help with zerotherm NV120 install

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black_b[ ]x

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jul 1, 2002
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I just got my system together and might be having a problem. The metal backing plate had a sticky adhesive piece on it. You're supposed to remove the paper piece to reveal the sticky adhesive, but my adhesive just stayed stuck to the paper and pulled straight off the backing plate. is the adhesive needed for electrical insulation? I've powered up for a few moments at a time now and it seemed ok...

i haven't stayed on long because the fan on this thing has not turned on. I had it wired into the CPU fan header on my gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L. Should i try another fan header or just wire the fan directly into a power connector from the PSU? if so, which lines does it need? My thought was that yellow on the power rail (12V?) would go to red on the fan connector, black to black, and the yellow on the fan connector (speed sensor?) would be unconnected?

I tried it once directly into the fan header, and once with the included fan speed controller in the middle.

comments aside from these issues: this thing is really huge. install is simple provided you use a screwdriver with a long reach (not one with a big bulky handle in your way). I had no clearance issues with the motherboard, although the extra 4-prong power connector for the mobo was difficult to install. If I had connected it before installing the motherboard into the case it would have been fine.
 
I was wondering the same thing at install. I removed the paper and the adhesive came off too. It's working fine though without it. Hope it's correct :D.

I plugged mine into the CPU_FAN connector. Worked fine on first boot.
 
ok, its working now. It tested ok with a battery so i tried a different fan header and its fine. after checking out the BIOS, "smart fan" was enabled for the CPU fan, so i disabled that (presumably that will make it always on).

next question... is there any harm if I reverse the 12V and ground leads on the fan so that it blows in the opposite direction? i don't see why it would matter... otherwise i have to take off the heatsink and remount it.

the stock configuration is a "pusher" fan, i thought a puller fan would be more effective. thats been my experience with case fans anyway, exhaust works better. Also, i wanted to try blocking off the outside edges of the heatsink fins so that air was forced all the way through the fins instead of possibly coming in through the side. or would that cause one side to be warmer than the other?

Theres only about 1 inch between the fan on the NV120 and the rear case fan, so maybe i do need to just remount it with the fan closer to the middle of the case.
 
I wouldn't reverse polarity on the fan or bother making any kind of shroud. All reviews I've seen have this thing performing very well, which leads me to believe the designers knew what they were doing. Don't bother second-guessing unless you have temp issues, and then, check and make sure you have a good mount/contact/amount of thermal grease first.
 
but my adhesive just stayed stuck to the paper and pulled straight off the backing plate.
Click to expand...

You'll be greatful that it did, when the time comes to remove the HS. The stickie serves no useful purpose other than to hold the backing plate in place when mounting the HS, and is a major PIA to remove.

You did yourself a favor!
 
damn, guess i have to take it off and flip it the other way. i hope the backing plate doesn't fall off without the adhesive :)

edit: it looks like some flecks of the chrome finish on the screws and adapter bracket came off as i was dismounting and remounting it. I used some painters tape to pick it up when it was removed, we'll see how that works now that its installed. maybe i need some compressed air.
 
Does it matter which direction you install this? I have a P182, and there are two case fan exhausts right behind the cpu. Wouldn't it make sense to point the HSF towards the case exit? Every screenshot I've seen has had the reverse?? :confused:
 
The adhesive is just to permanently put the bracket to the back of the motheboard.

I never peel the top off to stick it and just leave it. But yes your gonna want protection on that backplate or ZA.
 
LateraLex said:
Does it matter which direction you install this? I have a P182, and there are two case fan exhausts right behind the cpu. Wouldn't it make sense to point the HSF towards the case exit? Every screenshot I've seen has had the reverse?? :confused:
Click to expand...

Answered my own question, definitely wanted to face it toward the front of the case, no way it would have fit facing the other way into the case.
 
firebane said:
The adhesive is just to permanently put the bracket to the back of the motheboard.

I never peel the top off to stick it and just leave it. But yes your gonna want protection on that backplate or ZA.
Click to expand...

Sorry to bump this thread, but I just read on Tom's Hardware that not having the adhesive could cause shorting issues with the motherboard. I have been running it without the adhesive for over a month now. Could there still be issues with the backplate? Should I do something to fix it? Thanks.
 
LateraLex said:
Answered my own question, definitely wanted to face it toward the front of the case, no way it would have fit facing the other way into the case.
Click to expand...

I had no problems installing the NV120 into my P182, with it blowing out the back.

I don't see why you would want it going the other way, unless you reverse all the other fans too..:confused:
 
matt_man22 said:
Sorry to bump this thread, but I just read on Tom's Hardware that not having the adhesive could cause shorting issues with the motherboard. I have been running it without the adhesive for over a month now. Could there still be issues with the backplate? Should I do something to fix it? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Anyone else have a similar experience?
 
I left my adhesive on. Curious, did you guys read the manual before installing?

Install Back Plate
1. Remove the thin paper film from the back plate to expose the insulating tape.
Click to expand...


Not knocking you, just wondering because I got the feeling the reviewer at tomshardware didn't. They give the Nirvana a fail even though it's clearly stated in the manual to install the back plate after removing the thin paper film, NOT the insulating tape.
 
Toms probably removed the tape.. There really is no end to their stupidity sometimes.
Great heatsink though
LateralLex have the fan towards the front of the case blowing towards the rear.
 
The back of the motherboard will be somewhat shielded by design, but it'd be wise to put a protective layer between it and the backplate.
 
coynatha said:
I left my adhesive on. Curious, did you guys read the manual before installing?
Click to expand...

I did read the manual, however, I could not figure out where the adhesive tape was, it wasn't peeling off. I guess I am as bad as Tom's Hardware :p

So if I do not have the adhesive, what is the best alternative to put on there? It it worth it after running a month?
 
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