Subject: Re: CPU cooler clearance: Why our data sometimes deviates from the case manufacturer's specs | Noctua
On Wed, 8/12/2026 1:36 AM, Mr. Chang Man-wai wrote:
CPU cooler clearance: Why our data sometimes deviates from the case manufacturer's specs | Noctua
<https://www.noctua.at/en/expertise/blog/cpu-cooler-clearance-why-our-data-sometimes-deviates-from-the-case-manufacturers-specs>
<https://www.hkepc.com/26433/>
Yes, you should check the module clearance, before you buy hardware.
Buying excessively tall memory modules is just silly.
I have some modules here, where the top-metal part can be
unscrewed from the module, which reduces the height of the module.
You will need your smallest jewellers screwdriver for this.
So yes, we know about the clearance issue, it is a constant pain
in the ass. In some cases, the RAM module cannot be removed,
without removing the second fan from the cooler, so there is
room to work. There might nominally be 1 millimeter of clearance,
but when the module is unplugged, it won't rotate out of the
way for you. You need a good amount of clearance so that
module insertion and removal can be done without removing
other stuff.
This is similar to being a car mechanic and "knowing a trick
for removing the alternator". On one of my cars, it may have involved
removing a wheel and CV joint, and easing the alternator out the
side of the car. RAM modules can seem like that at times. I have
one computer, where pushing the modules into the socket, can
only be assisted with "a wooden stick". There is no room to
get your fingers down into the hardware, to secure the module.
That's on the computer that has eight sticks of RAM, four of the
sticks being hard to get at and underneath a huge cooler. You do not
want to remove the cooler, as it is difficult to get the
securing screws on it, back into place. Some coolers, the screw
engagement is poor and the screws simply refuse to pick up
the thread on the mating motherboard part. It can take ten to
fifteen minutes, working one of your hands down near where the
screw meets the motherboard and "feeling for it", to get the
stupid thing back into place.
Paul
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