Compatible cooler for the Asrock FM2A88x-ITX Mini Mobo

[Daniel Byun]

I've been browsing for a aftermarket cooler for some time and decided to go with the NZXT Respire T40 when I found out recently that my mobo (Asrock A88X-ITX+ Mini ITX Mobo) has a vrm on its back which does not allow mostly any aftermarket coolers to be installed. I am still not sure if the NZXT Respire T40 could be installed or not so if anyone knows please be sure to tell me. The only one I could find that was compatible was the Noctua NH-L9a because of its optional backplate-less installation. So I was wondering if anyone else has this board or knows of its compatibility with other coolers. Could you please tell me?

 

[i7Baby]

Why don't you just use the stock cooler than comes with your cpu?

 

[mickypheonix]

Hi Daniel Byun ,
The NZXT respire T40 is compatible with your motherboard
according to the compatible motherboard list for this cooler on pcpartpicker it is compatible
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/motherboard/?compatible_with=nzxt-cpu-cooler-rcrst4001

 

[Daniel Byun]

Why don't you just use the stock cooler than comes with your cpu?

Because recently while gaming, I have seen my CPU run at over 110+ degrees. I am not sure if it is the CPU problem or it is my cooling solution.

 

[mickypheonix]

try applying some new thermal compound and see if that reduces your temps , 110 is very high

 

[Daniel Byun]

Hi Daniel Byun ,
The NZXT respire T40 is compatible with your motherboard
according to the compatible motherboard list for this cooler on pcpartpicker it is compatible
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/motherboard/?compatible_with=nzxt-cpu-cooler-rcrst4001

Haha thanks, I've checked PC Part Picker but a tiny note says at the bottom of all your chosen parts saying that '* Some physical dimension restrictions cannot (yet) be automatically checked, such as cpu cooler / RAM clearance with modules using tall heat spreaders." So I am not quite sure.

 

[mickypheonix]

i understand , does your ram have tall heatsinks ?

 

[Daniel Byun]

i understand , does your ram have tall heatsinks ?

My ram modules are the G.Skill Ripjaws X 8GB Single kit.

 

[Daniel Byun]

try applying some new thermal compound and see if that reduces your temps , 110 is very high

Yep, I've reapplied my thermal paste over 3 times. Still I get the same results.

 

[mickypheonix]

then you will have trouble with the t40 , i recently went to install the t40 on a friends mobo similar to yours with ripjaws x and could not install it because of the ram height so perhaps best to go for a different cooler

 

[Daniel Byun]

then you will have trouble with the t40 , i recently went to install the t40 on a friends mobo similar to yours with ripjaws x and could not install it because of the ram height so perhaps best to go for a different cooler

Do you think I will be able to fit it in the 'B' slot?

 

[mickypheonix]

yes you will , it only just struck the closest ram to the cpu
do you have the cooler or going to buy it ?

 

[Daniel Byun]

yes you will , it only just struck the closest ram to the cpu
do you have the cooler or going to buy it ?

I'm either thinking of buying the Noctua NH-L9a or NZXT Respire t40. The noctua seems way too expensive for its cooling temps so i want to go with the NZXT Respire T40 unless I find a new and better cooler.

 

[mickypheonix]

what is your budget , how much do you want to spend ?

 

[Daniel Byun]

what is your budget , how much do you want to spend ?

From as low as possible to around $60 including shipping which makes the cooler I'm looking for around $50 or under.

 

[mickypheonix]

ok , US$ ?

 

[Daniel Byun]

ok , US$ ?

Nope, $AU. I've heard that Newegg now internationally ships to AU! Also theres Amazon.

 

[mickypheonix]

thats fine ,
how about this , in aus
http://evatech.com.au/cpu-cooler/2795-cooler-master-cpu-cooler-hyper-tx3-evo.html
or here
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18944&cPath=23

 

[Daniel Byun]

thats fine ,
how about this , in aus
http://evatech.com.au/cpu-cooler/2795-cooler-master-cpu-cooler-hyper-tx3-evo.html
or here
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18944&cPath=23

Thanks! But considering the temps, I'm still thinking of the NZXT Respire t40. I've also found the Silverstone AR02 Cooler. It seems decent but I'm not sure if it'll fit or not.

 

[mickypheonix]

i thought you wanted coolers without a backplate ? The AR02 has a backplate

 

[mickypheonix]

this is an excellent cooler
http://evatech.com.au/cpu-cooler/2791-cooler-master-cpu-cooler-hyper-212-evo.html
but did not suggest it because i thought you didn't want coolers with a backplate

 

[Daniel Byun]

this is an excellent cooler
http://evatech.com.au/cpu-cooler/2791-cooler-master-cpu-cooler-hyper-212-evo.html
but did not suggest it because i thought you didn't want coolers with a backplate

One of the online reviews said that coolers like the 212 Evo will not fit. But I found out that the NZXT Backplate has a lifted backplate except for the parts which hold the screws. In this case I think the only tower cooler I can go with is the CM TX3 that you recommended me or the Respire T40. Cause you installed one for your friend, you should know if the backplate is lifted. Is it actually lifted except for the parts where it connects the screws?

 

[mickypheonix]

you are correct , after research the 212 evo will cause issues

 

[Daniel Byun]

you are correct , after research the 212 evo will cause issues

Uh huh! So in your personal opinion do you think the NZXT Respire T40 is a good choice?

 

[mickypheonix]

if this helps the t40 with fan is 85mm with fan
and the tx3 is 79mm with fan
so the tx3 should just miss the first ram slot