Installing the NZXT Havik is a very easy process thanks to a mechanism akin to Thermalright’s and Prolimatech’s. The Havik supports both Intel and AMD sockets, making use of the same back plate. They need to be in slightly different orientations depending on the socket.


For Intel sockets, the back plate is engraved with the label which should be facing the back of the motherboard. There are rubber insulators/aligning tabs on all four corners and mounting holes for LGA775, 1155/1156 and 1366. For LGA775, an additional spacer needs to be placed in the centre.


For AMD systems, the back plate needs to be turned over but the Intel aligning tabs have to be removed. Instead, 4 insulation films need to be stuck in each corner as well as the spacer in the middle.


1. Since we are using an LGA1366 system, our installation guide will focus on that but NZXT provide clear installation steps in their manual. The first step is to insert the BP-screws in the appropriate holes in each corner.


2. Install the back plate on the motherboard.


3. Secure the back plate using the black pillars.


4. Install the Intel brackets making sure the arrows on them face towards the CPU and secure with the 4 nuts.


5. After removing the protective film from the base of the heatsink and applying thermal paste on the CPU, place the heatsink on top and feed the Intel crossbar through. Tighten both ends to the brackets.


Thermalright and Prolimatech both use similar mechanisms. In Thermalright’s case, the heatsink is still free to pivot about the centre so NZXT have raised bars on top of the heatsink base that holds the crossbar in place. It means that the heatsink cannot be moved.

The mechanism provides 55-60lbs of pressure which is the same as other high end coolers. Otherwise, I have nothing but praise for NZXT’s attempt. It may be familiar to many but works very effectively.