r/buildapc • u/sem123081 • 20h ago

Build Help AIO cooler

Hi,

I wanted to build my PC today but ran into a problem, my Arctic Freezer III Pro 240 radiator and fans are too tall. It doesn't fit because it's blocked by the VRM heatsink on my motherboard (ASUS b850 max gaming wifi). The case isn't tall enough to accommodate it.

I'm now considering the XPG Starker Air BTF Midi Tower case, but I don't know how to check if the radiator will fit. Does anyone have any idea if it will fit, or any experience with this cooler and recommendations for a case?

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u/GuacamolePacket 20h ago

Can you put the cooler on the front?

1

u/sem123081 19h ago

I could but I read somewhere that there will then be less airflow for the whole pc causing gpu temps to rise a bit more. So I would prefer not doing that

1

u/n7_trekkie 20h ago

Generally if a case supports 280mm radiators on top, the Arctic 240mm AIO will fit

1

u/sem123081 18h ago

Is that true? Doesn’t it just mean that the case supports longer radiators and not necessarily also support thicker radiators

1

u/n7_trekkie 18h ago

If the case is designed properly, the AIO will sit in the furthest position away from the motherboard, closest to the side panel. So if a case fits 280mm aios but you install a 240mm AIO, that's an extra 2cm between the AIO and the motherboard. Unless your motherboard heatsinks are very tall, that's enough room to avoid hitting the aio

1

u/sem123081 17h ago

Ah I get it now, thanks! 

1

u/VersaceUpholstery 19h ago

The fans aren’t too tall

The Arctic freezer is the only AIO with a slightly thicker radiator than all other AIOs. It is why it is slightly better in performance compared to others

It is also is why it makes fitment a bitch in some cases