CPU fan in exhaust mode?

[jonisvipr]

So I've recently finished my new rig and went from full-atx to mini-itx. The only concern I have with my build is that the fan of my Noctua NH-U12S CPU cooler does not have enough clearance from my corsair 2x16GB RAM on the motherboard. If I try to install the fan as an intake, it pushes the RAM to the side by an uncomfortable amount.

Due to this, I set the CPU fan as an exhaust to the back side of the cooler. However, it is very close to the back exhaust fan of the case. Not touching or anything, but they run at different RPMs. The CPU fan based on temps (560-900RPMs), and the back case fan is connected to the AIO pump connector and thus runs at 1400RPMs continuously.

My case is an NZXT H210 and the fan setup is 2 front intakes, 1 exhaust at the back and one exhaust at the top, with the CPU fan in exhaust mode blowing directly on the back case fan. Peak stress temps reach 74 degrees and idle 32, but I am still a bit concerned if I should switch to an AIO, or if an exhaust CPU fan so close to the case back exhaust fan is still suitable for cooling and I should leave the system as is.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[jonisvipr]

@JClarke
I am using the ROG STRIX B560-I GAMING WIFI.
There is a wrong way with installing these CPU coolers? *shocked* Thought both sides have the same clearance but you might be right because I've checked the dimensions here: https://noctua.at/en/nh-u12s/specification and it does seems that one side has more clearance. This is strange as I was able to mount it without any issues and temps really don't look bad at all. Anyway, here is a pic as well. Will probably re-fit the cooler later today.

https://imgur.com/a/8zc7awh

@Zeebedy
Only have 2 RAM slots, otherwise I would do a 2-4 setup. The fan can't come off high enough to clear the RAM without touching the case and it would also not look very nice. Will try to re-fit the cooler and see if that clears it or otherwise its an AIO or CPU fan in exhaust mode for this machine.

 

[jonisvipr]

So I flipped the cooler, and indeed it seems to give just a bit more clearance, BUT still not enough for these beefy sticks though, still barely, pushes it. I was able to first mount the cooler along with the fan, and then push the RAM stick in without any relative force. Still no horizontal space for the RAM stick though. Here are some pictures to give you an idea. Also, temps are lower by 2-3 degrees with this setup (max 72), nothing major but will still keep this setup probably until I put the AIO in, reason I didn't use the AIO from the beginning is because I will be travelling frequently with the case in my carry-on luggage and I don't want any fuss from airport security about the water in the AIO so had to resolve to this bulkiness.

https://imgur.com/a/Ng5KcVz