Question Can you remove a LGA1200 CPU from a Noctua cooler without taking apart the mounting hardware?

[Cyber_Akuma]

I have a Noctua NH-D15S installed on a LGA1200 motherboard.

I am going to be swapping out the CPU, and really would like to disassemble as little as possible since I both don't have time to do a full teardown/rebuild as well as currently don't have a lot of room to mess around with the system.

I already took off the cooler, but then I noticed that the CPU retention arm appears to be under the mounting hardware. Does anyone know if you need to take off the mounting hardware in order to lift the arm, if you can do it without removing the mounting hardware, or if it depends on the motherboard you have?

This is what it looks like:

https://imgur.com/dcx04id

View: https://i.imgur.com/dcx04id.jpg

 

[Karadjgne]

Can't work on the engine without popping the hood. Just take off the brackets, not like it's a hard procedure.

 

[Mr.Spock]

you'd have to remove the lower bracket anyway as both the lever and ZIF notch need to release.
probably could've done that in the time it took you to post