Antec 900 and i7 cooler

[Koudelka]

I've been looking up new reviews on i7 coolers and they're all gigantic. I'm building a new rig with the antec 900 for the case. I've read a few threads/reviews where others with the antec 900 have had to remove the entire side panel/fan to get any i7 cpu coolers to fit in their case.

Actually, almost all reviews of i7 coolers i've been reading in january have stated they all either block access to RAM slots, restrict height, or just dont even fit in the case.

Does anyone know an approximate clearance from cpu to side fan to fit an i7 cooler? or anyone that has the antec 900 and is currently using an i7 cooler that fits and would recommend. I plan on trying to get my 2.66 up to 3.6 or 3.8 stable.

Thanks!

 

[PCTC2]

The TRUE-1366RT does require you to remove the side fan. It pretty much goes all the way to the side panel, so if you subtract 25mm from the height of the TRUE, you get about 125-130mm to the fan, and 156-160mm to the side panel.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: PCTC2
The TRUE-1366RT does require you to remove the side fan. It pretty much goes all the way to the side panel, so if you subtract 25mm from the height of the TRUE, you get about 125-130mm to the fan, and 156-160mm to the side panel.

No you can fit a TRUE with the side fan on a 900, you just have to alter the fan slightly by cutting the inside clip corner.

Fan Cut Illustrated

Just use a dremel or a pair of snips to cut that corner off, then place that corner at the top and you'll have enough clearance for a TRUE, Tuniq, or any other cooler that falls within those sizes. Its a tight fit, but you have at least 2-3mm so that it clears without issue. From the top of the Heat Sink to the side panel there's more than that, probably 2-3cm.

 

[PCTC2]

Originally posted by: chizow

Originally posted by: PCTC2
The TRUE-1366RT does require you to remove the side fan. It pretty much goes all the way to the side panel, so if you subtract 25mm from the height of the TRUE, you get about 125-130mm to the fan, and 156-160mm to the side panel.

No you can fit a TRUE with the side fan on a 900, you just have to alter the fan slightly by cutting the inside clip corner.

Fan Cut Illustrated

Just use a dremel or a pair of snips to cut that corner off, then place that corner at the top and you'll have enough clearance for a TRUE, Tuniq, or any other cooler that falls within those sizes. Its a tight fit, but you have at least 2-3mm so that it clears without issue. From the top of the Heat Sink to the side panel there's more than that, probably 2-3cm.

Except with the i7, the socket is often a bit lower, depending on board layout. He could have it blow upwards rather than back and it would fit with a side fan.