How to Fix CPU Cooler Not Screwing In? Best Fix 2023

How to Fix CPU Cooler Not Screwing In? Best Fix 2023

You eventually selected a new cooler for your PC after doing a lot of research and thinking. The problem is that there does not seem to be any way for you to screw in the CPU cooler.

Why won’t my CPU cooler screw into its mounting?

The backplate not being correctly positioned or missing is the most frequent cause of CPU coolers not being able to be screwed in. The second most common cause is that the backplate has been removed. If the backplate is put perfectly where it should be, the problem may be with the screws you use for the installation.

It would be best if you were not concerned about this since you are not the only one experiencing this problem. When I first started making personal computers (PCs), I, too, ran across this problem.

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After gaining some experience, I will explain in detail how to fix the issue you’re having by reading this article.

Because I don’t want to keep you waiting longer than necessary, let’s get right down to business. I only need you to be alert and calm, so take a cup of coffee, read everything very slowly, and see as all of your problems vanish into nothing.

Also, check out our separate post on Can I Upgrade CPU Without Changing Motherboard    

How does one Place a Screw in the Cooler?

It is not as difficult as you imagine placing a screw in the cooler and then connecting it to the board after doing so. It is not only the screw or the cooler that is the source of the issue; the issue is caused by a different component entirely.

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Also, don’t forget to look into purchasing the greatest In a hurry? Check out my new post onCan CPU Overheating Cause Lag. CPU cooler that the market has to offer. In addition, almost every CPU cooler that can be purchased nowadays includes the screws supplied with it. Nevertheless, a few manufacturers sometimes make errors, such as providing incorrect or unsuitable screws.

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If your cooler is reasonably typical, you should be able to follow a standard size for the screws since there is one. On an average cooler, the diameter of the screw holes is generally around 5 millimeters.

On the other hand, if you are using a one-of-a-kind cooler that is not readily accessible, then you will most likely need to consult the maker’s website to get the dimensions. You might also try contacting their support staff if it doesn’t solve the problem.

Let’s investigate the possible solutions to this problem right now.

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The following is a list of possible solutions to the problem of the CPU cooler not screwing in:

Check to See If the Screws Have the Identical Thread Size

Before continuing, the first thing you need to do whenever an issue of this kind is to ensure without a shadow of a doubt that the screws are not the cause of the problem. Only then can you go on to the next step. You are utilizing the necessary instruments, which are available at the vast majority of hardware stores. For this, you could measure the diameter and the screws.

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On the other hand, if you possess a smartphone, you may utilize an application known as Wonderbolt, which makes the process far more straightforward and does not cost anything.

How exactly do you go about taking the systems can track? To determine the dimension of screws and bolts, you must first measure the distance between the outer threads on one side and the external lines on the other. It will give you the diameter of the screw or bolt. This measurement, referred to as the primary diameter, is commonly considered to represent the exact size of the bolts.

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Check the backplate of the CPU

If there is nothing wrong with the screws you are using, it is essential to ensure that the backplate is not wrongly positioned. Most consumers eventually noticed that their backplate had been unstuck when they were screwing in the cooler or improperly positioned.

When I encountered this problem before, I solved it by looking inside the motherboard for the plate that needed to be repaired and then doing so.

After removing the panel, I could finally locate it where it had been hidden for some time within the motherboard’s housing additionally, since the backplate is necessary to thread the screws, they are often located quite a distance from the PCB.

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If you discover that your backplate is not put perfectly, you should remember that you will need to push down more forcefully while screwing in the cooler. It is an additional item to keep in mind. It can seem a little risky, but have faith that it will be successful.

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How do you install the spring screws on the CPU unit cooler?

  • To install spring screws on a CPU cooler, you will need to position the cooler in such a way physically. All four spring screws on the heat sink completely match the four screw holes in the cooler’s backplate.
  • After you have finished everything, the next step is to carefully attach the heat sink to the central processing unit (CPU).
  • Get your screwdriver ready since the next step requires you to move each spring screw a half turns in the clockwise direction using the screwdriver.
  • Even though it may not seem like it, this step is crucial because it will help you determine whether or not the spring screw has created a connection with the backplate.
  • If you want to do the reverse, which is to remove the spring screws, you need to start by giving the top of the radiator a little squeeze with your finger. The primary purpose of this is to relieve the strain caused by the captive spring-loaded screws, which are used to secure the heat sink to the motherboard. After that, you must take a Philips screw with a number two tip and release both spring-loaded attachment screws.

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The Bottom Line

Trying to accomplish something as easy as putting in a CPU cooler may be frustrating when you run into problems doing so.  Thankfully, the solution does not in any way involve any discomfort. You are free to begin your next gaming session now that you have completed the installation of the new CPU cooler without any more interruptions.

There are many more guidelines just like this on our website, so if you happen to run into any other problems relating to this subject matter, check out the site.

Check out our expert-recommended CPU or GPU

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the screws already come with the CPU cooler?

Yes, certainly. Every single CPU cooler includes all the accessories required to install it successfully. Please contact the retailer as soon as possible if you did not get any screws with your purchase.

Do you need standoffs for the cpu unit cooler?

Many CPU coolers need the use of additional installation gear, such as showdowns, to function correctly. However, standoffs aren’t necessary for all coolers. The type of board you are using is another factor that influences whether or not you need standoffs.

Can a CPU cooler detach?

When the heat sink came off, the seal between the thermal paste and CPU was broken. Your cooling performance might be seriously compromised owing to uneven coverage and the formation of air bubbles after reattaching the heat sink.

What should I do if I accidentally place the thermal paste on my central processing unit (CPU)?

You need to remove the thermal paste from the pins on your CPU. You may quickly do this task by filling a small container with some isopropyl alcohol and pouring some in. Brush the CPU pins carefully with a soft, unused toothbrush after dipping them in the liquid.

How do you put the screws back in for the CPU cooler?

Place the CPU cooler so that the four spring screws are located on the heatsink line with the four screw holes on the backplate. After ensuring proper alignment, gently attach the heatsink to the central processing unit. To verify that each spring screw connects with the backplate, use a screwdriver to spin each spring screw a half-turn in the clockwise direction.

Is it conceivable that an excessive quantity of thermal paste may be present?

Insulating properties may be shown by a sizeable portion of the applied thermal paste. The best that may happen is that your thermal paste will be useless, but the worst that could happen is that you could wind up causing damage to your components as a result of their overheating.

How long does the lifespan of thermal paste typically last?

On the bottles of thermal paste sold by almost every manufacturer is printed a “shelf life” indication. The typical shelf life is roughly three years if the bottle has never been opened.

Go through our epic guide on Should I Overclock My CPU


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Meave Smith
By Meave Smith

I have enjoyed playing video games since the late 2009s. I am always able to find time to play a variety of games, as I am really passionate about gaming. To take my pastime to the next level and share it with the world, I created this website.



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