Noctua NH-D15 Compatibility

[Wilkie323]

Hi everyone,

I planning on building my own pc, and in the process of picking a CPU cooler I came across the Noctua NH-D15. Looking at its performance, it seems like a great buy, however, I was wondering if it would get in the way of my RAM (Corsair 16GB CMK16GX4M2A2400C14) and graphics card on my motherboard (Asus Z170 Pro). I've already checked that it (165mm) fits in my case (up to 170mm; Antec P280). Can you see any concerns in terms of compatibility?

Thanks!

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Board is compatible , memory info below:

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=68&lng=en#LGA1151
LGA1151 Asus Z170 Pro Gaming Yes

The front fins of the NH-D15 generally protrude over the RAM slots. Due to the recessed lower fins, it is still possible to use RAM modules with up to 64mm height in single fan mode. In dual fan mode, the front fan will sit above the RAM slots as well. In this case, Noctua recommends using standard height RAM (up to 32mm). However, in chassis with more than 165mm CPU cooler clearance, the front fan can be moved upwards to make room for memory modules taller than 32mm (e.g. moving the fan 5mm up will increase the total height from 165 to 170mm and make room for 37mm tall modules).

 

[azaran]

Checking the compatibility of the cooler with its webpage, it looks like you shouldn't have a problem. The Pro is listed as compatible.
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=68&lng=en

As for the RAM, the cooler has a stock height of 32mm clearance. You're RAM has a size of about 34mm, Corsair doesn't say anywhere so this is based off reviews. However you can move the fan up if you want to so you can clear those extra 2mm. It's easy enough since you're putting the fan on yourself anyway when you build it.

Word of warning as someone who owns this cooler. Its a frickin beast of a cooler. Its big and its pretty heavy so make sure you always take that in to account should you move your case around. It has the best mounting system I've seen on a tower cooler, its just heavy and most boards these days only have 6-8 pcb layers at most.