I'm upgrading from an i7-7700 to an i7-14700 and need a cooler for my MSI B760M-A Pro WiFi DDR4 system. The case is an Antec NX292, which is listed as supporting CPU coolers up to 155 mm tall, while the DeepCool AK620 is around 160 mm. The AK620 G2 is also being recommended, and it is cheaper than the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE in my area. My memory modules are low-profile Crucial DDR4 sticks, so RAM clearance should not be a major issue. The PC is needed for work, and the shop says the AK620 should fit, but there is no return policy. Should I choose the AK620/AK620 G2, or stick with a cooler that is officially 155 mm or shorter?
2 Answers
I would not risk the AK620. Antec specifies a maximum CPU-cooler height of 155 mm, while the AK620 is taller than that. Even if the side panel appears to have a few millimeters of spare room, the cooler can still press against it or prevent the panel from closing properly. With no return policy, use a cooler that is officially within the case limit, such as the Peerless Assassin 120 SE if its 155 mm specification is confirmed for the exact version you buy.
The case manufacturer’s clearance figure should take priority over a shop employee’s guess. A difference of 5 mm is enough to cause a problem, especially because the stated clearance may already account for the side panel and internal tolerances. The AK620 G2 may perform well, but its lower price does not make it a safe fit if it exceeds the NX292’s limit. Choose a model at or below 155 mm, or physically measure the distance from the CPU surface to the inside of the side panel before buying.
That makes sense. My old AG400 was listed at about 155 mm and seemed to leave a little visible space, but I don’t want to assume that means a 160 mm cooler will fit.