Akasa Revo CPU Cooler

Installation

To install the Akasa Revo the motherboard tray was removed from the case to make sure there was ample room around the CPU socket. The CPU heatspreader was thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces of the former thermal compound. Akasa recommends for best performance that the Revo be installed with the radiator on top. The cooler will also work with the radiator on the right side, but not with the radiator on the bottom or the left. This should be kept in mind when positioning the mounting bracket to allow enough room for assembly. The mounting bracket for LGA775 boards was used and installed in the same manner as a stock heatsink would be, by inserting the four push-pins and pressing down until they clicked into place. Then the two clips were lifted up to allow the heatsink to be installed.


Using the included thermal compound, a small thin line was placed across the core area, since this is the application method we will be using later with Arctic Silver 5. The wire clips on the mounting bracket were placed over the base of the Revo, and the cooler was lifted up and centered on the base while moving the clips down. With the base nestled inside the opening of the black mounting frame, the metal clips were secured by pushing them down and sliding them under two tabs on each side of the bracket.


The Revo was removed immediately to check the contact area. The thermal compound had spread enough to cover the core area, but due to the thickness of the compound it was harder to get as thin of a line as with the Arctic Silver compound. If using the stock compound, it would probably be better to apply it in a thin, even layer.


The compound was cleaned off and Arctic Silver 5 was applied, then the Revo was reinstalled. The 4-pin connector for the fan was placed onto the header of the motherboard. There was no interference around the CPU socket, and the Revo was high enough to clear the memory and the chipset heatsink.


Even when installed in the case there are no clearance issues. The Lian Li PC-A10 has the power supply located at he bottom of the case, which puts the motherboard right up against the top of the case. With the Revo there is still plenty of room to clear the 120mm fan located in the top.