CM Hyper 212 Evo and ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+

[Valantar]

So, my question is pretty simple: does anyone know if this combination will work? I'm specifically thinking of RAM clearance. I've been reading around, but can't find anything specific - which unfortunately is pushing me towards thinking it can't be done. I've made a mockup/sketch/thingy with the relevant measurements (as well as I'm able to discern them, at least), here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zs2udev25f1rkzp/ASrock+212-evo.jpg?dl=0

The lines are at the inside edge of the RAM slot (i.e. the RAM PCB thickness, without the memory chips and heatsink) and on the outside edge of the RAM slot, and the distances are from the heatsink base to the closest point directly above. It looks to me like this would be a very tight squeeze. Am I right? I've never had to consider RAM clearances before, so this is a new problem for me. Of course I'll be using low profile RAM.

I'm already aware that the backplate will conflict with several chips on the back of the motherboard, but that can be worked around (don't really need the backplate for horizontal mounting, after all).

Rotating the heatsink is unfortunately not an option, as this orientation is ideal for airflow in my Fractal Node 304.

If this won't work, do you have any other heatsinks to recommend? This is for a quiet, 24/7 active living room media hub/file server.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

I don't recall having an issue with such a configuration with my G3258 rig, but it's using a regular Hyper 212+. I'm using low-profile sticks as well and when inserted they're only as tall as the latch that releases/secures the memory in place.

Only thing I could find was this thread, but it doesn't show the memory. Seems he made it work since I didn't see any complaints.

 

[Valantar]

Which motherboard is that rig built on? The FM2A88X-ITX+ has a pretty unique layout, with a 90 degree rotated cpu socket and RAM slots along the top edge, which is what makes this difficult. Too bad there aren't any other FM2+ mobos out there with 6 SATA connectors. Also, unfortunately I'm not able to find true low profile memory (like what you're describing) in DDR3-2133 (or even 1866), which I want to bolster the IGP, so I'll have to make do with regular height just without any humongous and unnecessary heatsinks.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

Which motherboard is that rig built on? The FM2A88X-ITX+ has a pretty unique layout, with a 90 degree rotated cpu socket and RAM slots along the top edge, which is what makes this difficult. Too bad there aren't any other FM2+ mobos out there with 6 SATA connectors. Also, unfortunately I'm not able to find true low profile memory (like what you're describing) in DDR3-2133 (or even 1866), which I want to bolster the IGP, so I'll have to make do with regular height just without any humongous and unnecessary heatsinks.

Oh shoot, I misunderstood your illustration, sorry about that. Must've been too tired to notice last night. Is your build finalized/have you already bought the parts?

Are you asking about my G3258 rig? If so, it's built on a Z97N-WIFI. Which has 6 SATA ports in case you're wondering. The rest of it is in my sig.

What sort of low-profile memory can you find? I've clocked the Samsung sticks in my two HTPCs up to 1866 @ 1.41v (they're 1.35v stock). Didn't bother trying to get to 2133.

For that matter I've got 32GB of these sticks and they're also the same height as the retention levers.

 

[Valantar]

Oh shoot, I misunderstood your illustration, sorry about that. Must've been too tired to notice last night. Is your build finalized/have you already bought the parts?

Are you asking about my G3258 rig? If so, it's built on a Z97N-WIFI. Which has 6 SATA ports in case you're wondering. The rest of it is in my sig.

What sort of low-profile memory can you find? I've clocked the Samsung sticks in my two HTPCs up to 1866 @ 1.41v (they're 1.35v stock). Didn't bother trying to get to 2133.

For that matter I've got 32GB of these sticks and they're also the same height as the retention levers.

No, I haven't bought any parts yet, I'm still in the planning phase. I'm considering switching to an Intel platform (as the choice in mITX motherboards seems much better), but the crappy IGPs, especially in the cheap (Celeron/Pentium) LGA1150 is what's putting me off. I might actually be better off waiting a generation - Intel GPUs are bound to get better, and with the increasing popularity of SFF PCs, I would hope more mITX motherboards on all platforms will appear.

For the memory, the solution I'm at right now is buying some full height 2133 CL9 sticks and pulling the heatsinks off. OCing isn't really an option as this rig will be running 24/7, and stability and low power consumption are my main priorities.