Installation
The MaxOrb EX has an interesting setup for installation. While it uses the generic push-pin installation for LGA775 sockets Thermaltake managed to make it more reliable. The used the push-pin designed and attached small metal clips to each of the four pins, these four pins are attached to a plastic base to give them more support.
They’re a little difficult to install if you don’t get the metal clips perfectly in the notches plus they take an abnormal amount of force to attach them to the device. I felt like I was going to break the retention frame with the force I had to use. I suppose I could have pushed out the metal clips slightly to make it a little easier to fasten to the bracket.
While the instructions are sort of unclear which way to fasten the bracket to you are left to pick your own option. For most people either way would probably work, but for those with a case with an upper mounted motherboard then you could have a problem like I did. The fan speed controller hits the top of the case, but with a simple switcheroo on the retention frame you can face the knob inwards on the case.
Another problem for this installation method is your RAM depending on if you have any coolers attached to it. If you look at the pictures it’s a tight squeeze for my RAM. I suppose probably the best way to install the retention frame is to have the extension piece pointing to the left, rather than the right.
I thought the thermal grease provided was a little too thick to apply, but I still managed to get it on the CPU; I can’t say it’s the best job I’ve ever done.
Attached to the CPU cooler is a metal clip which you will need to first fasten to the retention frame and then attach the other end of the clip to the retention frame with the provided nut. It’s a tight squeeze and may require some finagling around with the clip, but it does provide a secure hold to the motherboard.
Depending on your installation method the MaxOrb EX will look like this:
If you’re installing it the way that probably works the best, even though it’s not stated in the User Manual, it will look like this:
The blue LED gives the motherboard a slight bit of blue in color.
