Mounting a Noctua D14: Motherboard in or out?

djkav · 16 Jul 2012 at 20:14

Which is the best way to mount a Noctua D14 (or any other air cooler).

Do peeps mount with the board out or in the case?

Chrisbes · 16 Jul 2012 at 20:20

djkav said:
Which is the best way to mount a Noctua D14 (or any other air cooler).

Do peeps mount with the board out or in the case?

Usually it's easier to take the board out. But if the case has a big enough cut out on the back of the tray, it will be possible. The D14 has a bracket that screws into the back plate. Then the heatsink screws into that bracket.

So yes, it is possible so long as the cutout on the back of the motherboard tray is big enough.

stulid · 16 Jul 2012 at 20:20

soundesciple · 16 Jul 2012 at 20:24

I would mount it in the case as it can restricts access to the eight pin power socket when fitted

djkav · 16 Jul 2012 at 20:24

The case is the CM 690 2 Advanced.

I have a new board to go in. The D14 is already in my current case on a different board.

I was thinking of installing the board, and doing some cable management before all the bulky stuff goes on.

Helios1234 · 16 Jul 2012 at 20:44

Once the mounting kit is installed, which you need the motherboard removed for in my case, I install the cooler inside the case. There are some coolers that can only be installed with the motherboard outside such as Cooler Master ones (if the case has no backplate cut out).