Maximum PC

This might be a dumb question, but this will be my first time not using a stock cooler (I know, I know) so I'll need to use your expertise. I bought a Hyper 212+ cooler to put on my Gigabyte FX990A-UD3 motherboard (AM3+), and I cannot get the "X" bracket to match up to the holes in the motherboard through which its anchoring posts protrude. The bracket is just too short. I thought that perhaps the cooler isn't compatible with AM3+ as the box does not mention it, but everything I hear says that this cooler should work on this socket as AM2/AM3/AM3+ are all "the same" when it comes to coolers.

How did you guys get this to work? I can't overclock my processor safely until I get a real cooler on here, and I could really use the overclock.

The cooler should have come with 2 brackets. The X-Shape is for Intel. Try using the other bracket, which is for AMD. It confused the crap out of me when I got my H60 Water Cooler for my HTPC and the AMD bracket was missing.

My cooler only has one bracket, this adjustable x bracket. Supposedly the only difference between Intel sockets and AMD sockets is the "width" of the x and the position of the screws in the holes in each of the 4 ends of the x.

I have little doubt that I missed something when I tried to install it a while back, but before I attempt it again I want to get as much info as I can. Removing and applying thermal compound over and over again sucks. I don't have the patience for that thermal testing compound article that MPC ran a while back.

Are you 100% sure that the bracket shaped like an "x" will work with AMD? I am only asking because I bought an AM3+ motherboard today and the mounting bracket was not X - Shaped.

I'm not, but the directions swear that it will, which is why I'm confused as I'm pretty positive that the bracket isn't anywhere near long.enough to reach all 4 pegs

I know this is a hassle, maybe you could take pics so we can see in more detail the the bracket plus the motherboard.

This what the mounting bracket for my Corsair H60 watercooler looks like.

http://www2.corsair.com/yellowbeard/amdhydro/AM3B.jpg

The Hyper 212 Plus is DEFINITELY compatible with AMD. I've had several installed on AM2, AM3 & AM3+ machines. You have to look at the directions VERY carefully. Or you can do this...
1. Before putting TIM on the heatsink, place the bracket on it.

2. Place the heatsink on the CPU in the orientation you want it in.

3. Check the fitment. Make sure the post in the base of the heatsink is in the indention in the bracket.

4. Once you have it right, pick up heatsink and bracket, apply your TIM, place it on the the CPU and tighten the screws!

Also note that on Intel installs, the bracket ends point "away" from the heatsink. On AMD installs, they should be "parallel" to the heatsink like this.http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/dsc02984l.jpg/ Hope this helps you!

not sure if this was figured out but the screws at the ends of the "X" bracket do slide! If memory serves me correctly, you pull up slightly on the screws (to overcome the small spring underneath the screw) and you can slide it to 3 different notches. For AMD I believe the center notch is perfect.