Orientation of the NH-D15S with respect to the GPU and RAM

[modeonoff]

Hello, according to Noctua's installation manual, one could choose two different orientations when installing the cooler on the CPU. Option 1 is the front of the fan facing the GPU while the side is next to the RAM. Option2 is the front of the fan facing the RAM while the side is facing the GPU as shown in:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4ZVzKIB9VIM/maxresdefault.jpg

I chose Option 1 as it gives more space for the GPU in case the up-coming new Nvidia GPU takes more space. When I checked with Noctua, they suggested Option 2. What are the pros and cons of each orientation? Why Option 2 is better?

Should I take off the cooler and install it the Option 2 way? Do I need to clean the thermal paste and reapply again?

 

[feelinfroggy777]

Option 2 is better because you will not be pulling the hot air directly from the GPU to cool your CPU. Plus, there will be more airflow available with option 2 because the GPU wont be directly in front of it.

As far as upcoming GPUs, length is typically the issue. The GPUs wont extend past the top of the PCIe slot. Some AIB cards will be three slot designs for better cooling which will increase the length past the bottom of the PCIe slot. Triple slot GPUs are not very common, you will be able to get a very good GPU that is dual slot.

 

[zyh1987]

back of the graphic card should not take much space.

imo, option2 (make sure the fan is facing the rear IO, not to the ram, for a front intake, back exhaust system) is better, as you want the flow to be consistent, every time you change flow, there will be zones created where air gets trapped and difficult for exit the system.

two, most of the heat on your graphic card is on the gpu fan side, not at the back plate, however, you have to keep in mind that most of the motherboard vrm is between the cpu and back io, that needs cooling more than your graphic card.

 

[modeonoff]

Thanks. How to tell which is the front or back of the fan? When I change the orientation, do I need to do anything in regard to the thermal paste that I already applied?

 

[feelinfroggy777]

The fan will have an arrow on it that points the direction of air flow. If there is not an arrow, which I am sure there is on a Nocuta, then air will blow through the side where the from comes across the fan blades.

Here is a video from Linus that is all about PC fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc9c8LFY1bg

 

[zyh1987]

Easiest way is to tell fan direction, moisten your finger tip , place it in front of the running fan, and feel the direction of the air. Just be careful not to stick it in the fan.

 

[modeonoff]

The arrow points to the front of the fan that has the brand and the model number on it. When I install the fan, should it be facing of away from the RAM?

 

[zyh1987]

the head of the arrow should be pointing to the back io, away from the ram,

 

[modeonoff]

Thanks