Does the heatsink mount to the computer case?

When you screw the screws into the heatsink, are they supposed to hit holes under the motherboard in the computer case? because my case doesn't have holes there...if it is supposed to hit holes, what should I do?Does the heatsink mount to the computer case?
NO, just on the motherboard. The heavy ones usually come w/ a backplate that goes to the back of the motherboard. The heatsink is screwed to the backplate through holes in the motherboard. They are not compatible w/ motherboards w/out mounting holes.Does the heatsink mount to the computer case?
Need more info, please.


What is the heatsink for?


The CPU (processor) or GPU (onboard graphics processor)??


I have never seen a heatsink that attaches to anything below the mobo.
no, the only thing that attaches to that part of case is the motherboard


some heat sinks just clip on to the socket, others screw through the motherboard into a backplate


your motherboard should be on risers to provide airflow and so it wont short out


because that would suck
No, I think the heatsink should just go through the motherboard holes and stay there. The motherboard should be raised a little off the case so it provides enough space for the heatsink mounting brackets.
The Intel thermal solutions (heatsink and fan) are designed to fit intel motherboards which have special sockets for the mounting rods on the heatsink.





For instance, a recent ';Conroe'; (Core 2 Duo) Intel CPU for desktop systems come with a thermal solution that has 4 black plastic sticks that fit in the sockets on the motherboard next to the CPU socket. Usually the instructions that come with the cpu explain.





Screws are pretty rare but they are possible. Most thermal solutions snap to the socket in some way.