Do all Noctua HSFs use the same backplate?

[birthdaymonkey]

I'm awaiting the delivery of an NH-D14 to replace my current NH-U9B SE2, and it would simplify my life if I didn't have to remove the motherboard from the case. Does anyone know if all of their coolers use the same backplate?

 

[d4a2n0k]

Not 100% sure but I've had four different Noctua HSF's, one being the NH-D14, and all of them used the same backplate. You are probably ok.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Thanks! The D-14 should be here in a day or two. I'll post when I get it just in case anyone else is curious.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Turns out the backplates are the same, in case anyone was curious. I was able to swap the coolers in a few minutes without taking out the motherboard.

Results of the upgrade:

i5 2500k at 4.3GHz (1.26v in CPU-Z)
Asus P8P67-M Pro
Fractal Define R3

Test - IBT (w AVX) Very High (10 runs)
Temps measured in HW Monitor (Hottest Core)

Noctua NH-U9B SE2 - 66*
Noctua NH-D14 - 59*

Not quite as dramatic as I was hoping for, but I suppose a 7 degree improvement is respectable. I'm currently running with only one exhaust, so I'm wondering if installing a fan in one of the top positions (currently sealed) might bring it down another degree or two.

 

[mv2devnull]

Fractal Define R3
...
I'm currently running with only one exhaust, so I'm wondering if installing a fan in one of the top positions (currently sealed) might bring it down another degree or two.

I think it will. Use the rearmost position.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I think it will. Use the rearmost position.

I will try it out and post back. I've got a couple of NF-P14s lying around. I'm also going to try re-gooping the CPU while I have the computer apart; I think I might have erred on the side of too little thermal compound.

 

[zerogear]

I was thinking about getting one, but (D14) but I'm pretty sure it won't fit my case. (Silverstone FT01)

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I was thinking about getting one, but (D14) but I'm pretty sure it won't fit my case. (Silverstone FT01)

I'm pretty sure it would fit. There's no problem with my Fractal R3, and I think the FT01 is actually a bit bigger. The D14 isn't actually any taller than most tower coolers.

Depending on the CPU you have it might not be worth it though... most will tell you that a Hyper 212+ is all you need for a moderate SB overclock. I got the D14 because of an outstanding deal ($49.99!), plus the fact that I have a fetish for Noctua hardware.

 

[zerogear]

I'm pretty sure it would fit. There's no problem with my Fractal R3, and I think the FT01 is actually a bit bigger. The D14 isn't actually any taller than most tower coolers.

Depending on the CPU you have it might not be worth it though... most will tell you that a Hyper 212+ is all you need for a moderate SB overclock. I got the D14 because of an outstanding deal ($49.99!), plus the fact that I have a fetish for Noctua hardware.

Haha, I do love Noctua, I currently have a U12P in a push/pull config. So far running SB 2600K with a 4.5 GHz OC. Haven't had any issues yet. Is the D14 any taller than U12P? If not, it might be possible to get it to fit.

 

[mv2devnull]

Noctua has good tech specs on their site:
U12P
D14
(Haven't they even shipped new SecuFirm kits for free to make their older products compatible with new sockets?)

Silverstone site says about FT01: Limitation of CPU cooler 170mm
Unless your RAM pushes the first fan really high, there should be some room.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Got a 1 - 2 degree difference with the extra fan (I think... it's hard to compare since my apartment is warmer tonight than it was yesterday). I took it out because it's not really worth the extra noise.

 

[dawp]

Also, depending on the paste you're using, you may see temps improve a little as some do require a curing period to get the best results.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Also, depending on the paste you're using, you may see temps improve a little as some do require a curing period to get the best results.

I hadn't thought of that. I'm using NT-H1, which is supposed to have a very short curing period, but maybe my temps will get a bit better.

I'm also considering replacing the NF-P12 that comes with the heatsink with a second P14, as I just have two extras laying around. The problem is that the clips seem like they'd be impossible to remove without bending and twisting them out of shape.