Dell G5 desktop cpu cooling

@Zachary Whitehouse    But you need to access behind the motherboard to install water cooling but I don't know a way to do that without taking the motherboard out

There is no way to access the back of the motherboard without taking it out. If you were going to do this to install a bracket, there may already be a sufficient bracket back there based on the size of the OEM air cooler (needs to be confirmed). The real questions is; where are you planning to put a 120mm radiator and fan?

@Zachary Whitehouse 

Actually, if the G5 is like the XPS 8940, there is no back plate. The CPU cooler mounts into studs that are attached to the back wall of the chassis.

XPS 8940

Hi, thanks for providing for providing this solution. I will have to take out the motherboard of mine to achieve this.

Hi, I am thinking about getting a Dell G5 and was wondering if you were able to install a liquid cooler in your setup?

Thanks

Jack5440

Curious to hear how you went with this. I couldn't find an easy way to take out my motherboard. Any tips?

Dell has the full removal and installation manuals for the dell g5. I'm currently adding a 240mm aio to the dell g5 will update pics soon

I would really like to know what parts people are using to cool their Intel CPU and RTX2070 on the G5 Desktop (2020).

The thing gets hot, fans wind up alot and i cant help thinking this isn't good for longevity of the equipment, or its ability to perform

Thanks for any guidance.

@sulrich70 many of us with G5s or XPS desktops have replaced the inefficient Dell CPU cooler and case fan with aftermarket units that are much quieter and more efficient. Check out this long thread on the XPS forums. All that applies to our G5s too. Or check out this great tutorial on Reddit by @PauRoNL .

I replaced the CPU cooler with a Noctua NH-U9S, the stock case cooler with a 92mm Noctua NF-A9, and added a 120 mm Noctua NF-F12 at the front (where the 3.5" HDD bay was) for extra airflow. I moved the 80mm Dell fan to the front bottom for extra airflow towards the GPU. Here's a pic of my setup with 5 total fans. I also bought the VRM heatsink and installed that on the voltage regulator next to the CPU to keep its temps reasonable.

Additionally, I've undervolted the CPU and the GPU a bit. All that has brought temperatures to very reasonable levels: my i9-10900F CPU stays under 30 degrees at idle and light tasks, and doesn't go higher than 65 in gaming. The RTX 3070 GPU doesn't go above 70-75 in games.

This is great information, thank you very much for your guidance here.

‘cheers!

Did you run into any issues installing the Noctua CPU cooler? my NH-D9L came in today, but I'm waiting on my 3X16mm screws/washer to install to the mobo. My first major upgrade (only upgraded the rear intake fan) so I'm a little nervous putting this in. How did the cpu cooler fit into your mobo? Thanks.

@tdendy It's rather easy, don't worry about it. Just be careful and take your time and you'll do it no problem.

Here are the steps I took:

1. Unplugged the dell CPU fan cable from the motherboard. I had to use a small flat screwdriver to help pry it out.
2. Unscrewed the 4 screws of the Dell cooler, a bit at a time, taking turns.
3. Once I removed the Dell cooler, I cleaned the thermal paste off the CPU with a cotton disc dipped in a bit of rubbing alcohol. 
4. Installed the Noctua cooler brackets as shown in the manual that comes with it, using the right spacers (the booklet tells you which, I think it was the black ones if I remember right) and the m3 screws and washers. Hand tighten well, but don't force.
5. Put one 5mm ball of Noctua thermal paste right in the center of the CPU.
6. Put the Noctua heatsink (without the fan) on the CPU and tighten the two screws alternating between them. Hand tighten well, but don't force.
7. Put the fan on the heatsink, on the front side, pushing air through the heatsink towards the back.
8. Connect the fan cable. Verify everything and boot up to check temps

Takes 5-10 minutes at most. The Noctua box includes the thermal paste, the spacers, as well as a screwdriver. It also includes both Intel and AMD brackets. Make sure you use the right ones (the booklet shows which is which). You won't need the backplate included in the cooler box.

Good luck!

How did you relocate the hard drive in the top of the case? What did you use to secure it with?

@zville2007 , I hope the picture below helps. I've highlighted the mounting points.

On the left I managed to jam one of the tabs of the 3.5" HDD cage into the side of the 2.5" HDD cage.

Then on the right I just used a small tie-wrap to secure the 3.5" HDD cage to a hole at the top of the PC case.