What is the RAM clearance of my Noctua CPU cooler?

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 and NH-D15 G2. Therefore, these 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).

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. 

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