The Noctua DH-15 or DH-15S is compatible with Corsair Spec Alpha cases.
The Noctua DH-15 or DH-15S is compatible with Corsair Spec Alpha cases.
Hi
Please let me know if either the Noctua DH-15 or DH-15S CPU coolers are suitable for a Corsair Spec Alpha Mid tower case. The DH-15 is 165mm tall, but the case dimensions allow up to 158mm, with an added dent on the side panel that increases the size. I’ve seen people fit the Hyper 212 there. I measured it myself and it looks like it should fit just a bit. Since I plan to overclock my 7700k, I prefer watercooling and would appreciate confirmation.
Thanks!!
kingnik :
I haven’t found a complete gap, but it seems there will be at least a couple of millimetres if measured properly.
I was hoping someone who has tried it would just say yes or no, but I think that would be too simple.
😛
If it doesn’t fit, will the U12S still work as a good cooler? Any other tips? I’m worried because I’ve heard the 7700K can get very hot and I don’t want to sacrifice cooling performance. But I also don’t want to buy a new case since I got this one three months ago.
🙁
I think you’re fine.
The main thing is to bring cooling air into the case from the front.
Your case supports two 120mm intake fans, which should be enough for the 7700K and a powerful graphics card.
I use an NH-U12s with an [email protected] without any problems...
Visit noctua for comprehensive specifications and drawings detailing all possible dimensions.
The updated variants, such as the NH-D15s and NH-U12s, feature redesigned layouts to accommodate clear ram heat spreaders and are positioned to fit graphics cards in the first PCIe slot.
You may soon exhaust safe VRAM before hitting thermal boundaries, even with the 158mm U12 models.
By the way:
As of 6/9/17
What percentage can achieve an overclock at a reasonable 1.4v Vcore?
I7-7700K
4.9 83%
5.0 62%
5.1 29%
5.2 6%
I haven't found a complete cm gap, but it seems there will be at least two millimetres if measured properly.
Someone who has tried it would know if it's a simple yes or no, but I don't think that would be too easy.
If it doesn't fit, will the U12S still work well as a cooler? Any other suggestions? I'm worried because I've heard the 7700k can get very hot and I don't want to sacrifice cooling performance, but I also don't want to buy a new case since I got this one three months ago.
😛
kingnik :
I haven’t found a complete gap, but it seems there should be at least a couple of millimetres if measured properly.
I was hoping someone who’s tried it would just say yes or no, but I think that would be too simple.
😛
If it doesn’t fit, will the U12S still work as a good cooler? Any other tips? I’m worried because I’ve heard the 7700K can get very hot and I don’t want to sacrifice cooling performance. But I also don’t want to replace my case since I got it three months ago.
🙁
I think you’re fine.
The main thing is to bring cooling air into the case from the front.
Your case supports two 120mm intake fans, which should be enough for the 7700K and a powerful graphics card.
I use a NH-U12s with an [email protected] and it’s been working well.
I’ve also undervolted the Noctua fan at that setting.
Hi everyone
Thanks for your responses.
For those seeking a solution, I ended up purchasing a Noctua NH-D14 and it appears to fit in the case despite being 160mm tall. I haven’t fully closed the side panel yet as I’m still working on cable management, but placing the panel against the case works, though it feels tight. The cooler is quite large for this case, making it hard to maneuver cables around, though it’s manageable.
I can confidently say the D15 wouldn’t fit in the Corsair Spec Alpha with side panels closed, but I haven’t tested it myself.
It would be wise to consider a larger case if you plan to use a cooler taller than 160mm.
PS. I’ll share more details about cooling performance (i7 7700k) once I’ve tested it fully soon.