[jamesclarke555]

Originally Posted by nffc

I don't think they're harder than installing a socket A HSF, in fact, I think they're a lot easier. And I don't really buy the "out of case" theory either, I prefer to put the mountings in, then screw the mobo, then install the components, it keeps the mobo still when you're putting the HSF in for example.

I agree about the Socket A thing; they were a b*st*rd made worse by the exposed core of the Athlon XP. Socket 939 is a big improvement, but still not as easy to install as a Socket 478 P4 HSF.

As for installing the HSF in or out of the case, it's all subjective and really depends on what case and components you have. I've got a Cooler Master Wave Master, which is huge and also has a pull out motherboard tray, so I don't need to remove it completely.