What size screws/threaded rods do you use to mount the block?

[Mark Larson]

I have three sets of threaded rods/screws here with me - all #8-32.

1. Stock Maze2 mounting nylon threaded rods. 3" length.
2. Steel #8-32 screws. 2" length.
3. Steel #8-32 screws. 1¾" length.

I want to use the smallest length, but don't know what everyone else uses - before i open the package i want to see what everyone else is using. The 3" nylon rods stuck out too far when mounted with the springs fully compressed.

I also got some knurled nuts. For all those who aren't using knurled nuts, get some from your hardware store!! They're a very good investment and will let you tighten your screws easily and precisely.

(btw i also posted this on oc-forums but figured i'd get a more edumacated () response here)

[mrmoustache]

Originally posted by Mark Larson

I want to use the smallest length, but don't know what everyone else uses - before i open the package i want to see what everyone else is using. The 3" nylon rods stuck out too far when mounted with the springs fully compressed.

doesnt having a spring fully compressed defeat the purpose of using a spring?

[MadDogMe]

Mine are 50mm but I have to compress the springs a fraction to get the nut started on the thread, it depends how long the springs are though, my maze3 ones migrated to the waste~paper~basket , so I use brass 50mm round headed 'bolts' an thicker stronger springs instead...

IMO anything more than 55mm is a waste...

[mrmoustache]

i'm just saying if you compress it all the way it's effectively a spacer instead of a spring.

the whole point of the spring is to add a little give so you don't crush anything, isn't it?

[Mark Larson]

Originally posted by mrmoustache
i'm just saying if you compress it all the way it's effectively a spacer instead of a spring.

the whole point of the spring is to add a little give so you don't crush anything, isn't it?

That is interesting. I'd like to hear more about this. Am i at risk of crushing my core?

[Balinju]

Originally posted by Mark Larson
That is interesting. I'd like to hear more about this. Am i at risk of crushing my core?

if you compress your spings fully yes, but it depends on what type of spings you are using. if you are using soft spings, then you could not do anything else than compress them fully to get the adequate force on the core. but if you are using hard spings and you are compressing them to the very end, i don't want to be instead of your core

[mrmoustache]

if you're using your own springs i'd say you have the wrong springs for the job.

if you're using some pre packaged pre tested springs i'd imagine you are at risk of breaking something.

[bigben2k]

Having just been through the spring issue, I thought I'd share what I did.

First, only 6-32 screws fit (properly) through the latest mobo's holes, which have a diameter of 0.150". There is still one board out there that uses the old spec of 0.210".

I got a set of 6 lb springs from McMaster. Since the max clamping force is 24 lb, with a minimum of 12, and 18 being typical (as per AMD spec), and since I have 4 mounting points, well, do the math!

The thing about springs though... is that they all have very specific ratings, and usage conditions.

They will give you a fixed amount of force, in proportion to how much they are compressed.

My springs could be compressed all the way down (indeed turning them into spacers), but that would push them beyond their rating. Pushing a spring beyond it's rated force will actually damage it, and it eventually won't react the same as when it was brand new.

Not using any springs is OK, but you then have very little play, to reach the right clamping force: where you would have to turn a nut a number of turns to reach 6 lbs with springs, you might go over 6 lbs very easily with a very small fraction of a turn, without springs. I doubt that those people that do not use springs, even bother to use a torque wrench


In retrospect, I would have opted for springs rated a bit higher than 6 lbs: more like 7.5 to 9 lbs. AMD specs also allows a maximum of 30 lbs clamping force, when using the 6 side tabs (why? I dunno, but I don't really care either, it's just nice to know that I can go over a little).

When choosing a spring, it's also very important to pick one with an inner diameter that's as small as is possible, to avoid having it twist sideways around the mounting screw.

Also picked up from some of BillA's work: the block has a weight (!) and it actually factors in the equation of the clamping pressure.

Note also that "hose tugging" can be quite deadly to a CPU core.

[Mark Larson]

You guys have got me worried.

So worried that i typed out an email to Dangerden.

Hi. I have looked on the web, but i can't seem to find specific answers to my questions.

I have a Maze2, and it came with nylon rods, springs, nuts, one set of thick washers, and one set of thin washers. Nice block, and i like it.

Now, the way i've mounted it is with the rods held securely to the motherboard with nuts on both sides, and put the thin washers on top of the block on the threaded rods, before the springs. Then i tighten the springs. What is the correct distance the spring should be compressed? I have an AthlonXP processor and was tightening all the way till there was no "give". However, somebody pointed out that this method would effectively turn the springs into spacers and that i'm at risk of crushing my core if i continue to do it like this. Could you tell me whether i am?

Also, does putting the thin washers beneath the springs increase the pressure on the core to out of spec?

I'm attaching three images to illustrate how i've mounted my block. Please comment on it and tell me what i should fix.







PS: The return barb is in a really bad position - i can't tighten the bottom-right nut properly because of it, even when there's no hose attached.

Thanks in advance!

Let's see...

[bigben2k]

I thought that the DD installation guide (a 4 page PDF) was OK, but certainly lacked a bit of accuracy) :shrug:

[Mark Larson]

This is their reply. "Halfway compressed"?!?! That's nowhere near accurate enough

Hi Mark,

You just need to securely tighten the nuts, the springs are rated (when half
way compressed) for the amount of pressure that is supposed to be applied to
the CPU.

Over tightening the springs can damage the CPU or crack it.

Best regards
Dan Stephens
www.dangerden.com

[bigben2k]

That's simple to interpret, but requires a bit of calculating.

First you'll have to measure the height of the (relaxed) spring, then divide that figure by 2.

Each time you turn a nut 32 times, you just drove it down exactly one inch.

Calculate how many turns you need to reach the half compression.

Let us know how it goes!

[Mark Larson]

Hehe i'm back to aircooling for now, but i'll dig up this thread when i start watercooling in the summer. woo! no more MGMT 458!

[mrmoustache]

if you're complaining about accuracy you've got it all wrong

the springs allow a pretty big margin of pressure, you just wanna make sure its pressed firmly against your processor with the springs pushing on it.

as long as you arent turning the springs into big spacers (compressing them all the way) and the block isn't going anywhere i think it's safe to say you've got it.

[Balinju]

Originally posted by bigben2k
That's simple to interpret, but requires a bit of calculating.

First you'll have to measure the height of the (relaxed) spring, then divide that figure by 2.

Each time you turn a nut 32 times, you just drove it down exactly one inch.

Calculate how many turns you need to reach the half compression.

Let us know how it goes!

i think you don't need to be that accuate, that's why we put springs no???

the springs allow a pretty big margin of pressure

AGREE