If you already have a motherboard and RAM for your future build, you can verify your memory module, socket and cooler combination is compatible by entering your components in the RAM compatibility section of our Noctua Compatibility Centre (NCC).
Noctua RAM clearance chart of selected coolers:
| Noctua Cooler | RAM Compatibility | RAM Clearance |
| NH-D15 G2 (HBC/ LBC) |  | 32 mm standard RAM clearance If there is sufficient space inside the case, the front fan can be installed in a higher position to clear the RAM modules. |
| NH-D15 (chromax.black/ SE-AM4) | | 32 mm standard RAM clearance (improvement options) |
| NH-D15S (chromax.black) |  | 66 mm RAM clearance (details) |
| NH-D12L (chromax.black) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-D9L |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-U12A (chromax.black) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-U12S (chromax.black/ SE-AM4) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-U12S redux |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-U14S |  | On AM5 and AM4: 100% RAM compatibility Other sockets: 32 mm standard RAM clearance Front fan overhangs RAM slots. If there is sufficient space inside the case, the front fan can be installed in a higher position to clear the RAM modules. |
| NH-U9S (chromax.black) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-C14S |  | Low Profile Mode: 39.5 mm standard RAM clearance High Clearance Mode: 66.5 mm standard RAM clearance (improvement options) |
| NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition |  | 48 mm standard RAM clearance |
| NH-L12S |  | Low Profile Mode: 35 mm RAM clearance High Clearance Mode: 51 mm RAM clearance |
| NH-L12Sx77 |  | Low Profile Mode: 44 mm RAM clearance High Clearance Mode: 56 mm RAM clearance |
| NH-L9x65 (SE-AM4) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-L9a-AM4 (chromax.black) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-L9a-AM5 (chromax.black) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-L9i (chromax.black) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-L9i-17xx (chromax.black) |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
| NH-P1 |  | 100% RAM compatibility |
In general, RAM clearance of different coolers can be improved by moving the fan up a few millimetres (D-type and U-type coolers) or by moving the fan to a different position (C-type and L-type coolers):
D-type and U-type coolers
The D-type cooler that is impacted the most by RAM module height is the NH-D15. Therefore, it will be used as an example in this FAQ. However, the following can be applied to all D-type and U-type coolers.
The NH-D15 allows for a RAM module height of 32 mm in its default configuration. The RAM clearance can be improved by moving the front fan up by a few millimetres. However, please note that this also increases the total height of the cooler, so please verify that your case has sufficient clearance as well. Another option is to remove the front fan entirely, but this would reduce the cooling capacity by 1-3° C depending on the components and overall setup. Another option to bypass an insufficient RAM clearance is to install a smaller fan (e.g. NF-A12x25 PWM or the NF-F12 PWM) and order the needed fan clips through our fan clip order form.
In short, moving the front fan up by 5 mm allows for 37 mm RAM modules, but also requires an extra 5 mm of case clearance.
You can use our NH-D15 height calculator to find out the total cooler height when combined with RAM modules of various heights.
C-type and L-type coolers
For C-type and L-type coolers, the approach differs slightly. If your cooler only comes with one fan, you can mount the fan on top of your cooler (high-clearance). This allows for higher memory modules but increases the total space required in your case.
- Low profile mode: Fan is installed on the bottom of the cooler
- High clearance mode: Fan is installed on the top of the cooler
- Dual fan mode: Fans are installed on top and bottom
