Sorry if this is a very basic question, but I'm a bit concerned.

I'm in the process of building a new system. I bought a 3.0 GHz processor but am having a bit of a problem installing the Intel heatsink/fan.

The motherboard I'm using is the Abit IC7-G. I've got all 4 "clips" on the heatsink/fan assembly attached to the motherboard, however I can only get one side to latch properly.

So...the one side is "locked" in position properly, but the other side is already very tight. I'm afraid to force the other latch to the locked position. I'm afraid I'll break the motherboard Retention Module base as it's made out of plastic.

As I said before, the heatsink/fan seems attached very tight right now.

Can I leave it like this or am I doing something wrong? Is there a history of the heatsink/fan not locking into place?

Any info is greatly appreciated. Sorry if this is a very basic issue.

The heatsink/fan needs to be complete hooked with the 4 portions of the motherboard, it shouldn't be hard to fit it in. Try again.

HI Zetan
no dont force it , its not worth it you may damage the cpu , just explain the issue to the vendor and get a replacement, check its compatible with the mobo, some cheapo ones like akasa brand suck any way i dont use em now.
are you sure youve got it on the right way round?
Jr

Try locking the other side down first. I had the same problem with my Abit IS-7 board and an aftermarket heat sink and fan.(Thermaltake Spark 7+)It all wound up fitting perfect but, I had to kinda push down on the second side of the heat sink just a bit to get it latched. I don't know why but when I tried the other side first it just would not go.

I'm not as familiar with Intels as I am with AMD. But, for what it's worth; The fan/ heatsink does install quite hard on the AMD processors, so I'm assuming the Intel's do as well. As an electronics tech, I can tell you; there is a white substance at the bottom of the heatsink called a thermal compound. This compound helps transfer the heat from the micro to the heatsink. A tight fit is necessary to ensure the heat transfer takes place (so we don't blow up micro in a milisec). If you're too concerned about breaking it, I would take it to your local store (any credible store would probably install it for free). But they do have a tight fit for that reason.
Sorry if that's too much info for you.