CPU cooler clearance: Why our data sometimes deviates from the case manufacturer's specs | Noctua

Yes, you should check the module clearance, before you buy hardware. Buying excessively tall memory modules is just silly.

I have some modules here, where the top-metal part can be unscrewed from the module, which reduces the height of the module. You will need your smallest jewellers screwdriver for this.

So yes, we know about the clearance issue, it is a constant pain in the ass. In some cases, the RAM module cannot be removed, without removing the second fan from the cooler, so there is room to work. There might nominally be 1 millimeter of clearance, but when the module is unplugged, it won't rotate out of the way for you. You need a good amount of clearance so that module insertion and removal can be done without removing other stuff.

This is similar to being a car mechanic and "knowing a trick for removing the alternator". On one of my cars, it may have involved removing a wheel and CV joint, and easing the alternator out the side of the car. RAM modules can seem like that at times. I have one computer, where pushing the modules into the socket, can only be assisted with "a wooden stick". There is no room to get your fingers down into the hardware, to secure the module. That's on the computer that has eight sticks of RAM, four of the sticks being hard to get at and underneath a huge cooler. You do not want to remove the cooler, as it is difficult to get the securing screws on it, back into place. Some coolers, the screw engagement is poor and the screws simply refuse to pick up the thread on the mating motherboard part. It can take ten to fifteen minutes, working one of your hands down near where the screw meets the motherboard and "feeling for it", to get the stupid thing back into place.

Paul

Think driving a double-decker bus!! This clearance issue is a bigger challenge for thin devices, as for example, notebooks, tablets, cellphones....

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