NZXT Phantom with NH-D14

redfist · 9 Sep 2011 at 20:39

Hi All,

I'm needing a new CPU cooler so i can start to overclock a bit better. Since i have a NZXT Phantom with all 7 fans i was wondering if i could fit a NH-D14 in as well. The 200mm side fan is from NZXT whihc is 30mm.

If i can't fit it can anyone else suggest another good cooler?

Thanks

AgedIdiot · 10 Sep 2011 at 08:49

Depends on how high the cooler is. I believe that any cooler above 160 will give you problems/will not fit.
I found that my Prolimatech Megahalams would not fit with the side fan installed.
Tried to get round the problem by replacing the nzxt fan with a bit fennix (only 20mm deep) to find that firstly it was a bugger to fit (nzxt 200 case fittings appear to be designed to work with nzxt fans only) and secondly the cooling properties were rubbish. (it did not fit together too easily either if memory serves me correctly).
Decided that the nzxt side fan was essential, so that meant getting a quality short cpu cooler, which was not as easy as it sounds.
Solution in end was to buy an Alc Eco sealed water cooling unit BUT because of problems with clearance at both side and top had to replace the top (directly above the cpu) nzxt fan with the slimmer bit fennix fan and could only use the one fan on the radiator (basically the radiator is fitted inside in order : rubber grommets , Apache fan exhausting out of case and radiator.
Might not be the correct way of fitting but everything runs cool and ,running minimum fan speed, (most importantly) quiet.
If you are tempted by any of the sealed units be wary - there are clearance issues with nealy all of them!
Sorry for the very lengthly post! Hopefully my experience will help.

j.col · 10 Sep 2011 at 11:42

according to NZXT your case is 222mm wide,
the NH-D14 is 160mm with the fan, but then allow for stand offs etc...
just cut a piece of cardboard 160mm high and sit it on your mobo to check for clearence.
i have a NZXT Hades, but its only 200mm wide and my side fan did not fit.
i also have a NH-D14, but at a guess its about 10mm too high, so i just mounted the side fan on the outside of my case.,

redfist · 17 Sep 2011 at 11:25

Thanks guys, sorry i haven't replied you haven't been ignored i've just been on holiday.

I to think the side fan is essential as well, i've had a look at other coolers and have now come to the conclusion that i'll be getting a Noctua NH-C14. My thinking is thats alothough its expensive it cools well and has a very low profile. Also in future i might pop this into a HTPC.