Tuesday, December 5th 2023
Noctua Introduces NM-M1 Torx based SecuFirm2+ Mounting Kits
Noctua today introduced its new NM-M1 enthusiast-grade multi-socket mounting kits. Available for Noctua coolers with 83 and 78 mm mounting pitch, the NM-M1-MP83 and NM-M1-MP78 represent an ideal upgrade for users who want to migrate their Noctua CPU coolers to the new, Torx based SecuFirm2+ standard or to the latest sockets that their cooler did not yet support at the time of purchase. On AMD AM5, the offset mounting option can significantly improve performance with typical reductions in CPU temperatures of 1-3°C.
"The mounting system might seem like a sideshow when looking at a CPU cooler as a whole, yet in fact, it's one of the key factors not only for the customer's overall user experience but also for product safety and performance - poor contact pressure or contact quality can easily ruin your results even if the heatsink as such is working great", explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "At Noctua, we have always taken pride in refining our mounting systems unremittingly, and the NM-M1 kits are a testament to this strive: integrating the latest SecuFirm2+ standard as well as our offset mounting option for improved performance on AMD AM5, they keep raising the bar."
The NM-M1 sets are Noctua's most comprehensive multi-socket mounting-kits today: Supporting AMD AM5 and AM4 as well as Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156, they are the ultimate kits for a wide range of upgrading or switching scenarios.
The new SecuFirm2+ standard uses Torx T20 instead of Phillips head screws. The reduced cam-out of the Torx drive makes it easier to operate, especially in space restricted environments such as pre-assembled PC systems. At the same time, there is less wear on the screw heads, which makes the plus version even more durable. With the included magnetic tip NM-SD1 Torx T20 screwdriver, the NM-M1 kits are perfect for power users who frequently change their setups and demand the new gold standard in convenience and durability under heavy use.
The NM-M1 kits also include Noctua's offset mounting bars for AM5 that make it possible to install the cooler shifted towards the south side of the socket by 7 mm, thereby achieving better contact pressure right above the CCD(s). This improved contact exactly at the processor's hotspot can significantly reduce CPU temperatures with typical improvements in the range of 1-3°C.
The sets are available in versions for heatsinks with 83 mm mounting pitch (NM-M1-MP83) and 78 mm mounting pitch (NM-M1-MP78), which makes it possible to upgrade most Noctua heatsinks since 2005 except for the NH-L9a and NH-L9i series as well as server and workstation models with larger bases. Both the NM-M1-MP83 and the NM-M1-MP78 are offered in regular versions with nickel-plated parts and chromax.black variants. For the latter, all screws, fastening brackets and mounting bars are treated with a premium-grade, highly wear-resistant black coating. Perfect for creating all-black builds with Noctua's chromax.black line coolers.The manufacturer's suggested retail prices are as follows:
"The mounting system might seem like a sideshow when looking at a CPU cooler as a whole, yet in fact, it's one of the key factors not only for the customer's overall user experience but also for product safety and performance - poor contact pressure or contact quality can easily ruin your results even if the heatsink as such is working great", explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "At Noctua, we have always taken pride in refining our mounting systems unremittingly, and the NM-M1 kits are a testament to this strive: integrating the latest SecuFirm2+ standard as well as our offset mounting option for improved performance on AMD AM5, they keep raising the bar."
The new SecuFirm2+ standard uses Torx T20 instead of Phillips head screws. The reduced cam-out of the Torx drive makes it easier to operate, especially in space restricted environments such as pre-assembled PC systems. At the same time, there is less wear on the screw heads, which makes the plus version even more durable. With the included magnetic tip NM-SD1 Torx T20 screwdriver, the NM-M1 kits are perfect for power users who frequently change their setups and demand the new gold standard in convenience and durability under heavy use.
The NM-M1 kits also include Noctua's offset mounting bars for AM5 that make it possible to install the cooler shifted towards the south side of the socket by 7 mm, thereby achieving better contact pressure right above the CCD(s). This improved contact exactly at the processor's hotspot can significantly reduce CPU temperatures with typical improvements in the range of 1-3°C.
The sets are available in versions for heatsinks with 83 mm mounting pitch (NM-M1-MP83) and 78 mm mounting pitch (NM-M1-MP78), which makes it possible to upgrade most Noctua heatsinks since 2005 except for the NH-L9a and NH-L9i series as well as server and workstation models with larger bases. Both the NM-M1-MP83 and the NM-M1-MP78 are offered in regular versions with nickel-plated parts and chromax.black variants. For the latter, all screws, fastening brackets and mounting bars are treated with a premium-grade, highly wear-resistant black coating. Perfect for creating all-black builds with Noctua's chromax.black line coolers.The manufacturer's suggested retail prices are as follows:
- NM-M1-MP83: EUR 21.90 / USD 21.90
- NM-M1-MP78: EUR 21.90 / USD 21.90
- NM-M1-MP83 chromax.black: EUR 24.90 / USD 24.90
- NM-M1-MP78 chromax.black: EUR 24.90 / USD 24.90
19 Comments on Noctua Introduces NM-M1 Torx based SecuFirm2+ Mounting Kits
ancientneolithic and now asinine.(they were designed in a bygone age where precise torque control wasn't a thing. we've moved on from those dark ages a very long time ago. it's time to abandon obsolete garbage designs.)
Sure its a nice touch but not mandatory here.
Also to read between the lines I also fell D16 might be delayed even more, why launch this mounting HW if a new cooler is ready?
Cool I guess.. :cool:
I love the way Amazon cover the add to list button on their website for these :laugh:
Kits are cheap, and apparently support LGA 1851 too
Torx is superior in both inside and outside variants. Sure, every screw can be stripped. And that is more often than not user error (using the wrong bit, to much torque, etc). But you are less likely to strip a torx head, due to the design. There is a reason the flathead evolved into a cross, and the cross have since evolved into a 6 pointed star. More points of contact to spread out the forces.
But I agree, it should be used in during the foundation of PC industry. This general compatipability effort mad huge disservice.
They sell the individual parts for about 5€, i.e. they released the offset mount a couple months ago and it was sold for 4€ if i recall correctly.
For me the weird part is this even being a thing, maybe they want to stop selling kits for single socket upgrades that must barely be profitable and instead only sell the complete set which wouldn't be great at all
But for a CPU cooler, it does not NEED to be tight enough that you should ever even have to worry about it and the reality is that with a torx headed screw it's probably going to be a lot more common for people who aren't moderately well experienced with installing them to overtighten them and potentially cause problems.Cross head, JIS, Lotus head, Cruciform, etc., are not "Phillips" though. Not using the correct driver for the application is a big reason why some fasteners become stripped. But you are correct in that all of those including Phillips will be a lot more likely to strip than a torx head, even if it's a cheaper torx fastener and a higher quality Phillips.