should i install the cpu fan afterwards?

[p_Bassman]

ok so i am building a computer and i was wondering if i should mount the cpu cooler after i mount the mobo, because it is a huge noctua nh-dh14, and will their be less of a chance to break the mobo when i install the cooler? also how do i install thermal paste, they say pea sized, but it never looks like a pea sized amount.

 

[Tradesman1]

I basically always do build on a bench then gently install in the case...on the bench can test everything, easy access to all, and if all works, then when you install it should, if it doesn't first thing to look at is the mobo install, did you get all your offsets, screws in all, etc.

 

[p_Bassman]

I basically always do build on a bench then gently install in the case...on the bench can test everything, easy access to all, and if all works, then when you install it should, if it doesn't first thing to look at is the mobo install, did you get all your offsets, screws in all, etc.

but i dont want to warp the mobo installing the cpu cooler, because i might snap the mobo, and id be p.o.'d

 

[Tradesman1]

With a big cooler like that...mount all your offsets on the case and lower the mobo straigh down and in - I often do it by holding the CPU cooler, everything sets in nice and level, then put the screws in (alternating front to back on a diagonal

 

[p_Bassman]

With a big cooler like that...mount all your offsets on the case and lower the mobo straigh down and in - I often do it by holding the CPU cooler, everything sets in nice and level, then put the screws in (alternating front to back on a diagonal

you mean a standoff?

 

[Tradesman1]

You put the screws through the mobo holes and into the standoffs, the standoffs screw into the case to keep the mobo from touching the case

 

[p_Bassman]

and what is an offset?

 

[Tradesman1]

My fault, meant standoff was thinking of putting in the screws in an offset or diagonal patern, like left top then middle/middle/ then bottom right - think my fingers were listening to the brain but not in the order I was headed, sorry bout that....