You probably want to install the CPU cooler before screwing the motherboard to the case. It geberally nakes it easier to install, and in the case the cooler needs a backplate, necessary.
Community MetaSteam | March 2025 - Ronin's Creed of the Split Atom
- Thread starter lashman
- Start date
It might be a problem if it needs some backplate and the back of your case doesn't have a hole.
This is the back, does it mean the backplate is already installed?
I checked online and a backplate is suppose to come with the mobo, but I can't find any, so I assume the backplate is already installed?
The cooler will have it's own braces to install. That black plate is a generic one.This is the back, does it mean the backplate is already installed?
I checked online and a backplate is suppose to come with the mobo, but I can't find any, so I assume the backplate is already installed?
So I need to remove that back plate and mount the one that comes with the cooler?
As a habit, I make sure my CPU is installed and my cooler is mounted before I install the motherboard into the case, but people change their CPU and change the cooling/reseat the cooling fan all the time, so it's not out of the realms of possibility to install a CPU fan last. It's just not the last thing I'd want to install, if I'm honest.
What I'd check before building is for parts that would obstruct the installation of the cooler.
Worst offenders are:
- AIO radiators/fans (only an issue if your GPU is an AIO, because your CPU obviously isn't)
- case fans in general
- some cable management
- RAM
- the motherboard tray on your case
- the general space in your case (more of an issue with smaller cases)
I'm not too familiar with that cooler model, but does it use its own backplate or does it hook into the mounting that comes with your motherboard?
If it requires its own mounting, I'd be a little wary and if you have any doubts about being able to mount the cooler without having to take everything out again, I'd hold off until you have all your parts.
Depending on the layout of your motherboard and the size of your case, you may need to unplug some cables and remove your RAM to install the cooler without any difficulty.
If you're going to build now and do the CPU fan later, maybe hold off on cabling the system until everything is in.
Some coolers use the generic backplate. I wouldn't take it off until you know you need to.
Thx for the info. To clarify. Im only interested in installing the CPU, RAM and m.2 SSDs, Im not gonna put the mobo into the case until after the cooler is installed, so it's only those 3 parts Im interested in installing right now.
When it comes to the backplate, I can't find any info if the PC case, mobo or the cooler comes with one or not.
Okay, feel free to install those on the motherboard now as they probably won't obstruct the CPU fan installation. Worst case scenario, you may need to take your RAM out while you install, but that's so simple to put back it shouldn't be an issue.
Don't remove the backplate for cooling until you 100% know you need to. Your fan may use the generic cooling, so you'll have to faff around putting it back on in that instance.
Okay, so just use the generic backplate the mobo comes installed with for the NH-D15?
If the NH-D15 has its own backplate, use that.
I did a bit of research and apparently it comes with a backplate that you need to use instead of the generic one, but I didn't do much research into it.
But my advice still stands: I wouldn't remove the generic backplate until you 100% know you need to. Better to leave it there until you've read the installation instructions on your CPU fan.
Edit: The instruction booklet has a backplate for certain CPUs.
For example, Intel LGA115x will use the Noctua backplate. However, AMD uses the generic backplate.
I wouldn't mess with the mounting until you know what you need to do.
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9800X3D are back in stock, gonna do something real stupid brb
Or maybe not, crisis may be alerted, I checked the NH-D15 compatiblity list, but I have the Chromax Black one, that one says this:
"When used with the offset mounting position of the AM5 offset mounting kit, the cooler overhangs the top PCIe x16 slot. This issue can be resolved by using the standard (non offset) position."
Is the standard (non offset) included in the box?
"When used with the offset mounting position of the AM5 offset mounting kit, the cooler overhangs the top PCIe x16 slot. This issue can be resolved by using the standard (non offset) position."
Is the standard (non offset) included in the box?
shouldn't make a difference, except it might be harder to install the CPU cooler last, depending on how much space other things take. But nothing that a bit of elbow grease can't solve.
Should be. If not, you can write Noctua's customer service, they'll send it to you free of charge. They are pretty amazing about that.
Thx for the info guys, appreciate it.
Looking at this manual, it appears to be that AMD mobos come with the backplate installed on the mobo, while Intel mobos you have to install it, so I guess I don't need to think about installing any backplate then.
Looking at this manual, it appears to be that AMD mobos come with the backplate installed on the mobo, while Intel mobos you have to install it, so I guess I don't need to think about installing any backplate then.
AM4 and AM5 have been good about using the generic backplate that comes with the motherboard. The D15 should come with everything included that youd need (any kind of offsets, etc) so long as you didnt get an old pre-AM5 edition (which I doubt at this point would be the case).
How do you safely clean a 34" UW curved QDLED screen? Wife's buddies kid got like spit marks that died up or something.
Steam Next Fest, Favorite Demos
Deliver at All Costs - well optimized, fun destruction physics. I'm a bit worried long term, because outside of the melons mechanic, there's like no consequences for poor play. If that's the case perhaps it'd be a bit too casual for my taste. But the wackadoodle journey might make up for it not being much of a game. And there's potential for interesting mechanics with the gadgets you can add to your truck.
GearGrit - takes inspiration from Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, Ratchet & Clank and the like. I quite liked the movement. The super long jump is really fun. There's space for player expression in the movement. Some of the design was convoluted. A metal pole actually being rubbery being one quick example that led to confusion.
Is This Seat Taken?- charming casual puzzler with good writing vignettes in between problems. Too easy, but the theming and gentle humor was so endearing I didn't mind.
Skin Deep - As soon as I heard "Meow!", I thought, "this is the Thirty Flights of Loving" dev isn't it? Yes, it is. This game has their distinctive sense of humor. A very entertaining, goofy immersive sim. Genuinely funny. Wacky antics. A slower 3D, immersive sim version of Heat Signature. This is a day one purchase methinks.
Sunken Veins - a simple work simulator crossed with survival horror. Has a lot of potential. Not my genre, but I quite liked it anyway. The flood water mechanics and physics are neat. It's unclear how worthwhile certain things are like the vacuum drone. If you don't have a good sense of direction, you're going to be constantly lost. I think the ideas that are here could synergize really well, but I'm not convinced they've pulled it off. I don't know if I have the patience to do a bunch of manual labor which a beast with questionable programming might undo in moments. It needs polish work, but it'd be a good pick if the price is right.
Tempopo - reminded me of Eets, a Klei Entertainment puzzle game. I feel a bit silly playing this what looks like a toddler's educational game. But it's a very solid casual puzzle game. It has good music, animation and a cheerful atmosphere. I might actually get this. It was fun.
Deliver at All Costs - well optimized, fun destruction physics. I'm a bit worried long term, because outside of the melons mechanic, there's like no consequences for poor play. If that's the case perhaps it'd be a bit too casual for my taste. But the wackadoodle journey might make up for it not being much of a game. And there's potential for interesting mechanics with the gadgets you can add to your truck.
GearGrit - takes inspiration from Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, Ratchet & Clank and the like. I quite liked the movement. The super long jump is really fun. There's space for player expression in the movement. Some of the design was convoluted. A metal pole actually being rubbery being one quick example that led to confusion.
Is This Seat Taken?- charming casual puzzler with good writing vignettes in between problems. Too easy, but the theming and gentle humor was so endearing I didn't mind.
Skin Deep - As soon as I heard "Meow!", I thought, "this is the Thirty Flights of Loving" dev isn't it? Yes, it is. This game has their distinctive sense of humor. A very entertaining, goofy immersive sim. Genuinely funny. Wacky antics. A slower 3D, immersive sim version of Heat Signature. This is a day one purchase methinks.
Sunken Veins - a simple work simulator crossed with survival horror. Has a lot of potential. Not my genre, but I quite liked it anyway. The flood water mechanics and physics are neat. It's unclear how worthwhile certain things are like the vacuum drone. If you don't have a good sense of direction, you're going to be constantly lost. I think the ideas that are here could synergize really well, but I'm not convinced they've pulled it off. I don't know if I have the patience to do a bunch of manual labor which a beast with questionable programming might undo in moments. It needs polish work, but it'd be a good pick if the price is right.
Tempopo - reminded me of Eets, a Klei Entertainment puzzle game. I feel a bit silly playing this what looks like a toddler's educational game. But it's a very solid casual puzzle game. It has good music, animation and a cheerful atmosphere. I might actually get this. It was fun.
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Get distilled water and micro fiber. You can find both on Amazon for fairly cheap. I guess really any clean water would do, but that's the gold standard. And honestly, microfiber is super useful to clean tech stuff and you can get it for cheap, so I'd buy that for sure if you don't have some.
You might also want to look at a home improvement store, I checked some locals ones, and they actually have distilled water. Some sells 5l for just 2€.
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OP
Discussion - What are you currently playing? (Week 10 of 2025)
New week, new thread! What are you playing? I played the new story event of Girls' Frontline 2. The story was great! I also enjoy the new cafe minigame. It is very simple but soothing (thanks to the nostalgic music). Also re-played Fights in Tight Spaces a bit to prepare for the new game. I...
metacouncil.com
einstellung also posted a long list of Next Fest demo impressions in the old thread.
Discussion - What are you currently playing? (Week 9 of 2025)
New week, new thread! What are you playing? I will be working on stuff irl till mid-March, so I will leave the thread to you folks. Have fun. ;)
metacouncil.com
Looking at CPU comparison in games, it's kinda interest how much of a beast the 9800x3d is compared to Intel and other AMD CPUs. Always had Intel, but not this time.
Started Lost Records: Bloom and Rage.
This game highlights just how rough UE5 is. I’m not a frame counter, but I had to switch DLSS on just so it would be smooth.
I’m playing on a 4080 at 4K, but essentially this game, from a visual perspective would not be out of place on year 1 of PS4.
And even still, I’m getting bits of texture pop-in and such, and need to switch on AI upscaling just to get smooth gameplay. It’s pretty wild.
I have to question why Don’tNod decided to use this engine. I’m not seeing anything in this game, visually speaking, that makes UE5 needed.
So far the actual game itself is good though. That’s the main thing. I just wish it wasn’t on UE5.
This game highlights just how rough UE5 is. I’m not a frame counter, but I had to switch DLSS on just so it would be smooth.
I’m playing on a 4080 at 4K, but essentially this game, from a visual perspective would not be out of place on year 1 of PS4.
And even still, I’m getting bits of texture pop-in and such, and need to switch on AI upscaling just to get smooth gameplay. It’s pretty wild.
I have to question why Don’tNod decided to use this engine. I’m not seeing anything in this game, visually speaking, that makes UE5 needed.
So far the actual game itself is good though. That’s the main thing. I just wish it wasn’t on UE5.
Microfiber cloth and any generic window/screen cleaner will work. Water might leave streaks, but I've had good luck with screen cleaner and microfiber.
Signed: A dude with 32-inch Samsung Odyssesy Neo G7.
Neat, a new record. Consistent growth means a steady influx of new players.
But didn't you hear? Half of those concurrent players are from China, and chinese players aren't real so the actual CCU number is only 20 million
kisses his giant white paperweight don't worry baby, you will always be the best
Curious to see what the reviews for Atomfall will be.
Especially since eveything else in the 9xxxx family are not much of a upgrade compared to previous gen
This is the only game I am for sure buying in March:
But maybe also this:
And then I might play AC: Shadows, but I'll just sub to ubi's thing for a month rather than buy it.
Of course, I have to finish Lost Records first, and Avowed... both of which I haven't played in a few days because I've been trying to catch up in Genshin Impact/Honkai Star Rail/Inifinity Nikki.
But maybe also this:
And then I might play AC: Shadows, but I'll just sub to ubi's thing for a month rather than buy it.
Of course, I have to finish Lost Records first, and Avowed... both of which I haven't played in a few days because I've been trying to catch up in Genshin Impact/Honkai Star Rail/Inifinity Nikki.
OP
Forgot Two Point Museum was out this week, yeah I’m getting that one.
Started out as the most boring Yakuza game because it put no effort into setting up the whole piracy thing.
It just assumes you are already invested by the time you purchase it.
But all around it's a really fun game, and hitting the perfect sweetspot in terms of length, sidecontent and minigames.
Ended up being the first Yakuza game i actually 100%, and i played them all.
Hope they gonna keep this length for the majority of games going forward.
Some of you are so old, in some years, you become the new prankster uncles and grandmas.
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Awesome to hear it's good.
Started out as the most boring Yakuza game because it put no effort into setting up the whole piracy thing.
It just assumes you are already invested by the time you purchase it.
But all around it's a really fun game, and hitting the perfect sweetspot in terms of length, sidecontent and minigames.
Ended up being the first Yakuza game i actually 100%, and i played them all.
Hope they gonna keep this length for the majority of games going forward.
But don't get excited. This is the side game, I'd expect Like a Dragon 9 or whatever they call it to be right back in the huge 100+ hour RPG zone.
But if you liked this shorter one, maybe check out the Man Who Erased his Name. Also a shorter Yakuza game but with Kiryu as a secret agent in the lead up to Yakuza 8.
This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
I've been a
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WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes
You take on the role of a commander leading a unit participating in the 1944 Warsaw
Just an fyi, free on steam & GOG
This is incredible. It also has great UW support (with the option to center the UI if you'd like).
New puzzle game from the Zachtronics devs just got announced!
I knew the people from Zachtronics had started a new studio but so far they've only been making stuff like physical card games. I was really hoping they would eventually make a new Zachtronics-style puzzle game.
I knew the people from Zachtronics had started a new studio but so far they've only been making stuff like physical card games. I was really hoping they would eventually make a new Zachtronics-style puzzle game.
The Noctua NH-D15 should be here today, which means today I will be building my first PC ever.
Yeah, this.
I bought a 10€ or so screen cleaning kit with a microfiber cloth and a specific screen cleaning solution shortly after I got my current screen.
These semi-glossy screens are dust/fingerprint/etc magnets, and while I'm not a clean freak in general I really don't want to be distracted by that while looking at my screen
I was also (probably unnecessarily so) concerned about using generic window cleaner, on the off chance that it might damage the screen coating.
OP
