Sama A60E Dual Tower Heatsink Review

Installing the Sama A60E is extremely easy and the universal mounting hardware will allow the process to be the same across all platforms provided that you use the correct brackets.  On most platforms you will need to use the included backplate and build up a mounting base. 

The first part is to install the backplate.  This plate comes pre-assembled and just needs to be adjusted to fit.  We will be testing on the LGA1700 Alder Lake platform with a Core i7 12700k processor and needed to be moved one click outwards.

Step two requires installing the threaded standoffs which not only hold the backplate to the PCB but also establish the height required for the mounting rails.  These screws only need to be “finger tight” to keep the backplate from moving around.

When installing the mounting rails, you need to keep in mind the orientation of the heatsink and how you want the fans to be positioned.  By default, the airflow will follow the direction of the mounting rails.  If you are unsure how you want the heatsink installed then consider that you should have the airflow directed to the back of your chassis.  As you can see from the photos I installed them “incorrectly” the first time.

These rails are held in place with four more nuts and be sure to have the squares facing up.  These only need to be finger tight but you can use a Philips head screwdriver if that is easier.

Sama does include a tube of thermal compound that must be installed before installing the cooler.  As always, I’ll be using the 5-dot method which creates an even distribution of thermal compound across the entire CPU. 

I mentioned how the radiator comes with two cutouts for memory access and as you can see from the photo the cooler covers the first two memory sockets with considerable access available.  I was able to install the Crucial Pro Series and Patriot Xtreme 5 modules without any issue.

The only difference is how you install the fan.  The Sama 120mm fans are held in place with traditional wire clips which attach to hooks on the side of the radiator.  With the Pro Series memory installed the fan could be installed as normal.  However, with the Patriot Xtreme 5 modules being slightly taller the fan needed to be lifted slightly.

Speaking of fans, Sama has designed them to be connected with dedicated fan tails, which are incidentally very short.  I found that I needed to connect the fans together first before installing them though, someone with small fingers may have a different experience.