upgrade [SOLVED] Swapping Components - CPU Cooler & Case

[Brownhorn111]

Ahoy! (I hope this is the right category for this?)

It's late at night and that means I am ready to upgrade my computer. I have acquired a Noctua NH-D15S CPU cooler to replace my Stock AMD cooler, as well as a new case; the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact - or as I like to call it: a mouthful.

I am prepared to build it, I got all kinda tools and everything, but I wanted to ask the community, what would your steps be to take on this endeavor?

I hope me asking this isn't trivial or whatever, I am just a bit nervous is all. This is my first time doing a case transfer. Thank you for your help!

 

EDIT:

The upgrade has been completed! I successfully installed the new CPU Cooler and swapped all my components into the new case. It is wonderfully quiet and works flawlessly now. I will now note however the things that caused me issues or other noteworthy things:

Firstly, the fact that there are 300 billion types of screws that came shipped with the case, are not labelled. I mean if you look in the manual it vaguely says what the screw is and where it goes, but the shape is not always clear.. I am still not completely sure if I installed the right screws into the MB, but they screwed in smoothly, so I guess it's fine? Talking about the screwing in, it was a nightmare. The screwholes barely aligned unless I forced the MB to rotate just enough so that the screws could fit inside. And what also did not help, was the fact that the top center screw could not be screwed in, as the cooler interfered with it. Sooo now I am missing one screw but I guess it's fine? Also the center screw could not be used. There's this nipple thing in the case which protrudes outwards, so that one screw would not be necessary. Soo now I have two screws laying about collecting dust I guess. Whatever.

What was also a bit nightmarish was the power button. These tiny single-pin connectors were so tough to plug inside.. and to *stay* inside. What also didn't help was the location of the SYS-FAN1 connector. It's near the center of the MB. And the cable for the front-fans is too short to reach, soo I can't really control them in Dragon Center. If I were to get some fan hub I guess I could control them, but I honestly don't think that's necessary.

That's it. It took me about four hours in total, from disassembling the old case and components to inserting them all in the new one. It was an enlightening experience, and I am very happy with the outcome. I would like to thank the user kb5zue for assisting me in this process. It is people like him that help me reinforce the belief, that nice people do exist out there, and we can all come together to help each other out, even the inexperienced.

Thank you so very much. This is Ralph, signing out.

Edited January 6, 2022 by RalphAlpha111
Added final words as project has been completed.

[kb5zue]

Great case and an even better cooler.  Out of curiosity, what cpu are you going to cool with the Noctua NH-D15S?

 

[Brownhorn111]

12 minutes ago, kb5zue said:

Great case and an even better cooler.  Out of curiosity, what cpu are you going to cool with the Noctua NH-D15S?

 

Thanks for asking! I am using an AMD Processor. From what I know there should be a specific backplate for this or something, right?

[kb5zue]

Both Intel and AMD have their own backplates.  The backplates should have been included in the box with the cooler.  Just a bummer that you need to put the backplate on before you mount the mobo in the case.  Too bad the makers can't come up with a way to install the backplate after the mobo is installed.

[Brownhorn111]

2 minutes ago, kb5zue said:

Both Intel and AMD have their own backplates.  The backplates should have been included in the box with the cooler.  Just a bummer that you need to put the backplate on before you mount the mobo in the case.  Too bad the makers can't come up with a way to install the backplate after the mobo is installed.

Yes. I just had a miniature heart attack because there was no AMD backplate with the cooler, but it says that I just need the stock AMD cooler that came with  the MB. So, the backplate is already mounted! Also another update, I have already taken out all the parts from the old case. I'm about to start screwing off the old cooler from the MB.

[Brownhorn111]

Update: i have successfully removed the old stock AMD cooler. Curiously enough, the thermal paste that came with the cooler is now just a fine dust... i am going to clean off the CPU with a normal paper tissue. I don't have any rubbing alcohol anyways, so... No big deal I suppose?

[kb5zue]

Sounds good, just make sure that you don't over tighten the screws on the backplate.  Don't want to run the risk of warping the board or the mount.  Just so they're snug should do it.  And don't forget to apply thermal paste to the cooler.  Had a client of mine that couldn't figure out why his machine kept turning off after three seconds after he had upgraded his cooler.  First thing I did was look to see if he had applied thermal paste and he had not.  Installed thermal paste, reinstalled the cooler, turned it on and BANG, no more problem.  Pay me for what I know, not for what I do.

[Brownhorn111]

2 minutes ago, kb5zue said:

Sounds good, just make sure that you don't over tighten the screws on the backplate.  Don't want to run the risk of warping the board or the mount.  Just so they're snug should do it.  And don't forget to apply thermal paste to the cooler.  Had a client of mine that couldn't figure out why his machine kept turning off after three seconds after he had upgraded his cooler.  First thing I did was look to see if he had applied thermal paste and he had not.  Installed thermal paste, reinstalled the cooler, turned it on and BANG, no more problem.  Pay me for what I know, not for what I do.

Oh my, that sounds unfortunate, haha! Well I am about to follow the instructions on installing the new Cooler. Minor tangent. i found little white resins of the thermal paste. They're like hard white little... Things. i think this CPU really could use this new cooler and some new paste haha.

[kb5zue]

The general rule is that whenever you remove the cpu cooler from the cpu, you ALWAYS clean the cpu and the cooler and install fresh, new, thermal paste.  Had on client a while back that brought me his machine a while back because he wanted to upgrade his cooler but he couldn't remove the cooler from the cpu.  Turns out the cooler had never been removed.  It still had the original factory installed thermal paste.  The cooler was basically cemented to the cpu.  Must have been on there at least 5 or 6 years.  At that point I told him that he would be better off just replacing the mobo, cpu, and cooler.  I did get it off after three days of soaking the cooler and cpu in denatured alcohol.  He just went with a new cpu and cooler anyway.  Oh, it was an Intel cpu.

[Brownhorn111]

2 minutes ago, kb5zue said:

The general rule is that whenever you remove the cpu cooler from the cpu, you ALWAYS clean the cpu and the cooler and install fresh, new, thermal paste.  Had on client a while back that brought me his machine a while back because he wanted to upgrade his cooler but he couldn't remove the cooler from the cpu.  Turns out the cooler had never been removed.  It still had the original factory installed thermal paste.  The cooler was basically cemented to the cpu.  Must have been on there at least 5 or 6 years.  At that point I told him that he would be better off just replacing the mobo, cpu, and cooler.  I did get it off after three days of soaking the cooler and cpu in denatured alcohol.  He just went with a new cpu and cooler anyway.  Oh, it was an Intel cpu.

Oh goodness. Intel cement! Who would have thought!

Also, Progress update! I have successfully installed the mounting bars! Now i have a question again regarding the paste; it's telling me to just use "A 4-5 millimeter dot on the center of the heat-spreader". It also says that too much thermal paste isn't a good idea. I remember seeing so many kinds of ways to apply the paste. But which is the correct one? What would you recommend?

[kb5zue]

I have my own way of applying paste to a cooler/cpu.  When I put diesel in my truck at the pumps, the pumps usually have an expired gas card on top so I pick those up and keep them.

 

I usually put a small bit in the middle of the cpu and a tiny bit on each of the sides.  Then I use the gas card to spread it evenly around the cooler or the cpu.  I usually put it on the cooler because it is bigger than the cpu and easier to hold in my hand while spreading the paste.  Using the card gives the paste a really smooth application around the cooler without spreading it too far because you don't want to go over the edge and get paste where you don't need or want it.

 

You want to get a realy smooth spread over the entire surface without using too much paste because using too much paste actually turns the paste into an insulator because there is not enough surface between the cooler and the cpu.  And an isulator will allow for the build up of heat and we definitly don't want that.  You just want to cover the surface with about as thin of layer of paste as possible.  I guess sometime I should add a video of how I do it and then link it to my description so that others can see how I do it.  I'm just lazy I suppose and I need to get another tube of paste to add to my supplies.  I used the last bit on the last job.

[Brownhorn111]

3 minutes ago, kb5zue said:

I have my own way of applying paste to a cooler/cpu.  When I put diesel in my truck at the pumps, the pumps usually have an expired gas card on top so I pick those up and keep them.

 

I usually put a small bit in the middle of the cpu and a tiny bit on each of the sides.  Then I use the gas card to spread it evenly around the cooler or the cpu.  I usually put it on the cooler because it is bigger than the cpu and easier to hold in my hand while spreading the paste.  Using the card gives the paste a really smooth application around the cooler without spreading it too far because you don't want to go over the edge and get paste where you don't need or want it.

 

You want to get a realy smooth spread over the entire surface without using too much paste because using too much paste actually turns the paste into an insulator because there is not enough surface between the cooler and the cpu.  And an isulator will allow for the build up of heat and we definitly don't want that.  You just want to cover the surface with about as thin of layer of paste as possible.  I guess sometime I should add a video of how I do it and then link it to my description so that others can see how I do it.  I'm just lazy I suppose and I need to get another tube of paste to add to my supplies.  I used the last bit on the last job.

Very insightful! I have applied some paste and attempted to spread it around a little. And now.. the cooler is mounted! Now I just need to put the fan back inside. And then I can get to work on installing the components back into the other case!

[kb5zue]

1 minute ago, RalphAlpha111 said:

Very insightful! I have applied some paste and attempted to spread it around a little. And now.. the cooler is mounted! Now I just need to put the fan back inside. And then I can get to work on installing the components back into the other case!

It appears that you are doing a great job.  Just move slow and steady.  No need to be in a hurry because when in a hurry, that's when we are most likely to make a mistake.  Also, don't forget to RTFM.

 

Good Luck

[Brownhorn111]

3 minutes ago, kb5zue said:

It appears that you are doing a great job.  Just move slow and steady.  No need to be in a hurry because when in a hurry, that's when we are most likely to make a mistake.  Also, don't forget to RTFM.

 

Good Luck

Haha thanks! I have successfully installed the fan and plugged it in. Boy, the Mobo is heavy now! It also said that I can install this low noise pass filter but I don't think I need it. That being said, it's case time!

[kb5zue]

1 minute ago, RalphAlpha111 said:

Haha thanks! I have successfully installed the fan and plugged it in. Boy, the Mobo is heavy now! It also said that I can install this low noise pass filter but I don't think I need it. That being said, it's case time!

You will most likely be surprised at how heavy the machine gets when you are done.  I just about have to hire a forklift to carry mine out into the garage when I clean the inside.  It weighs a ton.  All bs aside, it is pretty heavy so I get my son to carry it out to the garage for me when cleaning time.  Once a month.

 

I have a CoolerMaster Mastercase Maker 5T with an AMD Ryzen 7 3800x cpu and for coolers I use a CoolerMaster V8GTS.  My video is an Nvidia 1080ti with the hybrid cooler (watercool) along with a couple of USB3 cards, a bluetooth/wifi card and about six miles of cable.

 

The cable issue is my next project.  During my Air Force days we were taught that you can never have too much so that may have something to do with the cable problem.  Cables running everywhere.  It's a problem because I'm not very coordinated at age 67 and the older I get, the bigger the problem gets.

 

Good Luck.

 

[Brownhorn111]

56 minutes ago, kb5zue said:

You will most likely be surprised at how heavy the machine gets when you are done.  I just about have to hire a forklift to carry mine out into the garage when I clean the inside.  It weighs a ton.  All bs aside, it is pretty heavy so I get my son to carry it out to the garage for me when cleaning time.  Once a month.

 

I have a CoolerMaster Mastercase Maker 5T with an AMD Ryzen 7 3800x cpu and for coolers I use a CoolerMaster V8GTS.  My video is an Nvidia 1080ti with the hybrid cooler (watercool) along with a couple of USB3 cards, a bluetooth/wifi card and about six miles of cable.

 

The cable issue is my next project.  During my Air Force days we were taught that you can never have too much so that may have something to do with the cable problem.  Cables running everywhere.  It's a problem because I'm not very coordinated at age 67 and the older I get, the bigger the problem gets.

 

Good Luck.

 

Oh wow, I didn't know I was speaking with an ex-air force! Hats off to you!

So, yeah here's finally another Status update. I have successfully mounted the Motherboard into the Case. It took so long due to unclear instructions in the manual, and the pictures of the screws being very poorly described. I tried to fit HDD screws into the Mobo... And on top of that, in the center of the MB, there's a kind of thing from the case that sits inside the MB, so you need one less screw. However worse yet, the top middle screwhole is blocked off because of the cooler. Do you think I could get away with one missing screw?

[kb5zue]

8 hours ago, RalphAlpha111 said:

Oh wow, I didn't know I was speaking with an ex-air force! Hats off to you!

So, yeah here's finally another Status update. I have successfully mounted the Motherboard into the Case. It took so long due to unclear instructions in the manual, and the pictures of the screws being very poorly described. I tried to fit HDD screws into the Mobo... And on top of that, in the center of the MB, there's a kind of thing from the case that sits inside the MB, so you need one less screw. However worse yet, the top middle screwhole is blocked off because of the cooler. Do you think I could get away with one missing screw?

Sorry for the delayed response, I went to try and get some sleep.  You should be fine but lets just hope the missing screw is not one of the corners.  It's still only 04:36 so I'm going back to try and get some more sleep.

 

Let me know how it works out.