Video Tour (By Dave a.k.a. Mishima)


Installation



Installing the NH-C14 is a very easy, straight forward task. The above shows the mounting parts for AMD systems on the left and Intel systems on the right.

If you have previously used the Secufirm kit, then this will be very familiar.

Intel Systems

•Firstly insert the 4 bolts in the appropriate position on the Intel backplate. There are three sets of holes for LGA775/1156/1366 systems.
•Install the back plate through the motherboard making sure you use the rubber inlay if you have an LGA775 motherboard.
•Place the plastic spacers onto the bolt and install the mounting bars on top, ensuring that the circular rim faces outwards.
•Tighten is with the 4 thumbscrews and proceed with placing the heatsink on top.
•Use the screwdriver provided to tighten the cooler on to the mounting bars.

AMD systems

•If your motherboard has a backplate, place the spacers above the mounting holes with the mounting bars on top.
•Thread the 4 long screws through the holes and tighten them.
•Finish by installing the cooler, and tightening the pre-installed screws until they stop.

For much more detail, follow Noctua's instructions.

One observation I made after installation is that the heatsink vibrated in pulses when the fans operated. This may be due the heatsink only getting support from the bar and thus resonating to the rotation of the fans. However, it wasn't prominent and shouldn't be something to worry about.

**Update**

After the problem was brought to Noctua’s attention, they sent me a special part that was aimed at stopping the vibration altogether. This came in the form of an extra support bar which Noctua will provide at no extra cost if you email them and show some proof of purchase.


The support rod comes in a small plastic bag along with the installation instruction as can be seen above. It’s a simple matter of removing two screws at the base of the cooler, placing the support bar and using the two provided longer screws to secure it into place. The metal support rod has rubberised ends.


The rubberised ends of the support bar ensure that it can hold the fan above without further vibrations. This only works if the bottom fan is installed.


The result was very positive and I no longer encountered any vibrations with the cooler.