Corsair Blog

Over the past year or two, we have greatly expanded the Corsair product line. One of these new additions is our new Air Series™ line of CPU coolers, which we proudly debuted at CEBIT in March 2010. We are offering two models at this time, the Air Series A70 and Air Series A50.

The Corsair A70

I have shamelessly plagiarized myself in an attempt to be more efficient. Parts of this guide are the same in the AMD version, but there are some differences too so read on!

 If you’re serious about high-performance computing, you already know that you’ve got to keep your CPU cool. Cooling not only gives your CPU the headroom it needs for reliable overclocking, it can also extend the life of your valuable investment. As a result you need CPU cooler that not only significantly outperforms your stock CPU heatsink, but one that does it quietly.

The Corsair Air Series A70 High-Performance CPU Cooler uses advanced thermal engineering technology to deliver superior air cooling performance: four 8mm copper heatpipes directly contact your CPU, and the surface is machined to increase heat transfer efficiency. Dual speed-selectable 120mm fans, mounted on rubber studs, spin quietly in a push-pull configuration for optimum airflow.

Features

• Compatible with Intel and AMD systems
• Four 8mm copper direct-contact heatpipes
• Aluminum fins
• Low-noise, low-vibration 120mm fans mounted on rubber studs
• Selectable 1,600 or 2,000RPM allows you to select the cooling performance you want
• Two-year warranty
• Designed to fit Intel LGA 775, LGA 1156, LGA 1366, AMD Core AM2, and AMD Core AM3 motherboards

The Air Series A70 and A50 CPU coolers both use the same mounting methods and hardware for AMD and Intel motherboards. Mounting your CPU cooler on either board is very simple and takes only a few minutes. For the Intel mount, you will need a Phillips head screw driver. The included parts are shown below and are also shown in the illustrated installation guide included with your cooler. The kit below is for the A70 and includes a second fan. The A50 kit includes same mounting hardware and a single fan.

The Intel installation can be done with the motherboard mounted inside a case assuming that you have adequate access to the back side of the motherboard to install the back plate. Our illustrations are given with the motherboard outside the case.

Install the Top Plate

The Intel mounting mechanism requires attaching a top plate to the base of the cooler. Place the top plate over the top of the cooler base as shown below and install and tighten the four Phillips head screws.

Apply the TIM and the Back Plate

We have included a tube of thermal interface material, or TIM, and you will need to apply a small drop of the material to the center of the Intel CPU as indicated by the red arrow. A drop the size of a small pea or grain of rice is sufficient.

Also, you will need to install the back plate from the back side of the motherboard so that the four mounting posts, circled in red, protrude through the four mounting holes around the CPU socket. Be sure to leave the plastic insulator on the back plate to insulate the back plate from the reverse side of the motherboard.

Attach the Cooler with Four Mounting Screws and Nuts

Sit the cooler on top of the CPU with the four mounting posts sticking through the four corresponding holes in the Intel top plate which is mounted to the base of the CPU cooler. Install the four knurled threaded nuts onto the four mounting posts. You may hand tighten them or use a Phillips head screw driver if needed. Tighten the screws until they bottom out on the threads on the mounting posts. Do not over-tighten the screws. Your Air Series CPU cooler is now mounted.

Mount the Fans

Fan mounting is the same for both the A70 and A50. Different motherboard layouts, chipset coolers, memory heat sinks, and other factors may influence the fan location. Each system will be unique so use your own judgment to determine the best position for your fan. Locking tabs on the plastic shroud on the fan click easily into a groove on the cooling fins. As seen below, a gentle push is all it takes. As previously noted, the A50 has a single fan while the A70 has 2 fans.

The Fan Before

The locking tabs are circled in red. The groove into which they lock is indicated by the red arrow. Above is a before picture. Push gently and the locking tabs click easily into place as seen below. Repeat for a second fan if needed.

The Fan After

This guide is intended to supplement the instructions included with the Air Series A70 and Air Series A50 coolers. We would like to thank you for choosing your Corsair Air Series CPU cooling. These units are both excellent choices for cooling your Intel CPU.

This document can also be found in PDF format HERE.