For ASUS NUC 15 PRO NUC15CRK NUC15CRH Modified Case with Active Cooling fan Note: Chassis only, NUC MINI PC NOT INCLUDED! **Product Name: S2 Chassis** **Q: Which NUC models are compatible with this chassis?** A: NUC14RV* (ASUS NUC 14 Pro+), NUC8BE* (Bean Canyon), NUC10FN* (Frost Canyon), NUC11PA* (Panther Canyon), NUC11TN* (Tiger Canyon), NUC12WS* (Wall Street Canyon), Xiaomi Mini PC, NUC13VY* (Vivid Canyon), NUC13AN* (Arena Canyon), Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny. Models before 8th Gen are **not supported**.
**Q: What are the dimensions of the chassis?** A: The standard version measures **120mm × 120mm × 60mm**. This size does **not** support SATA HDD installation. Due to the stackable design, each additional layer adds 6mm in height. To install a SATA HDD, an extra 6mm thickness (66mm total) is required.
**Q: What’s the difference between the standard and thickened versions?** A: The thickened version supports SATA HDD installation and is **6mm taller** than the standard version.
**Q: Does the default version support SATA HDD installation?** A: The 60mm standard version lacks space for a regular 2.5" HDD. To install one, you’ll need: - Replacement taller front/rear panels (+6mm) - Two additional aluminum side grille strips - An extra data cable (*For 10th/11th Gen, only the original data cable is compatible*) This increases the thickness to **66mm**. The thickened version supports HDDs under **10mm thick**.
**Q: Is the Noctua L9i the only compatible cooler?** A: Yes. Currently supported models: - NH-L9i (classic Noctua colors) - NH-L9i chromax.black (all-black) - NH-L9i-17xx - NH-L9i-17xx chromax.black
**Q: Can a thicker fan be installed?** A: The L9i’s stock fan is **14mm thick**. To upgrade to a **25mm fan**, add **two stacked aluminum grille layers** (each layer adds 6mm). *Supports infinite stacking+++.*
**Q: How does this chassis perform compared to the original NUC case?** A: **Superior cooling**. With the L9i, the BIOS can unlock power limits, preventing CPU throttling under full load (FPU stress test). At **30°C ambient**: - Max fan speed: **1650 RPM** (66% of the 2500 RPM design limit, noise: **23.6 dB**) - Power draw: **52W** - CPU temp: **~70°C** In cooler environments, manually lower the fan speed via BIOS (or increase it if needed).
**Q: Is it noisy?** A: Under full load, airflow noise is audible but **far quieter** than the original chassis’ 4000–5000 RPM high-pitched whine. Tested max speeds: - 8th/10th Gen: **1650 RPM** - 11th Gen: **1150 RPM** During light use, the fan may **stop or run at 600–900 RPM**, becoming nearly silent unless listened to closely.
**Q: With only one fan (on the motherboard side), will the HDD overheat?** A: The chassis was designed with **dual-sided ventilation** (top/bottom grilles) to cool components on the **back** (RAM/HDD). The fan’s **vertical airflow** promotes heat dissipation. Additionally, thermal pads can transfer HDD heat to the chassis’ aluminum backplate, which acts as a **secondary heatsink**. All aluminum parts are tightly connected for optimal thermal conductivity.
**Q: Does the chassis support external antennas?** A: Yes. It includes: - **2x built-in high-gain antennas** - **2x external antenna mounts** (*mounts included; antennas/cables must be purchased separately*) The S2 offers **both internal and external antenna solutions**, ideal for heavy wireless/Bluetooth users.
**Q: Is the exposed fan dangerous?** A: After months of testing, **no accidental contact** occurred. The open design **reduces intake turbulence noise**. Alternatively, a **perforated fan guard** (sold separately) can block debris but increases noise by **~7dB**.
**Q: Is the card reader usable?** A: **8th Gen**: Yes. **10th/11th Gen**: No (reader position differs). **12th/13th Gen**: No built-in reader.