What cpu cooler for x58a-ud3r

[pilotp2099]

Hello,

I'm looking for a CPU cooler to fit the GA-X58A-UD3R Rev 2.0 with all memory slots occupied. Decent cooling for overclocking and not too pricey. I was thinking a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus, but it would extend to fill the case (as it is 16cm high). Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
pilotp2099

[Grozdan]

If the height is a problem then the selection of proper cooler might be a problem because almost every good cooler has similar height. As for the price, that CM 212+ is excellent choice but I would recommend creating push pull on it (with the same fans).

You should also consider buying low profile memory because you might encounter problem with every cooler on first 2 memory slots (this is especially true for AMD)!

[pilotp2099]

What about a Scythe Shuriken or CM Vortex Plus?

P.S. I already baught my memory and it's not too low either.

[Grozdan]

These coolers aren't that bad but if you have overclock in you mind then I can't recommend them. For more serious overclocking I wouldn't recommend anything below CM 212+ but that's just my opinion... I prefer to have as low temperature as I can get with the money I have!

As for memory (and this is just an example):
1. no problems with any coolers http://www.corsair.com/memory/intel-memory-upgrades/dual-channel-intel-memory-upgrade-kits/vengeance-low-profile-blue-16gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cml16gx3m4a1600c9b.html
2. big problems with most of coolers http://www.corsair.com/memory/intel-memory-upgrades/dual-channel-intel-memory-upgrade-kits/vengeance-16gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz16gx3m4a1600c9b.html

What kind of memory did you buy?

[pilotp2099]

The memory I baught was Komputerbay 1333 DDR3 DIMM: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003OSUU6Y
24GB of it (6x4GB). (I now know it's overkill, although I wish I had when I baught it!)

Judging by the look of the two memory modules on the links you povided me, I don't think it will be a problem.

[Dark Mantis]

The memory module actual size should be fine but are they listed as compatible with the motherboard ? I take it they were actually purchased as two matching  kits of three modules ?

You will almost certainly have to tweak the settings in the BIOS and up the memory voltage and northbridge too.

[pilotp2099]

It is compattible with the motherboard and I purchased 3 sets of 2 modules, all identical.

[Dark Mantis]

I am not sure that it is compatible to be honest as the motherboard is Triple Channel and the memory that you have purchased is Dual Channel!

[pilotp2099]

Look here: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3449#sp

It says:

2. Dual/3 channel memory architecture

[Grozdan]

This is a low profile memory and it shouldn't be any problems no matter what CPU cooler you decide to buy. This might be a "small" overkill but you can never have "too much" memory! The biggest problem is that you are going to have to reduce quantity of memory when you make upgrade. It's not a big deal if you aren't going to make upgrade for longer time but it might cause you to believe that you wasted some of the money if you decide to upgrade soon (LGA 1366 is now completely outdated even though it still packs a massive performance)...

As for the cooler, I really don't know what to tell you - you can try that Shuriken but see if you can fit 25mm fan (instead of 12mm which comes by def). Some better fan at 1200-1600RPM should ensure better CFM and thus better cooling performance!

EDIT: I just saw that Shuriken packs 100mm size fan which could prove to be a big problem because I don't know any 25mm fans in 100mm size (only 120mm)...

[Dark Mantis]

Look here: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3449#sp

It says:

2. Dual/3 channel memory architecture

Yes I do know the architecture, I am even using the X58A-UD7 for this post. True you can use it as Dual Channel but then you really paid for something that you are not using as the Triple Channel gives an added performance boost. Not only that but you are also filling all the banks therefore making Triple Channel the only option. To run Dual Channel configuration you can only fill DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3 and DDR3_4 leaving banks 5 and 6 clear.

[pilotp2099]

Thanks everyone! I'll just sell the other two memory modules on eBay. As for the cooler, I'll keep looking for a good one.

pilotp2099

[Dark Mantis]

There is a good selection here that you can browse through. Maybe find a suitable style.

http://www.candccentral.co.uk/cpu-heatsinks/