The issue involves a CPU cooler blocking PCIe 4.0 lanes. Its impact depends on your setup and requirements.
The issue involves a CPU cooler blocking PCIe 4.0 lanes. Its impact depends on your setup and requirements.
I bought a 3700X and paired it with a new motherboard and CPU cooler. I overlooked that the cooler was blocking the PCIe 1 slot. Initially, I switched to the PCIe 3 slot, but the manual clarifies it's meant for graphics cards using x4 lanes. It seems both slots support PCIe 4.0 x16, so performance shouldn't be noticeably impacted. Still, it’s frustrating and I’m seeking advice. In short, there are three sensible paths: stick with the PCIe 3 slot for graphics, upgrade the board to handle larger coolers, or swap the cooler for a smaller one—though the latter would limit overclocking potential.
From what I understand, claiming both slots support 4.0x16 is misleading. The lower slot typically only handles 4.0x4, and since they promote "x16/x4 for crossfire," it suggests limited compatibility. Given Ryzen’s GPU capabilities—just 16 lanes plus a few SSD lanes—they probably route through the chipset, leading to performance problems. It’s not wise for Asrock to install the x16 slot on a non-SLI board at the top while lowering the cooler mount position. The motherboard isn’t exceptional overall, though it isn’t bad either. If you’re just starting out, keeping the stock cooler works fine while you wait for upgrades. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs. If you plan to upgrade, MSI B550-A Pro and Gigabyte B550 Elite are solid picks in that price range.
You're questioning its effectiveness. Many people use this cooler, and given its popularity among enthusiasts, I expect more awareness by now. Most photos I see of the NH-D15 show it's very compact. https://noctua.at/en/mainboard/ASRock_X5...m_Gaming_4
I've considered it further and reviewed the discussion. I'll return the NH-d15 and obtain the D15S to meet the requirements. Thanks for all the feedback.