Well — to recap and update — I had already ordered the plug-in module. I might as well use it if you think it’s “more secure” — but I don’t much have security problems here in the house.
Maybe I should start another thread in “Cases and Cooling”, but just as well for the “Motherboard” forum.
I had wondered when I first installed the board why I didn’t see an installation point for a 40mmx10mm or x15mm fan to cool the VRMs. And of course, there was no fan in the open-box if the Strix Z590 board I’d purchased.
Then I discovered that there is a little screw-on plate that sticks up above the upper-left corner of the motherboard, for installation of such a fan.
But the documentation says “be sure to install the VRM_HS_FAN if you plan on running the system at an overclock at high power.”
I found the part on Ebay, and I can order a Noctua fan. But at least I know I don’t need them.
I’m sure I’m going to seem a bit weird around here this and coming months. This is the first “newer” system rig I’ve built since 2022 — when I built a “new” Sky/Kaby with 2017 (new) parts. It’s been a while. And so I wonder if I’ve caught up sufficiently on any “new technology” on this STrix board, or I’m missing something. But I don’t think I’m missing anything here.
Some fans arrive tonight, and I think after they’re installed and I’ve hooked up my ODD and some hot-swap bays to the PSU and SATA ports, we’re going to light this candle for the first time. My fingers are crossed.