advice on cpu cooler and RAM

[davegl1234]

Hi, I have decided on most of my new parts (i7 2700k, ASRock Fatal1ty Z68 motherboard, coolermaster haf x case..although open to other suggestions for the motherboard and case if anyone has opinions [i've bought the cpu already]) but am struggling with the cpu cooler + RAM.

At first i was angling for the h100, thinking of RAM clearance, ease of installation, and performance...but after reading up on it it seems that air coolers can perform just as well, don't have the risk of liquids (although minimal), and, if anything the h100 seems like more hassle to install than an air cooler.

With that in mind I'm looking for the best air cooler, which it seems would be either the archon or the silver arrow? I'm pretty sure the archon would fit in the haf x, so i could do that, and probably won't have RAM clearance issues that i would with the silver arrow. But then again, if i can get some low profile RAM and the silver arrow is a better performer i guess that would be a better choice? What decent low profile RAM is out there? I've seen the Corsair Vengeance LP RAM, is that a good choice?

I guess i'm wondering what would be a decent, and practically compatible, air cooler + RAM combo for my setup?

Thanks in advance.

 

[sirmonkey1985]

personally i'd go with the H80. it won't perform as good as the H100, but its easier to install and does pretty dang good. i used the H60 on an i7 2600k not to long ago(if i had the option i would of gone with the H80 instead but the customer wanted the H60) and actually liked it a lot, plus it solved the ram height issue i had with that system since it had the same ram you are using which were way to tall. the only downside to the HXXX coolers is the price but for me the lack of having to deal with trying to mount an air cooler is worth the price tag.

 

[Forceman]

The G.Skill Sniper RAM is pretty low-profile (looks like it is OOS at Newegg though). The Vengeance LP should work fine with pretty much any air cooler though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416

If you get low profile RAM, then you an use pretty much any air cooler. What kind of overclocking are you looking for? If all you want is 4.6 or so, then just get the CoolerMaster Hyper 212+ for $25. No need to spend extra unless you are going for top-end overclocks.