It’s been quite a while since the launch of Intel’s latest 12th generation processors (Alder Lake CPUs). I personally suffered several CPU cooler installation issues. Therefore, instead of choosing DDR4 or DDR5, I believe the very first step before you go for an Alder Lake CPU is get your CPU cooler ready.

I actually heard several theories that previous coolers can also support Alder Lake CPUs as long as the installation bracket of the CPU cooler can be fitted in the four holes around the CPU socket on the motherboard. Well, seriously, I would never recommend that! “LGA 1700 Installation Kit" would be my only answer if you’re interested in my recommendation.

In my cases, I am really happy with my Scythe Mugen 5 CPU coolers and would love to keep using them. Therefore, I would need the LGA 1700 installation kits. This kit is not for free but I have no problem with that. I checked with the retail store nearby and fortunately they had the kits in stock.

The LGA 1700 installation kit for Scythe Mugen 5 CPU cooler.
Besides Mugen 5, it also supports some other models which are directly listed on the top side of the box. It also shows you what would be included in the box. You can even find the installation guide printed on the back side of the box.

The installation kit for my Scythe Mugen 5 CPU cooler.

I really love this bracket SO much.
It’s already done. You can directly use it. You don’t have to organize everything by yourself. No bother at all! That’s PERFECT!

This bracket perfectly fits!

It’s probably not 100% accurate but thermal paste is kind of an indicator which tells you if the CPU cooler is properly installed. The thermal paste I chose was Cooler Master MasterGel Pro V2. Let’s take a very quick look if the LGA 1700 installation kit works well with Alder Lake CPUs.

I have 2 coolers and one of them was installed on motherboard A. The thermal paste on the CPU IHS seemed to be well spread. And the thermal paste on the CPU cooler seemed to be well spread too.

The other cooler was installed on motherboard B. The thermal paste on the CPU IHS was also well spread. And the thermal paste on the CPU cooler was also well spread exactly like the other one.

Motherboard A and motherboard B belong to two different brands. They also represent totally different product segments. It seems the LGA 1700 installation kit for Scythe Mugen 5 CPU cooler does work well and has great compatibility with my two motherboards.

Exactly as I said in the beginning of this article, if you’re interested in Intel’s latest 12th generation processors, get your CPU cooler ready first before you go for the CPU.