Phenom 1090T + Crosshair IV + G.Skill Flare [CPU cooler clearance]

[Chattab]

Hi!

I've just bought Phenom 1090T + Crosshair IV + G.Skill Flare 2x2GB (2000 MHz CL7) and I'm worrying about the CPU cooler clearance.

The question is: Will Xigmatek Thor's Hammer or Thermalright TRUE Black fit if Flares are in red memory banks (first red slot is closest to the CPU socket)? Has anyone checked that combination and proved everything is compatible?

I'm also wondering if black memory banks (2 and 4) on CHIV are really that worse. ASUS states in user's manual: "We recommend that you install the memory modules from the red slots for better overclocking capability". So what happens if I put them in the black slots? I won't be able to get the default settings (2000 MHz CL7) or just can't overclock any higher?

[GSKILL TECH]

Xigmatek, I'm not so sure, it will probably be a tight fit.. even if the fan is on the opposite end.

Thermalright TRUE Black, no problems. That is what we use, so it is guaranteed. =)

Based on what ASUS states, the black slots will be more difficult to reach high memory frequencies due to it's design with the memory controller. This is very common, but most motherboards it is actually best to place them furthest away from the CPU (e.g. Gigabyte). There will always be primary slots, which the CPU/memory controller accesses first, and the secondary. Primary will always be stronger and able to overclock higher. Seconday is capable of less, which is why they always have the "one DIMM per channel" note. That means for max memory frequency DDR3-2000+ (depending on motherboard), that max is only guaranteed for 2 sticks, not 4 sticks. This is where most people were confused before as they would purchase 4 sticks of DDR3-2000, because the motherboard states it supports DDR3-2000. then to find out only two modules will operate at DDR3-2000 and downclocking is required to operate 4 modules. This is especially common with AMD because of the weaker memory controller compared to it's competitor.

Reading these forums alone, you will hear about all type of issues with memory controller. There is even a sticky about it because people get confused and do not understand the reasoning behind it.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[Chattab]

Thermalright TRUE Black, no problems. That is what we use, so it is guaranteed. =)

Guaranteed with Flares in red slots (1st and 3rd)?

[VoXPCS]

I run the same setup - You're going to be fine with this RAM.

I've even moved them to slots 2 and 4 and they boot up @ 2000Mhz 7-9-7-24 as stated.

Solid RAM! You'll love it!

I've got my Venomous X Black in there WITH THE RAM FAN ON - I did have to put the heatsink fan on the opposite side but it still cools well I have great air flow.

[Chattab]

I run the same setup - You're going to fine with this RAM.

I've even moved them to slots 2 and 4 and they boot up @ 2000Mhz 7-9-7-24 as stated.

Solid RAM! You'll love it!

I've got my Venomous X Black in there WITH THE RAM FAN ON - I did have to put the heatsink fan on the opposite side but it still cools well I have great air flow.

Did you have to change anything manually in BIOS setup (voltage, RAM settings etc.) or everything's fine in auto-mode?

Could you please post here some photo of your build inside (or e-mail me at chattab@o2.pl)? I'd love to see it altogether!

[VoXPCS]

[GSKILL TECH]

Yea, the C4F is designed nicely. I know other boards may have issues with clearance, but not this one.

bonus points, forum props for pics. =)

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[Chattab]

Yea, the C4F is designed nicely. I know other boards may have issues with clearance, but not this one.

True, no doubt about that!

There's only one thing I have to complaint about - the blue LEDs in Flares' RAM fan! I find it a little bit inappropriate, since the whole graphic concept of AMD/ATI (as well as Flares itselves) is based on red and black. There SHOULD be red LEDs - otherwise it ruins the esthetics of my rig!

Is it possible to remove the stock fans and put another 50 mm ones instead? Or modify them in any other way?

[Onslaught2k3]

I had to remove the heat spreaders to make my sticks fit with a coolermaster v10. The warranty stickers are still in place. They look ugly without the spreaders but oh my gawd they still do the job! The 12cm fan blowing air over the sticks keep them cool without the spreaders present. If I ever get a different cooler then I'd use the cooler for the sticks. I was thinking of dremeling and sanding down the red heat fins to make them fit but was trying a safe way of making all work together and to keep the warranty. The tape g.skill uses is really strong and prying it off proved to be a challenge ^^

[GSKILL TECH]

Yea, I don't know who comes up with these LED colors, but I will pass the feedback.

As far as modifying the RAM cooler, you can I suppose, but I have not tried nor know of anyone that has tried.

onslaught2k3,

Glad to hear you are having fun with your system. =)

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[Onslaught2k3]

There's always a relative risk with removing the passive RAM coolers on ANY module (gskill being no exception). However, since the days of oold oold SDRAM RAM units tend to cool off very easily with good case cooling anyways. I have extensive experience with RAM coolers and the ONLY reason I had to remove them was because of CPU cooler clearance issues. I knew that dremeling/sanding down the red middle heat fins would void the warranty on the unit so I didn't. Only g.skill technicians on-site would be able to use just empowerment to decide whether what I did voided the warranty or not (to be honest these units are solid and won't need an RMA within warranty). This was the only time I had to do this because the v10 is just so massive! The v10 is helpful as the 12 cm fan hovering the ram slots blows air down on the RAM sticks so i'm quite content with how the sticks are running without their passive sticks on. G.skill included their own ram clip-on fans because I'm sure that those units can only run on spec stably with them on (obviously otherwise g.skill wouldn't have needed to ship an air cooler with the units). Oh wait... RAM sticks from g.skill have a lifetime warranty, right? aww I guess I won't be able to dremel/sand down the red fins after all... :-D

Well, I can test this out once I buy a Corsair H70 CPU cooler (but that won't be until the distant future and successfully retire the v10.

[GSKILL TECH]

Modifying the heat spreader is the last thing you want to do. That is a guaranteed no-go if memory becomes defective.

Speaking of RMA, it will be much tougher now thanks to sheisty people. Before we could kind of bend the rules to satisfy loyal customers, but now it won't be as simple. We have to follow strict procedures because people are making ridiculous attempts to get scam mere computer memory. This is what our world has become. lame.

Not to mention it slows the entire RMA process because we have to carefully check each return. Ruined it for everybody.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[Onslaught2k3]

yeah you're right. However, these policies are around to protect every customer too. Why would someone who only bought two sticks of RAm try to scam 3 or 4 out of an RMA? Dishonest customers DO ruin it for the rest of the pack. Also can increase prices on memory too. Prices are low enough as is, but with the economies surrounding DESKTOP computers taking the plunge because of tablet computers and cellular phones, g.skill won't have the headroom to go lower. I apologize for digressing from the main topic of this forum.

[GSKILL TECH]

Same here, I probably shouldn't even speak of it, but I think some people may want to know..

Lot's of games going on around here. Send 1 stick, claim that you sent 2. Create fake G.Skill stickers.. Put 1GB or 2GB modules in a 4GB heat spreader..

Point is, many RMAs will now be rejected thanks to these people. Too bad..

Sorry Chattab, we are jibber jabbering in your thread. Please excuse us. =P

Thank you
GSKILL TECH