Snapmaker U1 Mainboard & PSU Cooling Brackets for Noctua NF‑A9x14 Fans + Chamber Insert/Divider

This project includes cooling brackets for mounting 92 mm Noctua NF‑A9x14 fans to the Snapmaker U1 mainboard and PSU, along with a chamber insert/divider that improves airflow and adds thermal separation inside the electronics bay.

Print Settings:

• 100 % infill

• 0.2mm layer height (follow the orientation in the pictures for best strength)

• Printed in PETG to avoid warping since it may get a bit hot in the side panel

The chamber insert/divider is a remix of the insulation panel from this MakerWorld model: Snapmaker u1 mainbord insulation and cooling - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld I removed the original mounting points, as they weren’t necessary for stability or airflow control in my setup, resulting in a cleaner and simpler insert.

Thanks to @Dare_286861 for a cleaner remix of the file: Remix – Snapmaker U1 Z-Screw Cover / Insulation - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld

Mainboard Fan Bracket

A slim 39 mm × 3 mm PETG arm that mounts a Noctua NF‑A9x14 above the mainboard, blowing downward across the heatsink, stepper drivers, and capacitors. Printed flat so the layers run along the beam for maximum strength. Keeps the drivers around 50–70 °C (with the panel closed) with very low noise and vibration.

Uses M3 heat‑set inserts (short 3 mm tall type). Insert pocket is sized for a 4.0 mm hole in PETG. Fan mounts with standard M3 screws (M3×12–16 mm depending on grill thickness).

PSU Cooling Frame

Designed for setups where the PSU fan pulls air out of the PSU (factory behavior). Fits like stock - I spent a lot of time dialing in the geometry, so the side panel closes cleanly. Some other models work, but their added thickness prevented my panel from closing. Includes additional cable paths at the bottom for convenience.

Wiring Notes (How I Powered Both Fans)

For the PSU connection, I kept a long wire stub from the original PSU fan cable and soldered it directly into the 24 V → 12 V buck converter (VIN+ / VIN–). The buck converter steps the PSU’s 24 V fan output down to 12 V for the Noctua fans.

From the 12 V output of the buck converter, I soldered on a 4‑pin PC‑fan male cable (power only: +12 V / GND). That male fan lead plugs into a Noctua NA‑SYC1 4‑pin Y‑splitter, which powers both NF‑A9x14 fans from a single connector.

Since the U1 only provides 2‑wire power, the fans run at full speed - but they remain extremely quiet thanks to the Noctua fans.

Chamber Insert/Divider

Creates a defined airflow path and adds thermal separation between the electronics bay and the heated build chamber. Works with the Noctua fans to improve cooling efficiency and temperature stability.

Designed Around

• Noctua NF‑A9x14 PWM (run in 2‑wire mode via a 24 V -> 12 V buck converter and Noctua splitters)
  -> AliExpress 24 V → 12 V Buck Converter

• High‑efficiency Noctua 92 mm fan grill

This setup keeps the U1 drivers well below thermal throttling with extremely low vibration and noise.

Design Goals

• Minimal material

• No interference with the side panel

• Strong, simple geometry

• Clean airflow paths

• Easy screwdriver access

• Optional heat‑set inserts

If you want a quiet, reliable cooling upgrade without bulky ducts or shrouds, this setup works great.

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