouse mechanism in the future.

[fallguy]

Dont tighten it down so much.

Cant really blame them, since it was never intended to have a coppy block hanging from it. While Im sure it is annoying, its the risk you take.

[iD10t]

I hate those stupid little clips. me and a friend both got Abit BH7's and the clips kept getting pulled out by the stock NB heatsink.

you would think for the cost of the little loops they could just engineer some holes in the board for bolt through heatsinks.

it probably works better though when the block uses all 4 of the clips over just 2 of them to spread the load better.

[SnowRider]

I have to agree with you on this one. It'd be nice if they at least gave us the option of using the hooks or mounting holes you know? Like maybe put both on there or something. That sucks about your board... can you fix it?

[Siphilon]

I'm sure that will be something down the line that some manufacturers take into consideration but part of the reason I didn't buy a NB block is because of mounting concerns..

_Siph

[Thornbrand]

I've been looking at the problem here and I think I'm going to try soldering the loop back into the board. Little nervous about doing it though.

The other idea I had was to use something like piano wire or cable through the holes, with a small plate (or nylon washers) on the back to spread out the pulling force.

I think it's a poor design as well. I understand that the loops were only designed to hold the stock heatsink, but I've seen many complaints about even the stock setup coming undone. I'm sure it could be improved upon, and I'm sure the manufacturers are aware of the problem. Wonder how many boards have been RMA'd because of it?

I agree iD10t...really wish this block used all four loops instead of two. If the loops were strong enough I don't think it'd be an issue, however, in this case I think four would be much more secure. I was very cautious in my mounting, and quite willing to take the risk. But seeing how easy the loops can come undone, I'd have left the NB heatsink alone.

At any rate, I'm not going to do anything till tomorrow, when I can look at it with a fresh perspective. I'll figure something out...it's all good.

[iD10t]

look here at the post by neptune
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=227291&highlight=paperclip

[Thornbrand]

Missed that thread in my search iD10t, thank ya much.


Edit:
That thread and an Abit forum searh of "paper clip" pretty much covers it for anyone who's run into this problem. Can't believe it alluded me, great link man.