ACCESSORIES BUNDLE & ON-LINE RESOURCES
The cooler comes with a very comprehensive accessories package. It is becoming a cliché: the cooler comes with everything that is required to install the cooler and more! The standard secufirm2 mounting system for both contemporary Intel and AMD platforms is included. The cooler can be installed on any of the following platforms: Intel LGA 775, 1156 and 1366 socket based motherboards AMD AM2, AM2+ and AM3 socket based motherboards A tube of Noctua’s own NT-H1 is also included. It is non-conductive and does not require a burn-in time to achieve maximal efficiency. It is also comparatively easier to remove as compared to Arctic Silver 5 (AS5). Though the performance is very similar to the latter, it is still recommended especially for novices. This is so as a. It is non-conductive b. Easier to remove Beyond this it is basically user preference. Some would swear by AS 5 and use nothing else. Others are not so choosy. A pair of fan clips, speed control cables (Low Noise Adapter and Ultra Low Noise Adapters LNA & ULNA), Noctua badge, and installation guides complete the package. The fan control cables help lower the fan rotational speed, lowering noise levels. They are a good addition and show the attention to detail Noctua pays to its package. All the recent Noctua coolers that I have come across also included a Philips head screw driver in the accessories. For some odd reason one was not included in this. Maybe an oversight for the review sample? I am only nitpicking here, but when there are no faults to be found, one has to nitpick!
ONLINE RESOURCES
The extensive FAQ on Noctua’s website covers everything. It is highly recommended that users go over the FAQ before proceeding to installing and using the cooler. For this particular model, the FAQ points out a potential issue with Zalman MFC-2 fan controller (which is incidentally on one of the review platforms) and memory modules with extra tall heat spreaders. Kudos to Noctua for providing such an extensive on-line resource.
OFFICIAL SPECS
The following information is taken from Noctua’s website:
COOLER INSTALLATION
The cooler is tested in two different systems. One represents a typical HTPC Setup. The other is an enthusiast class gaming machine. The prowess of the cooler is tested in an enclosure where real estate is limited. It will also be tested in a system where heat dissipation is critical. Noctua suggests not installing the cooler with heat pipe "C" bend pointing towards the back of the case. This is to prevent the power regulators from getting too hot. As you will see, proper orientation can provide additional air over the power regulator components at the back of the processor socket. For Intel platforms a base plate needs to be placed below the motherboard. If your case does not have a cut out in the tray for installation (and removal) of cooler, the motherboard has to come out of the case. This could add at least another 15 minutes to installation time. If you are in the hunt for a new case, get one with a cut out in the tray. Highly recommended. The installation process is exactly the same as any Noctua fan that uses the Secufirm2 system. It has been described here and here but is also reproduced below.
INSTALLATION IN A COMPACT CASE - Test Bed
For testing in a compact case, a Legend computer case was used. This represents a common size for a compact case. The interior of the case has just about enough room to mount a full ATX case –just about. As you will see, the cooler can fit inside the case with relative ease.
Back-plate & Bolts
As this is an LGA 775 platform, the rubber inlay is placed in the back-plate. The 4 bolts are passed through the opening for this platform.
Mounting Bars & Thermal Compound
The mounting bars go on next. They can be oriented vertically or horizontally depending on how the cooler is be oriented. To provide air flow to the power regulators at the rear of the board, it is recommended that the bars be placed as shown. The cooler can then be installed with the central cooling plates facing front to back, providing air to the memory module as well as the power regulators. Enough thermal compound was applied to the processor heat spreader to create a thin even layer. Remember that thermal compound only helps to fill in the imperfections in the metal heat spreader and the heat sink base. A thick layer will impede heat transfer.
Heat-Sink Installation
The heat sink is then mounted using the two spring loaded screws. The fan must be installed after this step, as it will be difficult (but not impossible) to tighten the screws once the fan is in place.
The heat-sink is installed so that the central longer plates face front to back. This allows air to flow out of the spaces between the plates and on to the power regulators at the back of the board.
The same plates can provide air to the memory modules.
There is ample space between the heat pipes and the north bridge.
The heat plates right next to the heat pipes can also provide some air to the north bridge.
Installing the Fan
Once the heat sink is secured, the fan is clipped on to the heat-sink. Completing the installation of the cooler.
The cooler was removed from the mount to see the contact it makes with the heat spreader on the processor. The results are very good. The contact is very uniform.
As you can see the cooler is a tight fit. There is not enough room at the back for a regular “thick” 25mm fan. Though a 20mm fan would fit in just fine. It is possible to install this cooler in a cramped for space small computer case.
INSTALLATION IN A MID TOWER CASE - Test Bed
The procedure for installation mirrors that of installation in a mid tower case. Only the rubber inlay has to be removed from the back-plate as this is a LGA 1366 platform.
The Ideal Installation
The Mid tower case has ample room to install the heat sink in the ideal orientation
Here you can see how the central longer heat plates are right next to the cooler on the power regulators at the rear of the board. Air from the plates has direct access to the fins on the power regulators. (green arrows). The cooler also over hangs the Northbridge, providing it with additional cooling
The cooler fits perfectly inside the case with room to spare. A "fat" 38mm fan at the rear is comfortably accommodated.
Installation tips
- Make sure the orientation of the mounting bars is correct. Take a look at your motherboard. If you see extra-ordinarily high cooling solutions on the chipsets you will need to adjust the orientation of the fan accordingly.
- Ideally the cooler should be installed with the “C” shaped heat pipes pointing towards the top of the case. When installed in this position, the cooler will over hang the Northbridge, providing it with air. It will also allow air to flow over the power regulators at the rear of the board as well as over the memory sticks at the front
- When installing the cooler, tighten both screws alternatively, one turn at a time. This prevents skewing of the cooler.
The Fans have to be installed AFTER the heat-sink is fixed to the secufirm2 mounting system. It is not impossible to tighten the screws through the fan blades, but it is pretty cumbersome.
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