Noctua NM-M1 Mounting plate

Noctua has a long line of products, from CPU coolers to thermal paste, down to accessories. While this may sound like tricky, Noctua users request and get upgrades for their CPU coolers in terms of...mounting. Some might say that probably won't need it, others will love it. Enthusiast users for sure can find a use for the Noctua NM-M1 series.

The NM-M1-MP78 & NM-M1-MP83 are an enthusiast-grade, multi-socket SecuFirm2+ mounting kit that represents 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.

Compatible with a wide range of Noctua CPU coolers with 78mm mounting pitch since 2005 (see detailed compatibility information) and supporting all the latest desktop platforms from AMD (AM5 & AM4) and Intel (LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x), the NM-M1-MP78 & NM-M1-MP83 provides an excellent, future-proof basis for air-cooled premium builds.

On AM5, the offset mounting option can significantly improve performance with typical reductions in CPU temperatures of 1-3°C. Like all SecuFirm2 mountings, it combines outstanding reliability, optimal contact pressure, and easy, straightforward installation. At the same time, following the new SecuFirm2+ standard, it uses Torx T20 instead of Phillips head screws for even better handling and resistance to wear. With the included magnetic tip NM-SD1 Torx T20 screwdriver, it is 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 series also comes in chromax.black either for the 73mm or 83mm models.

The NM-M1-MP78 can be bought online at Amazon.de for 22.93 Euro, while the chromax.black version at 26.05 Euro. The retail package is very well-designed and rather simple.

Opening the box is simple and everything is well-placed and secured via transportation

Users inside will find a long NM-SD1 Torx T20 screwdriver with several mounting plates either for Intel/AMD platforms.

Users inside will find a long NM-SD1 Torx T20 screwdriver with a magnetic tip

with several mounting plates either for Intel/AMD platforms. Everything is well-tagged so users understand what they will use.

Noctua has included their latest mounting plates for the AMD5 platform with 0mm up to -7mm improving cooling performance up to 1-3 Celsius.

The chromax.black edition has a similar design, even now everything is more...black

Again everything is well-placed and designed

and as expected, the mounting screws are also black.

The result is very nice to view, especially if you are a total black-stealth look.

The NM-M1-MP83 also follows a similar design, with a retail price of 22.82 Euro for the "normal" edition

and a retail price of 26.05 Euro for the chromax.black edition

- Conclusion

After getting the new multi-socket mounting kits, we were really surprised at how Noctua continues to support their entire lineup of CPU coolers with new mounting methods for both 83&78mm mounting pitches. The new NM-M1-MP83 and NM-M1-MP78 clearly aim for enthusiast users who want to migrate to the new, Torx-based SecuFirm2+ standard or simply get the latest sockets for their cooler did not yet support at the time of purchase. On the bright side, Noctua also offers an AMD AM5 offset mounting option, that can slightly improve performance at CPU temperatures of 1-3°C (average and depending on CPU TDP). The NM-M1 sets support AMD AM5 and AM4 as well as Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets, making them unique for continuing supporting Noctua users

While Philips head screws are very common to work with, the new Noctua SecuFirm2+ mounting standard uses the Torx T20 platform. 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. Moreover, the included NM-SD1 Torx T20 screwdriver includes a magnetic tip, making it very easy to work with. As with all Noctua products, the NM-M1 kits have the usual "silver (nickel-plated parts)" editions and the "chromax.black" editions, which offer more styling to the overall appearance.

Overall we have no problem suggesting the NM-M1 kits for all Noctua fans who wish to get the new Torx T20 mounting platform or simply want to upgrade to the latest Intel/AMD mounting sockets. Noctua offers a webpage for users to carefully choose the product that fits their needs (78mm NM-M1-MP78 /NM-M1-MP78 chromax.black or 83mm NM-M1-MP83 / NM-M1-MP83 chromax.black pitch).

The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are as follows: