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

Soldato
Joined
2 Dec 2009
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Midlands
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!
 
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).
 
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