ASUS MAXIMUS VI IMPACT at Noctua NH-L12 (ps Silver Arrow)

[wshinds]

Trying to figure out the best cooling solution for my new build project. I've discarded the CLC systems offered by Corsair, Intel and Antec, they underperform air cooling solutions in almost every scenario, and introduce technology (the corsair link system, antec's own similar system) where technology has no business. Just cool the damn CPU.

I've decided in lieu of doing a custom water build at the beginning to go with an air solution in the interim, while I order my radiators and water blocks for my custom solution.

I am working on a CaseLabs Mercury S3, the motherboard sits flat (it does not hang vertical as in most traditional builds. Technically, I could fit a standard air cooler, I have the vertical clearance. I've never worked with a mATX motherboard before however, and am not used to my ram, NB and PCI being so clustered around the CPU.

Thanks for any suggestions or thoughts.

Best regards,

Scott

UPDATE: I just found a Thermalright Silver Arrow in the basement, New In Box, probably overkill but if I can use it, have top-notch air cooler, will this fit on the board? Again I am not concerned with vertical clearance.

 

[C12Friedman]

I'm thinking the vertical VRM on the Impact is going to play havoc with installation - I'd be inclined to believe it will not fit due to that. I only found one image of a Silver Arrow on an mini-ITX board and the cooler extended over the upper VRM area. I think it'd be awesome if it does fit but I'm not seeing it.

 

[wshinds]

I'm thinking the vertical VRM on the Impact is going to play havoc with installation - I'd be inclined to believe it will not fit due to that. I only found one image of a Silver Arrow on an mini-ITX board and the cooler extended over the upper VRM area. I think it'd be awesome if it does fit but I'm not seeing it.

Well damn, back into the basement with you Silver Arrow! I am just not convinced the CLCs are really all that good, half the reputable websites sing their praises (some of the higher end ones) while the others shame them.

Hmmmm what to do what to do...

 

[C12Friedman]

... I am just not convinced the CLCs are really all that good, half the reputable websites sing their praises (some of the higher end ones) while the others shame them...

I began my water cooling [strike]habit[/strike] hobby with an Intel BXRTS2011LC all-in-one (not many positive reviews for it) since I liked the looks of it ( especially the blue glowing Intel logo) and wasn't looking to get outrageous clocks from my machine (I was looking to 4.2-4.3 hopefully). I managed to get 4.8 stable with the all-in-one in there but what it really did was give me the confidence to go to a full loop. I discovered that the hardest part was the waterblock mounting which wasn't any harder than some aftermarket air coolers.
I've kept my all-in-one and have even used it again for a short time when I had a pump failure while waiting for the replacement pump - I like the idea of having a back-up solution that doesn't require me to alter my clocks and can still keep me at 100% load 24/7.