With each CPU cooler that we test, a small pea-sized blob of Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste is applied to our CPU ahead of heatsink installation. We choose to use this high-quality paste in all of our CPU cooler reviews, essentially eliminating an unnecessary variable from the subsequent results and comparison graphs.



The Castle 240 RGB arrives with all of the necessary mounting hardware for all of the current sockets on both sides of the fence, with a solid metal backplate for sockets without one built in.

We use a Socket 2011 Intel system with a 3930K for a “worst case scenario” approach to our testing. The 2011 Socket only requires four screws to be installed, one in each corner. We would’ve preferred there to be a slot cut out of each mounting screw to ensure these are tight.



The next step is connecting the Intel or AMD bracket to the pump enclosure; this is done using finely machined, chamfered screws, locking the brackets to the pump tightly and securely.



Installing the radiator into position is just like any other, the 8 included screws work perfectly well.



Finally, completing the procedure, we install the pump enclosure, the thumb screws make this simple and straight forward, with the recess on the top being useful for tightening the screws.



All things considered, installation is simple and easy.