Lian Li PC-A04 CPU Cooler Height Clearance

[ZipSpeed]

Started specing out a new micro build for my sister-in-law and the last component I'm still figuring out is the CPU cooler. According to Lian Li, the width is 188 mm. A smaller tower cooler like the Hyper 212+ is 158.5 mm. Anyone build a system with a tower cooler in this case? Because the case is so new, there's no info at the moment. A few mm will be lost by the motherboard tray so even the 212+ might not clear.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

I am thinking about getting this case for my new home server build. I don't have it yet, but have been reading a ton about it. It appears as though you have plenty of space for most coolers. I don't see any reason why anything under 160 mm wouldn't fit. This pic shows it's quite open in that area, and if external width is 188 mm then usable tower space I'd imagine would be ~175mm on the safe side.

As a side note, any reason for the tower cooler? I'm making the assumption that she won't be OC'ing or using it heavily to where the stock cooler (or at minimum something like the Scythe Shuriken) wouldn't work effectively.

 

[ZipSpeed]

If that's the case, the Venomous X should fit in there. I still have time as I won't be building this right away so maybe I'll wait for some people to "beta test" this case with various coolers.

As a side note, any reason for the tower cooler? I'm making the assumption that she won't be OC'ing or using it heavily to where the stock cooler (or at minimum something like the Scythe Shuriken) wouldn't work effectively.

Her husband does production work and he wants the CPU overclocked.

 

[whatsup99]

hyper 212+ does not fit with this case~

 

[ZipSpeed]

Dang. Thanks for confirming! Is the cooler too tall?

 

[aigomorla]

Look at the rear fan.

Thats how i usually eyeball if something will fit.

If the rear exhaust fan is 120mm, usually and typically, it will take almost all tower sinks if it doesnt have a side duct feeding the cpu area.

If the fan is smaller then 120mm, you will run into problems with larger class sinks.

But 90% of the time this rule will apply.

Only time it wont apply is if the 120mm fan's side base is at the same level with the board.
(HTPC cases)

hyper 212+ does not fit with this case~

Are you sure?

Lets look at it..
The board gets lifted.. yes, but it has a io shield which takes up height.
The fan is then mounted over the IO shield portion, so it gives it another 120mm lift.

Then i would assume you have some free zone's around the rear 120mm.

So im lost in how that sink wont fit?

 

[whatsup99]

Dang. Thanks for confirming! Is the cooler too tall?

yes, Its too tall.

pic borrows from a taiwan forum

The case saved some spaces behind the MB for cable management, that might be why it won't fit in.

 

[whatsup99]

Then i would assume you have some free zone's around the rear 120mm.

So im lost in how that sink wont fit?

It will be cool to have 120mm in the back, but the rear is for 80mm.

 

[Woschdsubbn]

Hey, forget about strange estimation based on diffuse sizes. Due to the fact, that i'm also thinking about this case for my next gaming pc, i get also crazy on the question:
"Which CPU heatsink will fit in this case?"
Sadly, Lian Li itself shows no will to grant this very interesting infos, there are some reviews online with them:

Review of bit-tech.net:

Our Titan Fenrir fitted inside, but only by the skin of its teeth - anything taller is a no go.

The Titan Fenrir has about 156 mm height.

Review of overclockers.com: You can see that the OCZ Vendetta 2 with 159 mm height is one or two milimeters too large for the case.

Conclusion: The maximum height for tower cooler inside the Lian Li PC-A04 is 156 mm or maybe better should be a bit lower than that size.