Heatsink clearance with RAM and GPU

badbiddy · 23 Feb 2014 at 23:14

I keep reading reviews on CPU coolers about people having issues with clearance (or lack of) between the heatsink/fan and the RAM and or GPU.

I'm ordering a Z87X-OC and don't want to have to order low profile memory to fit a cooler.

Surely I can just align the cooler a different direction if it conflicts with the RAM or is this something to actually worry about?

Bart_Hunt · 23 Feb 2014 at 23:17

You'd want a cooler to blow the air towards back of the case.
Most coolers are just fine, but when you instal fans then there may be some problems.
What ram do you have?
I use Avexir core and my Megahalems with 120mm fans fits 'just about' with 1-2mm space left in between fans and ram.

Umm, and did you mean X79 or Z87X-oc there?

badbiddy · 23 Feb 2014 at 23:55

Heh thanks

Only have Corsair Vengeance 8GB atm, it's just a cost thing I don't want to have a to build a whole new computer at once (I say that now lol).

I got a Corsair Air 540 so I could have fans at the top pulling air out the case if I point the cooler upward (surely that makes sense anyway?)

Bart_Hunt · 24 Feb 2014 at 00:35

About air direction, depends :-)

And most coolers are made to direct air to back of the case.
You should be ok with cooler the size of Megahalem with that ram.
Avexir core is 37mm tall. Check your corsair, but I am sure its similar.