GA-X58A-UD3R cooler and all DDR slots used?

BillHicksRIP · 23 Feb 2011 at 23:59

Hi. I'm looking to pickup a GA-X58A-UD3R mobo which will be housing 2 x Corsair Vengeance 12GB (3x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Triple Channel Kit so all the slots will be filled. I'm looking for a CPU cooler that will not be obstructed by all the slots being filled and with the Vengeance's heat spreaders. And, preferably, one that's easy to fit! I won't be overclocking the CPU (Intel Core i7 960) for the forseeable future. It's a new build so am ok with motherboard backing plates. Any suggestions appreciated, especially on the easy to fit point.

1Day · 24 Feb 2011 at 09:36

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18245194

That Antec Kuhler might be what you are looking for. Or something like it, H50 or the H70.

BillHicksRIP · 24 Feb 2011 at 10:24

Thanks for the reply. I'm after a heatsink and fan as a couple of comments in the H50 reviews say that the X58 chipsets run hot due to not having the expected cooling from the HSF.

BillHicksRIP · 24 Feb 2011 at 10:56

Actually, you might be right about one of those. Am worried about clearance issues between the cooler and the RAM, especially RAM with heatspreaders. This article sums it up well. Sigh. Nothing is ever straightforward.

1Day · 24 Feb 2011 at 10:59

It all depends on your case. And the number of fans you have in your case. If your 120mm fan at the back of your case is the ONLY fan then I fully agree with your assessment. But if you have a more complete thermal solution with your particular case then it is not an issue. For example I use Antec 1200 and Corsair 600T cases and they have very good air flow patterns.

BillHicksRIP · 24 Feb 2011 at 11:20

I've got a spare Antec 300 which it could go into but like the look of the Fractal Design Define XL Full Tower Case - Black Pearl which has included fans and is quite spacious.

1Day · 24 Feb 2011 at 12:14

The issue with the chip set getting warm is only relevant when the case does not have other fans brining about air flow. That is mainly a problem with the entry level cases. Your case selection is quite a beauty. And has the two fans in the front pushing in air that will flow over the motherboard. Not sure if it has a top exhaust fan...

Edit: Sure does. Good to go I suspect mate.

BillHicksRIP · 24 Feb 2011 at 13:46

Thans. Ordered! Ah, that queasy feeling you get in your stomach after making a large purchase.

BillHicksRIP · 26 Feb 2011 at 12:56

Just a message to say thanks for the tip on the H50. Was an absolute breeze to install while following the YouTube vid on the product page. I think I'm going to go down this route from now on as I've had a few annoying installs using traditional tower heatsinks.