Yep, spring-loaded with backplate. This is one of the highest rated coolers out there, and with it being under $50, with a $20 rebate, and a free multi-card reader, it's a great deal. Only bad thing is it's not set up for dual fan push-pull, it only has mounting slots for one fan. But I can set it up for a second fan to get improved cooling and then OC my i7.