Q: Has anyone tried a large CPU cooler in this case (in particular the Noctua NH-D15), the spec sheet for the case lists 160mm on Zalmans web site and the D15 is 165mm, but I was wondering if their is any "give" to the case specs since its only 5mm off. Also what coolers have you guys used that did fit (or ones you tried that didn't) Thanks! ? <-a question mark so newegg will let me post this question...

For me, I've found that my Zalman M1 case was spot on to the specs and that there was absolutely no wiggle room in regards to space. If they said it was "X mm high", then it's been exactly as they state. This became extremely troublesome when they say it will take a 350mm video card but didn't provide exact measurements for that part of the case. Technically yes it will fit the card, however on most newer vid cards, you won't be able to plug it in; the upper SSD tray ends up being only 3-5mm away from the card, leaving no room to access the power plugs. This forced me to drill out the upper tray (because it is riveted in) so that I could use my RX470 card. As for CPU coolers, I went with the Noctua NH-U9S 92mm cooler and can't be happier. It fits great in the case and provides superb cooling for my OC'd i7-6700k.

Question 1

Will a gtx 480 fit in this?
10.5 inches (267 mm)

Accepted Answer

I thought I would respond to this to help avoid some confusion and in my instance, aggravation with this issue.  I purchased a RX470 for use in this case as part of a new PC build.  I reviewed information and schematics from Zalman.  While technically the Zalman M1 will fit a graphics card that is up to 350mm long, the issue is the non-removeable SSD tray at the top of the case, which limits useable width.  If your vid card has the power plugs on the "top" of the card (when plugged into the mobo) instead of the end, then you may not be able to power the video card without removing this SSD tray as there is only about 3-5mm of space between the tray and the card pcb.  Instead of returning the case, trying to find another that suited my needs and wait for it to ship (thus delaying my pc build), I simply drilled out the 5 punch-rivets holding the tray in place and discarded it.

While there is no longer an attachment point at the top of the 3-hdd tray inside the case (because I removed the SSD tray), the single mount point at the bottom is more than sturdy enough to keep the 3 hdd's in place.

Question 2

What fans can you put in the case? Everywhere I looked it says 4x 120mm but the front looks like it has 140mm holes as well... Does the top also have spots for 1440mm fans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the top has room for two 140mm fans.  Personally, I covered mine from the inside with acoustic foam.  I like air to come in the front and go out the back, but that's a personal preference.

Question 3

Has anyone tried a large CPU cooler in this case (in particular the Noctua NH-D15), the spec sheet for the case lists 160mm on Zalmans web site and the D15 is 165mm, but I was wondering if their is any "give" to the case specs since its only 5mm off.

Also what coolers have you guys used that did fit (or ones you tried that didn't) 
Thanks!
? <-a question mark so newegg will let me post this question...

Accepted Answer

For me, I've found that my Zalman M1 case was spot on to the specs and that there was absolutely no wiggle room in regards to space.  If they said it was "X mm high", then it's been exactly as they state.  This became extremely troublesome when they say it will take a 350mm video card but didn't provide exact measurements for that part of the case.  Technically yes it will fit the card, however on most newer vid cards, you won't be able to plug it in; the upper SSD tray ends up being only 3-5mm away from the card, leaving no room to access the power plugs.  This forced me to drill out the upper tray (because it is riveted in) so that I could use my RX470 card.

As for CPU coolers, I went with the Noctua NH-U9S 92mm cooler and can't be happier.  It fits great in the case and provides superb cooling for my OC'd i7-6700k.

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