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#11
I have an older CoolerMaster HAF full size case that would hold my car. This tower is tall. I don't know if a midsize case would hold it. Would depend how wide the case is. Maybe someone here has a midsize case that holds large tower coolers. Noctua air coolers are great and quiet. Sometimes I wonder if my computer is even on even when playing most games I can hardly hear it.
The D15s will give more RAM and graphics card clearance than the D15. Having said that, I had a D15 on two motherboards in a mid-sized case (Fractal Design R4). With the Hero VI I had good clearance all around, with the Code X I have very little clearance on the graphics card (but it does clear, just a PITA clipping the fan in - see below). If you decide to go with a Noctua, they have excellent information on their site on fitting with different motherboards and RAM
I have no experience with the D15, I have never used it. I just assume it is an improvement over the D14, which I have used on quite a few builds. The size can cause a few issues, all just need work arounds and like GeneO said, just a pain. But, it will certainly do the job, which is why you buy one. It is probably the best air cooler you can get, IMO. For it's size, the mounting and installation is surprisingly easy.
As for overclocking, I am with everyone else. If you want to overclock, learn the bios. It's the only way to go. I won't install AI Suite. It can cause some serious problems. My experience with it is that it will overvolt everything. My experience is also that you can usually overclock higher with lower voltage than the AI Suite will do. Plus, you will know which settings were changed and by how much, which you should always know about your BIOS. The 8700K is pretty easy to overclock but like every other CPU, requires a learning curve. Just my opinions.
I ordered the D-15s - will be here today - but not for another 7 hours or so -
I ordered this case - it looks like nothing I have ever used before and if all else fails I may be able to move into it.
I'll be expanding my comfort zone on this build - will follow suggest about BIOS overclocking - expect this case to present some challanges I'm not used to with the traditional upright cases.
All the lastest drivers and manual d/l from the ASUS site - I'm good to go.
Thermaltake Core X9 Snow Edition E-ATX Stackable Tt LCS Certified Cube Chassis CA-1D8-00F6WN-00 - Newegg.com
Also I would use the paste that comes with the cooler as I did and works great. I have built a few computers and this was a pretty easy install.
I don't have that cooler anymore, but I still use that thermal paste, always. It's real good.