Hyper 212 Evo LGA 1200 Installation: A Surprising Fit

When it comes to CPU coolers, most enthusiasts are familiar with the names like CM Hyper 212+ or Noctua. These popular coolers are known for their effectiveness in keeping our CPUs at a safe temperature. However, when considering installing them in a server case, one may wonder if they will fit due to their height. In this article, we'll explore how tall these coolers actually are and whether they can be installed in a 4U server enclosure.

As I was researching for my own installation, I noticed that the CM Hyper 212+ stands at an impressive 159mm in height. This raised concerns about its compatibility with popular server cases, such as the Supermicro SC836 or SC846. After some digging, I found that the clearance for mounting a tower cooler in a 4U enclosure is surprisingly generous.

In my own setup, I measured approximately 150mm of clearance in a Norco 4220/4224 case, which just barely fit my CM Hyper 212+. For those looking to install a Noctua heatsink, there's also an excellent article on Tech Caddie that provides guidance on how to mount older Noctua heatsinks to a server motherboard.

In recent builds, I've switched to active heatsinks from Supermicro, which have performed well. However, I still have my trusty CM Hypers lying around, and after some experimentation, I found that they can significantly drop temperatures. It's surprising that it took me 10 years to upgrade my thermal compound, but I'm glad I finally did.

For new builds, I've been using GELID EXTREME, which has performed well in web tests and reviews. In contrast, I used Artic Silver 5 on my previous setup, including the SM HSF.

When it comes to high-load scenarios with virtual machines (VMs), concerns arise about CPU temperatures during short bursts of activity. In my case, loading up VMs doesn't cause significant temperature increases, but I do have some Noctua industrial fans waiting in the wings for when the time is right.

Lastly, I wanted to share an issue I encountered on my MSI board, where the PWM controls were unable to control temperatures during high heat loads using Prime95. Adding a second Noctua fan helped improve airflow and reduced noise levels.

In conclusion, installing the CM Hyper 212 Evo LGA 1200 in a server case is possible, thanks to its relatively low height. With proper clearance, these coolers can provide excellent temperature management for your CPU.

Hyper 212 evo lga 1200 installation