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:


Noctua Cooler
RAM Compatibility
RAM Clearance
NH-D15
32mm standard RAM clearance (Improvement options)
NH-D15 chromax.black
32mm standard RAM clearance (Improvement options)
NH-D15 SE-AM4
32mm standard RAM clearance (Improvement options)
NH-D15S
66mm standard RAM clearance (Improvement options)
NH-D15S chromax.black
66mm standard RAM clearance (Improvement options)
NH-D12L
100% RAM compatibility
NH-D12L chromax.black100% RAM compatibility
NH-D14
44mm standard RAM clearance (Improvement options)
NH-U14S
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.
On AM5 and AM4: 100% RAM compatibility
NH-U14S TR4-SP3
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-U12A
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U12A chromax.black
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U12S SE-AM4
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U12S
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U12S chromax.black
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U12S redux
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U12S TR4-SP3
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U9S
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U9S chromax.black
100% RAM compatibility
NH-U9 TR4-SP3
100% RAM compatibility
NH-D9L
100% RAM compatibility
NH-C14S
Low Profile Mode: 39.5mm standard RAM clearance
High Clearance Mode: 66.5mm standard RAM clearance
(Improvement options)
NH-L12S
Low Profile Mode: 35mm standard RAM clearance
High Clearance Mode: 51mm standard RAM clearance
NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition
48mm standard RAM clearance
NH-L9x65
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9x65 SE-AM4
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9a-AM4
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9a-AM4 chromax.black
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9a-AM5 chromax.black
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9a-AM5
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9i-17xx chromax.black
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9i-17xx
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9i
100% RAM compatibility
NH-L9i chromax.black100% 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 5mm allows for 37mm RAM modules, but also requires an extra 5mm 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