Best CPU Air Cooler for a mini-ITX case? (EVGA Hadron Air)

toshibitsu

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I have an i5-4690K w/ a stock cooler inside this case. Was considering that "NOFAN"(CR-80EH) unit from Korea... but if I decided to buy something state side, what would provide the best cooling & still fit fine(not get in the way of the GTX 1070 Ti that's in it or the memory sticks)?

of course, EVGA themselves recommend their 100-FS-C901-KR : https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835288003
(I never really cared for that 'twist on' design though. Would rather have something with screws)

:bounce:

[EDIT] what about any of these from Fry's?(so I could just swing by after work): https://www.frys.com/search?storeNo=25,&cat=-73832&pType=pDisplay&fq=101856%20Air_Cooling
 
Solution
From this build:
https://pcpartpicker.com/b/Hzqkcf

The Noctua NH-U9S fits (so 124mm).
It does look like there's some room to spare too, but I can't find anything definitive on EVGA's on site for cooler height compatibility.

You're not going to find much better in terms of cooling performance without increasing height.

Cryorig C7's and similar "low profile" designs would fit too.... but they're going to rival the stock cooler in terms of performance (albeit a little smaller)
From this build:
https://pcpartpicker.com/b/Hzqkcf

The Noctua NH-U9S fits (so 124mm).
It does look like there's some room to spare too, but I can't find anything definitive on EVGA's on site for cooler height compatibility.

You're not going to find much better in terms of cooling performance without increasing height.

Cryorig C7's and similar "low profile" designs would fit too.... but they're going to rival the stock cooler in terms of performance (albeit a little smaller)
 
Solution
Oddly, EVGA hasn't put a CPU cooler height clearance in it's specs. Since they're suggesting that 100-FS-C901-KR cooler I'm going to assume anything over 92mm isn't going to fly. So the two big numbers you're going to be looking for is a cooler that fits within that height, and will support the 88w TDP of your CPU.

For the coolers you linked, only the TT Gravity i2 CPU Cooler Low Profile Design would work because of the height limitation.

For tower fans, I'd look at the Noctua NH-D9L or Noctua NH-U9B SE2. Tho with the NH-U9B SE2 you might run in to issues since you have to mount it vertically.

If you want a low profile cooler, something like the Cryorig C7, Noctua NH-L12S, NH-L9x65 or NH-L9i. Again make sure orientation isn't going to get in the way of your GPU.

If you go with the NOFAN cooler, I'd suggest making those top fans in to intake fans instead of exhaust to move as much are over that passive cooler as possible.

*Edit - If Barty1884 is right and you can throw a 124-125mm cooler in there, that opens options up a bit. I'd look at the Cryorig M9i as well as the NH-U9S they suggested. I'd really suggest emailing EVGAs support and find out the official numbers before buying a cooler.

*Further edit - Looks like the fans with that case come with the worlds smallest 3pin cable extension. Might be worth picking up a proper length 3pin fan cable extension when you buy your parts.