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Mounting the CPU Cooler
The day prior, I had already mounted the CPU cooler, simply because I wanted to see what the heatsink would look like in the system before calling it a night. Especially without the fans installed on it, it really looks like a work of art, even if it’s ‘just’ a heatsink.
For installation, we note which direction is longer – the cooler is asymmetrical, and whereas the bottom side leaves clearance for the GPU, a big chunk of its mass extends to the same height as the very top edge of an ATX motherboard. The rear fin stack is also thicker than the front stack.
With the tower in place, I installed the two NF-A15x25r fans, placing the faster spinning of the two at the front.
It’s a known phenomenon in the world of PC cooling (and fans in general) that an impeller becomes notably louder when installed behind an object, so the slower fan gets installed in the middle for a quieter sound profile.
Installing the Asus x Noctua RTX 5080
The Asus x Noctua RTX 5080 is a behemoth of a graphics card, yet it fits in this case just fine. It even has room to spare.
Installation of the GPU is as simple as can be: remove two expansion slot covers, install the GPU, pop the anti-sag riser in place, and connect the power cable.
Do be sure to insert the power cable fully though – these cables can be finicky, and if not inserted properly, increase the chance of melting. So, we pay extra attention and make sure the clip is in its fastened position.
Strangely, this power supply doesn’t come with cable combs for the GPU power cable, but it does come with all others. I still had some laying around though. I’m allowed to use those, right?
Final Cable Management
With the build near completion, it was time for a final round of cable management. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I really like the cable management in this case.
Build complete
With that, I popped the side panels on, and the build was complete.
A personal disclaimer
It may come as no surprise if you’ve read this far, but I really quite like Noctua. I know they say “keep yourself unbiased” in the world of journalism, but the truth is, Noctua just makes great stuff.
I also adore the Noctua colorway. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it falls precisely in my tastes – my wooden floor at home is nearly the same shade beige as the fan frames, and most of my furniture is a similar shade of brown, many with the same slight reddish hue.
Top that with the ultimate silence, refined (zero) motor noise, no shouty ‘Gamer’ looks, outstanding warranty, support, and free bracket updates for legacy coolers – I wouldn’t want to live in a world without Noctua.
With that confession out of the way, let’s carry on.
