Question about aftermarket CPU cooler installation outside of case.

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SakuraFlame

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May 20, 2015
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Hi Everyone,

I am starting my skylake build tomorrow and was just wondering if i should install my noctua nh-u12s before or after i install the motherboard into the case. I have never had to install a aftermarket cooler before and i was just slightly worried that the pressure of the installation may cause the back of the motherboard to become damaged from the motherboard box i would be doing the installation on.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Solution
Bearmann
Really, you can do it either way. I installed my NH-D15 before putting the MB in the case and it may be a little bit easier to do it this way. I assume that the U12s also uses a back plate, so there really isn't any pressure on the back of the MB from pressing down. When you tighten the screws, it squeezes the backplate against the heatsink with the MB in between. The system has a stop so that once you tighten the screws adequately, they don't tighten any more. Make sure that you notice where the fan power wire is going to plug into the CPU header before you attach the heatsink.
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Bearmann

Bearmann

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Sep 14, 2015
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Really, you can do it either way. I installed my NH-D15 before putting the MB in the case and it may be a little bit easier to do it this way. I assume that the U12s also uses a back plate, so there really isn't any pressure on the back of the MB from pressing down. When you tighten the screws, it squeezes the backplate against the heatsink with the MB in between. The system has a stop so that once you tighten the screws adequately, they don't tighten any more. Make sure that you notice where the fan power wire is going to plug into the CPU header before you attach the heatsink.
 
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Solution
FXingSerious

FXingSerious

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Jan 15, 2016
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In my opinion, installing the cooler before mounting the motherboard to the case is a lot easier for Intel. You get a better view and is easier to get your hands onto the four corners of the cooler, you gain precision and therefore less force is applied. And the truth is that mounting intel coolers doesn't require much pressure.

AMD in the other hand is a lot easier with the motherboard mounted. The case holds the motherboard in place, and this is useful because amd mounts requires you to put some pressure in order to snap the cooler into the mounting points; .
 
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SakuraFlame

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May 20, 2015
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Thanks for the response Bearmann. I had thought that it would be fine to install out of the case but your reassurance is greatly appreciated.
 
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