Installation
Installation of any cooler can be a daunting task. Noctua kindly included a highly detailed set of instructions. To install the NH-U9S we will use the provided hardware supplied. I will be using the AMD mounting hardware. With AMD we use the stock back plate for most applications as they are usually not provided, as in this case.The process usually requires you to take your entire rig apart pull out the motherboard and proceed from there. Depending what case you may have, the possibilities of avoiding having to take everything apart greatly increase just by the small size of the NH-U9S.
The small size should make for a more manageable install. The size alone should make things easier and the heatsink screws easier to work around. I am going to attempt to install the NH-U9S without removing the motherboard and I am also going to leave in place the water cooling system I have installed. The clearance on the water cooler makes life easy with a huge case but that will also give you an idea of the 95×95 footprint of the NH-U9S.
Once the fan is removed we can move on and secure the heatsink to the CPU. The NH-U9S cannot be installed incorrectly as it is symmetrical. Now set the heatsink on the CPU and line up the mounting spring loaded screws and tighten them down. I did not even have to remove my ram during this entire process. Once the NH-U9S is securely mounted attach the fans to your preference. You have the option of placing the second fan on either side if the heatsink. Just keep in mind clearances when installing the second fan over the ram as the fan will stick out above the top of heatsink. I chose to install the second fan towards the rear of my motherboard for these reasons.
Finished Looks
