GA-H55N-USB3 HSF Options

[tucansam]

Hi gang.

I am building a Xeon X3440-based system on a Gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3 in a Sugo SG05.

I intend to use the PCI-E slot and therefore am shopping for a heatsink that will fit this cramped board/case combo.

I may venture into overclocking the Xeon, but not too much.  I am upgrading from a 3Ghz P4 so I'm not worried about not seeing a performance increase even at stock speeds.

Anyhow, I have come up with the following options:

- Xigmatek Cobra
- Cooler Master GeminII S
- Thermalright AXP-140
- Prolimatech Samuel 17

I know the Xigmatek will fit but its not exactly designed for a 95w CPU, as far as I can tell.  It would be my last choice.  I've read that the GeminII S will fit, perhaps with some mods, such as cutting down of the fins.  The AXP-140 and Samuel 17 _appear_ as though they would fit, but I have no solid proof of this.  The Samuel 17 may need to be cut down too...

Even if all four would fit, I'm not sure which would offer the best performance.  It seems as though they're all short enough to accommodate a slim fan to augment my case and PSU fans.

Any comments on the above heatsinks combined with the Gig MB, leaving the PCI-E slot available?

Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I am sure that two minutes with my chainsaw and any of them would fit 
Seriously that is one small case and it is going to be tight whatever you choose. I really think there will be some modding to be done and of course that can impact on the efficiency of the cooler. I can't say which is best for you as I have no experience with this case at all but maybe someone else on the forum can help you there.