What should I do if my CPU cooler blocks my PCIe slot?
Asked by
CoolGamer99
I recently started building my PC and ran into a problem with my CPU cooler. I chose the Noctua NH-D15S specifically to avoid compatibility issues, but now I find that it overhangs the PCIe_1 slot on my ASUS Pro WS X570-ACE motherboard, preventing me from fitting even my temporary graphics card. I was wondering if there's a way to work around this. I've got a Define XL 7 case, so it might be possible to mount a graphics card lower in the case. Can I use a PCIe 4.0 extension cable from that slot to connect to the graphics card at the bottom? If yes, what brands are recommended? I'd like to test this with my temporary GPU before committing to any more parts. Here's a picture of my setup for reference: [https://i.imgur.com/zr1LVy9.jpeg]. Did I make a mistake in my installation?
Answers
Are you using the offset mount or the standard mount? Noctua claims that cooler is compatible with your motherboard. Just double-check that you're using the right mounting setup.
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That motherboard has the same cooler mounting as other AM4 boards, so it isn't a rotation issue. If you need to, consider switching to a CPU cooler that won’t block the GPU slots. You can also use a riser cable if necessary since all the 16x slots can still operate at 8x bandwidth. Just make sure to choose a good quality riser!
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The mounting brackets on that board should be standard and not rotated. Did you possibly install the cooler backwards? It’s designed to clear the PCIe slot, but if it’s facing the wrong way, that would definitely block it. Do you have a picture of your setup for clarity?
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Is your cooler symmetrical? Have you tried flipping it 180 degrees? That might resolve your clearance problem.
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CoolGamer99: Oops, I just realized I did the -7mm offset. Thanks for pointing that out!