The Installation

In order to install the NV120 in a previously built system it is necessary to completely remove the motherboard from the case. For a new build the cooler has to be installed before fitting the motherboard.

In this photo we are looking at the standard Intel CPU Cooling Fan that comes packaged with the Core 2 Duo processors.

Once the cables and wires are disconnected, it’s time to remove the screws from the motherboard that hold it in place.  There are usually six or more screws in place.  So, be sure to note the location of each of them and be sure they are all removed before trying to lift the motherboard out of the case.

In this photo we’ve gone ahead and removed the reference CPU Cooling fan prior to removing the motherboard from the case.  It’s just a bit less of a hassle to do it at this time.  Note also that the processor has been cleaned of the thermal paste that had been left after the cooling fan was removed.

We now have our motherboard completely out of the PC case and ready to begin the installation of the NV120.  Notice that the CPU has been cleaned completely of any residual thermal paste leftover from the removal of the reference cooler.

The first item to be installed is the Backplate bracket.  This reinforces the PCB and is needed due to the weight of the NV120.

The Backplate bracker has insulating tape applied to the side that contacts the motherboard.  This is to prevent any current passing through the backplate.

Next, we’ve applied the ZEROtherm thermal paste to the CPU.  Notice that it’s evenly spread here to make sure the entire surface is covered.  Only a very thin layer is needed for maximum efficiency.

We now have placed the NV120 onto the CPU and are ready to install and tighten the screws. However, we ran into one problem during this step as shown in the next photo. Due to the height of the cooler a screwdriver which is over six inches in length, or flexible is required to tighten the screws.