Corsair Blog

The new Intel® Socket 2011, used on the new X79 motherboards and the new 2nd generation Intel Core Sandy Bridge-E CPUs, has changed significantly from Socket 1366. As you can see below there are no longer the traditional holes through the PCB. There is now a metal bracket that has been tapped to accept M4 screws. Because of this the Corsair Hydro Series™ H70 Core, H80 and H100 CPU coolers all come with separate screws to mount on Socket 2011 boards.

Hydro Series H80 and H100

Included with the H80 and H100 are four standoffs that have a shorter wider end. These are for socket 2011, the shorter end screws into the metal mounting plate on the motherboard.

Install all four of the standoffs as shown below.

After installing and tightening down all four standoffs, the CPU cooler is ready to be installed.

Next the thumb nuts are installed. Tighten these in an X pattern to ensure the pressure is even, resulting in a good mount on the CPU. 

Hydro Series H70 Core

The H70 Core uses the same bracket for socket 1155, 1156, 1366, and 2011. Again socket 2011 uses larger M4 screws and does not need the backplate. Make sure all of the holes on the retention ring are towards the outside (as seen below). Then install the M4 screws through these holes.

The retention ring should then be put on the H70 Core. The H70 Core cooling unit and retention ring can then be installed on the motherboard. The M4 screws will screw right into the mounting holes on the motherboard. Again tighten these in an X pattern to ensure the pressure is even resulting in a good mount on the CPU.