Is it OK to install the NL-LC1 with the tubes exiting to the sides or to the top?
The NL-LC1’s Asetek Emma V2 cold plate and pump are optimised for optimal performance with the tubes exiting towards the south (bottom) or north (top) side of the socket. You can use either of these orientations depending on what works best in your chassis in terms of tube routing. Just make sure that the tubes do not press against the pump noise absorber, as this may reduce damping performance.
We don’t recommend installing NL-LC1 with the tubes exiting towards the east (right hand) or west (left hand) side of the socket as this may lead to reduced performance, particularly on Intel sockets.
We recommend having the tubes exit towards the north or south side of the socket exclusively because this ensures an optimal fit between the CPU and cold plate. Absolute orientation in relation to gravity does not play a role, so the same recommendation applies if the motherboard is horizontal, such as on bench tables or in desktop-style cases, as well as in cases with inverted motherboard layouts or on motherboards where the socket is turned by 90°.
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