Will This CPU Cooler Block Anything On My Motherboard?

[j-dog499]

I am currently thinking of buying the MSI Z270 GAMING M7 motherboard as it provides everything I need and everything is sorted out except the cooler. I am planning on getting the Cooler Master v8 gts (5.9 x 6.6 x 6.1 in) and I was wondering whether this is too big for the motherboard, or will block/squish anything. If it matters, Im going to use the NZXT H440.

 

[raisonjohn]

The V8 GTS will fit, but will block the view of the RAM sticks.

Notice how the V8 GTS, at the left side is close to the Rear Fan and, at the right side overlaps those RAM modules (though this motherboard is not the Z270 Gaming 7).

Based on another build, though (not the NZXT H440 or the Gaming M7), the taller heat spreaders of the G.Skill Trident Z would fit below the V8 GTS.

 

[j-dog499]

is being too close to the rear fan a problem for airflow? I was going to get a 280 mm liquid cooler and stick it up top (where they could also act as an exhaust vent) but any good quality ones were at least 30-40 USD more expensive.

 

[j-dog499]

I am considering the corsair h100i as it is not much more expensive ant the led can be red to match my theme, which is almost definitely better based on reviews. Im only afraid it will leak, though it has occurred in few cases, and even fewer where corsair did not resolve it.

 

[raisonjohn]

Yeah that is the concern of AIO's, although it will rarely leak, there is still that chance it will.

I had the DeepCool Captain 120 before (fit's nicely with your red theme), but it leaked, thankfully within the 2-year warranty, and no components were damaged. Was replaced by the newer and better EX versions though.

Air coolers avoid those risks. Though, a good air cooler can only go as much as the cooling performance of a 120mm/140mm single rad AIO and can't beat those good 240mm/280mm AIOs (such as the H100i).

The Cooler Master V8 GTS is really more of looks than performance (for a hefty price!). I don't know of any good air coolers with that red LED blings. But I can suggest better performing black-themed air coolers (no LEDs though) that fits your H440 case (with 180mm CPU height clearance):

Cryorig R1 Ultimate (http://www.cryorig.com/r1-ultimate_us.php)
Black Frame/Heat Sink and Dark Gray Fans | CPU Cooler Height: 168.3mm (6.6") | 2 Fans

be quiet! Dark Rock 3 (http://www.bequiet.com/en/cpucooler/483)
Black Frame/Heat Sink and Black Fans | CPU Cooler Height: 160mm (6.3") | 1 Fan

Some don't feel the need of installing a rear exhaust fan if the CPU Cooler was made to act as an exhaust (it depends on preferences).

 

[j-dog499]

Yeah that is the concern of AIO's, although it will rarely leak, there is still that chance it will.

I had the DeepCool Captain 120 before (fit's nicely with your red theme), but it leaked, thankfully within the 2-year warranty, and no components were damaged. Was replaced by the newer and better EX versions though.

Air coolers avoid those risks. Though, a good air cooler can only go as much as the cooling performance of a 120mm/140mm single rad AIO and can't beat those good 240mm/280mm AIOs (such as the H100i).

The Cooler Master V8 GTS is really more of looks than performance (for a hefty price!). I don't know of any good air coolers with that red LED blings. But I can suggest better performing black-themed air coolers (no LEDs though) that fits your H440 case (with 180mm CPU height clearance):

Cryorig R1 Ultimate (http://www.cryorig.com/r1-ultimate_us.php)
Black Frame/Heat Sink and Dark Gray Fans | CPU Cooler Height: 168.3mm (6.6") | 2 Fans

be quiet! Dark Rock 3 (http://www.bequiet.com/en/cpucooler/483)
Black Frame/Heat Sink and Black Fans | CPU Cooler Height: 160mm (6.3") | 1 Fan

Some don't feel the need of installing a rear exhaust fan if the CPU Cooler was made to act as an exhaust (it depends on preferences).

Thanks for the suggestions, but Im fairly sure that I will just get the h100i, or if not change the mobo so Im not paying for the privilege to water cool for no reason.