CPU Cooler for a MATX board

Casdawer · 5 Sep 2016 at 16:28

Hello,

I have a Asus H81M-K board with both RAM slots being used.

I'm looking at getting a new CPU cooler but worried that the cooler might not fit.

What CPU cooler would give me the best RAM clearance?

Would it be best to go for an ITX based cooler?

I quite like the CM Hyper 412S

Case: in win 503
CPU: i5 4670 (non k)

Thanks.

Jony27 · 7 Sep 2016 at 08:04

We need to know what ram you have first.

I have a matx board but have low profile ram and can fit the dark rock Pro 3 no problem

doyll · 7 Sep 2016 at 12:34

And case you are putting it all in .. to know what the case CPU clearance

Bantu · 7 Sep 2016 at 13:04

Noctua provide a detailed compatibility list for their coolers.
This is for motherboard and RAM clearance:
http://noctua.at/en/mainboard/Asus_H81M-K

I have the U14s which clears the RAM on my board without issues. It is very tall though.

doyll · 7 Sep 2016 at 13:39

NH-U14S is also very wide .. 150mm if memory serves meaning it's 75mm from center of base toward PCIe socket.

True Spirit 140 rev. A cools just as well, is less money and 69mm center base toward PCIe socket.

Bantu · 7 Sep 2016 at 14:32

yep definitely very wide! depends on the motherboard if you'll have any issues. Sounds like the true spirit would be better in this scenario then!

Casdawer · 7 Sep 2016 at 15:26

So I broke my motherboard last night so had to buy a new one!

Ended up getting a better motherboard (MSI H97 GAMING 3) so I should now be able to fit any CPU cooler in it!

Bantu · 7 Sep 2016 at 16:24

ah. sorry to hear about the broken mobo.

Make sure you check how tall the cooler you get is and that it will be compatible with your case!