Hyper 212 Evo Installation on AM4: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a seasoned overclocker, I've had my fair share of struggles with installing coolers on my AMD system. Recently, I decided to upgrade from my stock Wraith cooler to the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo, but I was faced with the challenge of mounting it on my AM4 motherboard. After some trial and error, I managed to get it installed successfully. In this article, I'll walk you through the process, hoping to save some of you the trouble I went through.

Overclocking Performance

Before we dive into the installation process, I'd like to mention that my AMD 1600 processor is overclocked to a speed of 3.7Ghz at 1.3 volts. During a CPU-Z stress test, it stayed at a comfortable temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for about 20-25 minutes.

Mounting the Cooler

To begin with, you'll need to mount the Hyper 212 Evo using the bracket provided. You won't need any original hardware from the cooler itself. Instead, reinstall the plastic brackets that came with your motherboard. These brackets sit above and below the socket, as shown in the picture above.

Cleaning Up Old Paste

Before reapplying thermal paste on your CPU, make sure to clean up any old residue from the Hyper 212 Evo. This will ensure a smooth and effective heat transfer.

Step-by-Step Installation

Assuming you already have the stock Wraith cooler installed, here are the steps I took to install the Hyper 212 Evo:

1. Follow the instructions provided with the bracket (but be warned, they're not exactly clear!).

2. Mount the Hyper 212 Evo onto your motherboard using the older mounting bracket designed for LGA 115x and AM3/AM2/FM2 sockets.

3. Secure the cooler in place using the screws provided.

Alternative Solution

If you're having trouble finding the right brackets, Micro Center sells them for just $2. I opted to purchase one of these adapters to make the installation process smoother.

I was surprised to find out that Cooler Master's support list for AM4 brackets didn't include the Hyper 212 Plus, despite it being an older model cooler. However, with some quick research and a bit of patience, I managed to get my Hyper 212 Evo installed successfully. If you're facing similar challenges,

Hyper 212 evo installation am4