Maximum PC

I have two motherboards both made by ASUS the M4A785-M and the M3N75-VM both of which have very warm northbridges. Can anyone suggest a replacement heatsink as asus uses rather odd sized ones that wont fit common replacements I tried a Zalman NBF-47J but the mounting "legs" dont reach the post holes. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

How warm is it? 40C-50C is normal operating temperature. If it's something like 60C-70C, then maybe I'd start worrying.

The only problem I believe is that chipset heatsinks are not standard. So we have to figure out what the mounting hole spacing is first.

Its usually between the 50 to 60 range sometimes with super heavy loads it will go a bit higher. I'm going to see if this week i can get some graph paper and trace it out so i can make a template as to the base size and the mounting holes.

This is the best picture I can find of it.


I think the zalman should be more than sufficient to cool it. I'm thinking maybe a pci blanking plate a drill and a pair of tin snips to make my own "legs" for the zalman.

I generally don't worry about the NB temps. You could try re-applying thermal paste, making sure the fins are clean and have a case fan blow over it. Even with it reaching 60c I still wouldn't go replacing the heatsink.

perhaps ill include a small 40mm fan in my next newegg order just to attach to the existing heatsink as i dont use the x1 slot next to it