retail M3 backplate issue

Question

when trying to use a retail versatile backplate after swapping a Dell mobo to a new case, the plate has one of the nut loose in the plastic groove preventing fastening of heatsink mounting screw. the other three nuts still work. this issue is unexpected until you put your hands on it. it is a quality issue. the plastic groove could be slightly worn not be able to prevent nut from turning with the mounting screw

lesson: try to get one size of backplate and not the versatile type supporting LGA 115#, 1366, 775.

good feature of back plate is large opening to avoid interference with ILM back side.

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

I wanted to use a Dell backplate but it is glued to backside of V200 mobo and the ILM does not have torx screws either.

It seems I have to get a LGA775 backplate, 8 USD for two but need to wait.

I find a quicker effective way to mount any cooler to my mobo with clear mounting holes.

remove original Dell M3 screw, keep the springs.

find matching 4 x screws with large nuts

put the spring on those new screws and push one rhru the mobo mounting hole while using the other hand to engage the nut on back side. this needs a case with large opening for cpu, which I have

the result is satisfying. I actually used shorter spring from another cooler which caused less tension in the spring

success. it proves one does not have to use any backplate. 4 x large nut with matching screws work fine. I tightened the screw in diagonal manner just like I would if there were a backplate.

redxps630 · Answer

image upload from saved iphone pic in desktop failed again. need to open in paint and save as new file to work, same w snipping tool saved jpeg. this is a desktop pc issue. apparently if upload directly from phone to forum no such issue. a quirk

XPS Desktops

retail M3 backplate issue

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