CPU cooler recommendations for DIY router?

[Jatismara]

Can anyone recommend a quiet CPU cooler for core i3 (54watt) that will fit an Apex DM-317-A case, without blocking any RAM or PCIe slots?

[CA_Steve]

As noted in your other thread, there's no mechanical data for this case. You'll need to measure the clearances. Or, better...just try the i3 with the stock cooler using mobo fan firmware. You aren't going to stress the CPU...chances are the stock cooler fan can just idle along.

[Jatismara]

[quote="CA_Steve"]As noted in your other thread, there's no mechanical data for this case. You'll need to measure the clearances. Or, better...just try the i3 with the stock cooler using mobo fan firmware. You aren't going to stress the CPU...chances are the stock cooler fan can just idle along.[

Please advise exactly what sort of "mechanical data" is needed, and I maybe can supply it.

[quest_for_silence]

Mostly cooler height clearance.

[CA_Steve]

Easy way: email Apex customer support and ask for the CPU clearance height.

Harder way: Buy the case, mobo and CPU and then measure the clearance from the CPU to the case after installation...but if you've gone this far, probably worth trying out the stock cooler first.

[VERiON]

Frankly... I don't know what is so special with this case.
If you want a small case with i3 - why not to buy a second hand dell small form factor pc (or HP)?
Like - Dell Optiplex 390 Small Form Factor (SFF) or bigger if you need more extension cards.

Your case alone is around $50 and that DELL can be bought for $120 where I live.
If you won't be happy with how quiet it is - you can always buy some aftermarket fans.
But I've had one of those and remember it was pretty quiet - but I have to admit it was in office enviroment (not that quiet background to check if PC is "silent").

[quest_for_silence]

Frankly... I don't know what is so special with this case.

It looks like an Antec Minuet knock-off.

[lodestar]

Apex give the case width as 99mm from which would have be deducted an allowance for mounting the motherboard and some clearance with the case side. So around 90mm max would be reasonable. I suspect the number of CPU coolers of 90mm height or less is going to be somewhat limited. But it would include potential low cost choices such as the Gelid Solutions Siberian Pro that comes in at 89mm and is compact enough not to interfere with other components.