I've been watching Youtube videos for a while about PC installation and read the manuals.

Last night, I finally started putting my PC together. After putting the CPU in the motherboard, I installed the CPU cooler with cement and THEN started to screw the motherboard to the case. I then noticed that the CPU cooler blocks me from installing on of the screws. Will this be a problem? Does the screw actually serve a purpose besides structural?

Here is my part list if needed. part list on PC part picker

Do I need to try to take off the cooler so I can properly install the MB?

Thanks

With that cooler you have to make sure the "X" bracket is setup in the correct direction for your Intel chip. There are two ways to set it, for AMD and Intel.

And when you said "cement" you mean thermal paste right?

But I would take the cooler off, clean the old paste off with 91% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the mount is correct for the cooler and try again.

Nothing is wrong with taking it off

Edit, read your message and realized what you were doing. What Zillow said, if you have 5/6 screws I think you'll be fine

there are holes for 9 screws but I think I would prefer to undo and do it correctly.

Thank you for the help, especially that I can clean off the old paste with Isopropyl alcohol. I'm just very nervous about breaking something.

Yeah i rarely put more than 4-5 screws into the motherboard. Youre good on that part. Do make sure about the fan though.

quote:

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Back in the old days we were doing good if you could line up 4 holes. I think you'll be fine.

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+1. I never worry about how many are in as long as I feel there are enough evenly spaced to make it secure.

I hope he means paste and not adhesive. I realize most cores are not exposed on modern CPU's I've handled, but I still have nightmares of watch a friend rip a core off a brand new AMD chip with a water block !