Predator PO3-655 cooling upgrade - clarifications on Noctua NH-U9S, RAM and Thermal paste

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pookyzero
pookyzero Member Posts: 2 New User
edited January 23 in Predator Desktops

Hi all. New to the PC scene, recently got the PO3-655 with the 4070 super / i7-14700F. Have discovered the wonderful high CPU temp issue people seem to have with these. Surfed the forums a bit and looking to replace the stock cooler. Could someone please confirm my below Qs?

  • Understand this is the correct / recommended cooler to fit this model: Noctua NH-U9S chromax.black, 92mm Single-Tower CPU Cooler (Black) : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
    • I read people mentioning an optional second fan? Not sure I understand this concept if someone could clarify, and is it worth it really or no need?
  • Simple install / no need to remove anything other than the stock cooler? Just need 4x M3x10 screws to install the included Nocta bracket + thermal paste?
    • Is there a recommended thermal paste for install? Best way to clean off any residual paste from stock?
  • While I'm in there for the install might as well fill up the 2 empty RAM slots - is there a go-to RAM people like to use on this model someone could recommend?

Apologies for the lengthy post, many thanks in advance for your guys' help! :)

[Edited the thread to add issue detail to the title]

Best Answer

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,312 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    The second fan mounts on the cooler on the opposite side from the one fan that comes with. It doesn't really change the airflow much, since both fans will spin at the same speed and they are driven off the MB with a splitter. You won't use the Noctua back plate, you use the stock backplate with the new screws to hold it in place. The big change from the PO3-650 to PO3-655 was the bump in memory speed, from 4700 to 5600. This is what Acer shipped with them:

    image.png

    You should be able to use any of the DDR5 5600 modules, faster will still run at the system speed, so don't spend extra.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.

Answers

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,312 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    The second fan mounts on the cooler on the opposite side from the one fan that comes with. It doesn't really change the airflow much, since both fans will spin at the same speed and they are driven off the MB with a splitter. You won't use the Noctua back plate, you use the stock backplate with the new screws to hold it in place. The big change from the PO3-650 to PO3-655 was the bump in memory speed, from 4700 to 5600. This is what Acer shipped with them:

    image.png

    You should be able to use any of the DDR5 5600 modules, faster will still run at the system speed, so don't spend extra.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • pookyzero
    pookyzero Member Posts: 2 New User

    Thanks alot for the clarification. Did the install today and all is good, nearly 20 degree difference in CPU temp!

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,312 Trailblazer

    Yes, that's is pretty much the same results as most every9one else gets. Congrats on the upgrade!

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • Chris_Jay
    Chris_Jay Member Posts: 2 New User

    Hi mate, I'm in the same position with the awful high temps. Absolute pc builder novice too. Was the install easy? Did you have to mess about removing the Motherboard or was it a case of just using longer screws and adding a new bracket ? Cheers for your help.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,312 Trailblazer

    With the Noctua, it's just a matter of using the suggested M3 screws instead of the clips they include.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • StevenGen
    StevenGen ACE Posts: 14,945 Trailblazer

    Just some further advice, as the PO3-655 desktops oem Acer fitted Intel® Core™ i7 processor 14700F 33M Cache, up to 5.40 GHz that your PO3-655 model gaming desktop has been fitted with, can run with up to 192GB of DDR5-5600MT/s CL46 type memory, this is as far as Intel design and specification are concerned.

    So all in all if you want to run higher ram for either business purposes like video editing or for high end gaming, I suggest that your PO3-655 will run more than the stated 64GB DDR5-5600MT/s CL46 type ram listed by Acer, so do your reperch and the ram manufacturers like Crucial ram that sell 24GB, 32GB and 48GB modules that in the PO3-655 4x memory slots will give the higher capacity ram.

    Below is the Acer recommended A-DATA 16GB AO2V56WCSV1-BIFS - DDR5-5600MT/s CL46 that Acer lists above as a suitable ram for the PO3-655:

    • Module: 288-pin U-DIMM
    • CAS Latencies: 46-45-45
    • Power supply: VIN = 5V
    • DRAM VDD 1.1V
    • Operating temperature: 0°C - 85°C

    Make also sure that you have updated the bios to its last version 1.03 that has the "INTEL Microcode 0x12B update for the Intel 13th and 14th Generation CPU issue" and also make sure that Win-11 24H2 version is updated to the last OS build: 26100.4484 also. Good luck and hope this helps you out further in upgrading your PO3-655 for better performance of your PO3-655 desktop.

    If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

  • Cookiemonster2001
    Cookiemonster2001 Member Posts: 19 Troubleshooter

    I was going to fit a Noctua however the price of that is quite expensive and still limited by the poor stock Acer case/case fans…so recommended to mate to change both case & HSF. Initially recommended Antec Flux but with the 90' PSU option the Pro was the better choice. Bigger fans, more of them and higher quality fans on the Pro so worthwhile to spend the extra

    Since cases are pretty much a "once every 20 year purchase" thing..

    Unfortunately this machine doesn't support XMP, I upgraded RAM with dual XMP/EXPO, works fine