Installation of the Noctua NH-D15 G2 CPU Cooler
We will be doing our installation on an Intel Z490 system so this installation would be pretty much the same for Intel LGA 1200, 1150, 1151, and 1155 sockets.
For Intel installation we will be using the included backplate. We do need to install the bolts onto it with the included clip-on spacers. Refer to the installation guide on which holes you need to install the bolts in based on your processor.
With the bolts secured on the backplate go ahead and attach it to the back of your motherboard threading the bolts through the holes in your motherboard.
Flip your motherboard over and install the plastic spacers over the bolts. There are two different types of spacers, which are color-coded. Again refer to the installation guide to see which ones you should use based on your processor. With the spacers installed, go ahead and install the Intel mounting bars on the top and bottom of the socket and secure them with the included thumbscrews.
Remove the fans from the cooler, apply the included thermal paste, and carefully place the cooler on top of your CPU lining up the pegs in the mounting bars with the screws on the cooler itself. Using the included Torx screwdriver, tighten screws on each side to secure the cooler. Reinstall your fans and be sure to use the included Y-connector to connect the fans and then plug the Y-connector into the CPU fan header on your motherboard.
You may have to move the front fan up a bit to fit over your memory, we had to in our case. Also it was a bit weird that Noctua switched from a normal screwdriver to a Torx screwdriver. I like that they did include the screwdriver, but Torx is definitely not as common as a normal screwdriver.
