GA-X58A-UD3R CPU cooler/memory interference advice needed

[FrugalGuy]

I just ordered another 6G of G. Skill F3-12800CL7T-6GBPI 7-8-7-24 memory for my GA-X58A-UD3R. Currently I have 6G of the same memory installed. The CPU cooler is a Noctua NH-U12P which definitely will interfere with that memory's tall heat sinks. I'd like to stay with air cooling so was looking at the Noctua NH-C12P SE14 which appears to have more room underneath for memory clearance. Does anyone here have one of these installed? Any idea what the height is off the board? The other reason I'm wanting to change to a downflow is to try and get some cooling air to my Northbridge heat sinks. Currently my NB is running over 60c at idle and hits 80 pretty quick under load, due in part to my current cooler's sideflow design.

[flyfisher]

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R CPU cooler/memory interference advice needed

Although not the same cooler, here is a review on the new Noctua NH-C14.

Noctua NH-C14 Dual Fan Top-down CPU Cooler | silentpcreview.com

It states there is 46 mm clearance under the bottom fan, if that helps. I read a few reviews on the NH-C12P SE14 but no mention of clearance other than RAM with tall heatspreaders might not fit. Perhaps you can email Noctua and get some info?

[profJim]

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R CPU cooler/memory interference advice needed

The Noctua web site has detailed drawings for each cpu cooler that shows the dimensions and clearances.
I like downdraft coolers, but they generally offer less cpu cooling performance than the upright tower type coolers.
A better solution might be to add an additional cooling fan to cool other motherboard components.

[Psycho101]

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R CPU cooler/memory interference advice needed

The new NH-C14 actually offers slightly better cooling in a lot of reviews compared to the U14. Only problem is it doesn't exhaust warm air as efficiently, because a tower cooler will output directly towards rear extraction in most cases.

Noctua do indeed have detailed measurements on their website. There may also be a compatibility list/pdf, but don't expect it to be up to date if there is one, unfortunately those kind of things are seldom updated.

Another thing worth noting is that if the cooler encroaches on the RAM slots metely because of its fan, you can mount it on the rear, sucking air through the heat sink. That will increase temps by maybe 1-3c but would be worth it. You could also deliberately raise the fan slightly while keeping it on the front. I can raise the fan upward by just over 1cm on my TRUE and still have the fan clips work to keep the fan in place.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R CPU cooler/memory interference advice needed

You could always buy an Antec Spot Cool fan to point at the NB if that is more of your concern once you do find a tower style cooler that will work with your memory.