Need help finding Low Profile CPU Cooler (Mini-ITX build)

Cooling Processors quietly

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Mari0-Br0s
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Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2005 4:15 pm
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Need help finding Low Profile CPU Cooler (Mini-ITX build)

Post by Mari0-Br0s » Thu May 29, 2014 11:34 pm

Hello guys,

I've recently built a new NAS box. Instead of buying an all-in-one Synology or QNAP, I decided to build my own box.

I've been happily running this new toy for a week now, but the stock Intel HSF is driving me crazy, it's way too noisy. I have turned on the ASUS fan control in the BIOS and the fan runs at 1500rpm minimum and even this is way too loud.

I have a Noctua NH-L9i and a Scythe Kuzoti in other PC that I own, but they won't fit in this particular build.

You can see multiple pictures of the computer here: https://picasaweb.google.com/117887570503925809876/NAS

The case has a 40mm clearance for a CPU cooler, so in theory the Noctua and Scythe that I have should fit, but they don't because of my motherboard. I use an ASUS H87i-PLUS motherboard, and the USB3.0 header at mid-board is located in a way that, if I plug my front USB3.0 port (which I do, since I need it), I am unable to install neither of those CPU cooler.

The following pictures describes the problem I am facing.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1178875705 ... 1292856786
https://picasaweb.google.com/1178875705 ... 5658201986
https://picasaweb.google.com/1178875705 ... 4895202802
https://picasaweb.google.com/1178875705 ... 5218622322

I can reroute the blue SATA cable, that is not a problem.

Also the 40mm clearance seems 40mm, not 41. So a 40mm CPU cooler in height would touch the interior HDD cage and that will cause insane vibrations.

Another problem I have, is that there isn't much room on the otherside of the motherboard, so any huge mounting mecanism wouldn't work. The snap-in deisgn of the stock Intel HSF seems to be the only compatible design in this case.

So I am looking for a good quiet low-profile CPU cooler that would be about 38mm in height top, and that wouldn't be bigger than the Intel HSF, which means using a 80mm fan. The mounting system must not be too thick too.

Any recommendation would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Phil

EDIT: Oh yeah, the CPU I need to keep cool is a 4th Gen Intel Core i3-4130T, it's a 35W CPU that has a limit of 66.5 celcius.

quest_for_silence
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Re: Need help finding Low Profile CPU Cooler (Mini-ITX build

Post by quest_for_silence » Fri May 30, 2014 1:26 am

Mari0-Br0s wrote:I have a Noctua NH-L9i and a Scythe Kuzoti in other PC that I own, but they won't fit in this particular build.

The Noctua fan comes with a LNA adapter, in the retail box. Whether the cooler sports the same cable, what about using it to feed the stock cooler? Alternatively you may look for an USB 3.0 extension cable in order to try to conveniently mod the relevant connector. You may also either buy a pre-built extension, or make your own low profile cable from scratch.

By the way, looking at the images it isn't extremely clear why the Kozuti (now there's also the 80mm Kodati) can't fit.

Mari0-Br0s
Posts: 152
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2005 4:15 pm
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Re: Need help finding Low Profile CPU Cooler (Mini-ITX build

Post by Mari0-Br0s » Fri May 30, 2014 6:49 pm

Wow, that is a great idea, I didn't think that pre-built extention with a smaller connector existed. I'll definately be getting one like you linked.

I also found via this forum, thanks to Abula's post that Scythe is releasing a smaller low profile cpu cooler called the Kodati. I'll be looking forward for this cooler, the size seems perfect for my needs, but I'll have to wait for pictures of the actual mounting system, to make sure it fits my case.

Thank you very much for the suggestions. Now all I need to do is wait for this new cooler to get reviewed and shipped to online retailers.

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