How to remove fan clips [Noctua NH-D14]??

RedvGreen · 22 Mar 2011 at 19:36

I've purchased the aforementioned CPU cooler and it comes with marginally noisier fans than my Vipers. So I bought some spare.

Unfortunately, despite having more Vipers than your average snake pit, I cannot fit the CPU two to the Noctua due to the steel clip threading through plastic pins in the OEM fans... I cannot seem to get them out in any way. Please note - the fans are off the heatsink, it is the actual fasteners I am on about!

I have holes in my fingers to prove that I have attempted too!

redfist · 22 Mar 2011 at 22:17

Can you post any pics?

alex24 · 22 Mar 2011 at 22:23

I'm not quite sure what bit you're having problems with from your description.

The middle fan needs to be out to screw the heatsink in place onto the mount, then just slide it back in and put the clips on.

Surveyor · 22 Mar 2011 at 23:09

I assume you've read the manual available from here:

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=34&lng=en

RedvGreen · 23 Mar 2011 at 00:08

I solved the issue...

The retention clip that folds around the heatsink is attached to the fans via a two part method...

a plastic plug goes through the fan holes (where screws normally go) and the metal retention clip is angled and bent to fit through a small aperture on the end of the plug.

To get them out (it comes pre-made/assembled) in order to attach your own fans instead of the OEM fans, you need a pair of pliers and a fair bit of disregard for the integrity of the retention clip (it is very pliable after all, and retains it's original shape).