Question 1

If I were to use a standard ATX motherboard, will this fit without obstructing anything? My ram is low profile and I only plan on using one graphics card. With two additional fans, how well would it fit?

Accepted Answer

That's a hard question to answer.  My best suggestion is check the measurements of the cooler and then check those against your motherboard.  I have the ASUS Z87 Deluxe and some of the parts surrounding the processor socket were a bit in the way - I had to bend the cooler bracket for it to fit without touching.  Also, it covers 1.5 of a my 4 memory slots.  Low profile ram might work, but I did 2x 8GB sticks for 16GB so that should take care of what I need for now.  It is a big cooler, but well worth the money if it will work.  Also, it's tall - so don't forget to check the height and how your case will fit with it too.  If you have a SFF or mini case, this won't work for you (sorry if you already knew that).  Good luck

Question 2

Would this be compatible on a x99 2011 v3 socket Motherboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I used this on my x99 build for a while and it keeps the CPU pretty cool. If you have a big enough case, I would highly recommend this one.

Question 3

Installed on a non O/C 4790K - seeing max load temps while gaming under CPUID at 62 C.  Is that to eb expected?  I question teh thermal paste that was included.

Accepted Answer

I'd ask the mfr.  I also don't know if 62C is hot or cool--you may want to research that.

I have mine on a Xeon-based file server/workstation in my office, so not a lot of demands on the CPU.  I got it because it is one of the quietest and simplest CPU coolers extant.  It cools just fine and it's definitely quiet.

If you're having cooling problems, check the orientation of the cooler's fan with the case exhaust fan.  It's easy to orient the cooler's fan at 90 degrees to the axis of the case fan, or blowing in opposition to the case fan.  In either case, cooling efficiency likely would be substantially degraded.

I'd also confirm contact between the cooler and CPU.  Thermal paste only just assures maximal surface contact between the two.  If the cooler is mounted correctly, any thermal paste is adequate.

Question 4

what is the weight on this in pounds?

Accepted Answer

875 grams, per the labeling on the box. Which breaks down to just over 1.95 Pounds.

It's no slouch of a heatsink, looks fantastic in my case, and I'm no slouch of a gamer or overclocker. My 2.83ghx stock intel chip sits at 3.85, 100% of the time. My chip has been overvolted to two steps below OEM Kill voltage since day 1. My cpu temp is never a concern. ever. Comes with all the hardware you need, and has a sturdy backplate that does a nice job of distributing the weight, don't worry, it's not too heavy. it IS, however, too tall for anything but a full tower case as far as I've seen.

Question 5

Will this work on a LGA 1151?

Accepted Answer

Yes it will work. Note this thing is huge, and can be a pain to install if you have a smaller case.

Question 6

Specs don't mention FM2+ socket.  Wondering if it will fit?

Accepted Answer

this cooler is HUGE I have multiple motherboards and cases but the real issue is the space between the vrm heatsinks on the motherboard.

I got it at a great deal but so far a no go. I would ask Zalman. I have talked to their tech support in the past and found them to be very helpful.

Question 7

I'm sure the heatsink is big to accomodate 140mm fans for the optional front and back ones, but is the built in fan in the middle actually 120mm as stated by Frosty Tech's review?

Accepted Answer

I honestly thought the internal fan was a 120 also.  As far as 140mm optional fans on the outside, I was only aware of 120mm fans being used - that's what I am using.  I was using dual optional fans for push/pull configuration, but I noticed no extra difference when adding the pull fan (non-over clocked 4770k).  Currently, I just use the push and central fan and I can achieve a stable 4.5ghz overclock using Prime95.  My ambient temps are between 70* and 80*F daily.  Processor temp ranges from mid to upper 20*C and idel up to high 50*C at 100% load (testing) when non-overclocked.  When testing overclocking, temps reach around 80*C at 100% load.

It's a solid heat sink whether or not it's using 120 or 140mm fans.  It's big - not as big as the Noctua's flagship offering, but none the less, it does use up some of the memory landscape.  So you either need to restrict yourself to 2x DIMMs (depending on memory configuration and motherboard setup), or opt for low profile ram.  Also, I had to bend the bracket a bit to avoid hitting the pre-installed ASUS Z87 Deluxe mobo heat sinks, so be prepared to make adjustments.  Oh, and consider installing it BEFORE you install your motherboard.  I have an Antec 1100 case - plenty of room, but could not my hand in to put on one of the 4 screws to install it.  So had to take the motherboard back out.  Then it was easy.  Also, use a GOOD thermal paste.  At this risk of being shunned, I like the Antec Formula 6 and 7 (6 is a little creamier, easy to install).  I've had good luck with that thermal paste and use it in all my systems.  Just preference really.  Good luck!

Question 8

Will this fit in an NZXT s340?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this cooler should fit in the standard S340. This cooler has a height of 150mm, the max cooler height listed on the S340 is 161mm.

Questions & Answers