Downvolt the CPU and use a 92mm AIO is your best chance. Or put a noctua fan on a copper verison of C7
Thank you for the reply @dondan I think I am going to wait for your C4-SFX since the extra few liters don't make a difference to me. I've been following the C4 for awhile now very excited to see what is to come.@Drue: If you like to use a 8700K without delidding it, you need a very good cooling solution. In extreme situation like some rendering software (Keyshot) or system stability validation tool like Prime95 the core temp will reach 100°C in 2-3 minutes if you use a L9i or C7. Also games will peak out in the 80-90°C zone. Btw. also bigger ITX heatsinks that will not fit inside the A4 will have the same problems like Thermaltake AXP100, Zalman CNPS8900 s.o. This means you need a very big tower heatsink to handle the CPU.
Here are some solution how to handle the 8700K without delidding it inside the A4:
1) Disable Intel Turbo Mode in UEFI: The CPU will "only" clock with 3,7Ghz but is now very easy to cool.
2) Undervolt the CPU or maybe clock it some Mhz down. If you set the max multiplicator to 42 and set the offset voltage to -0.75 - -0,125V
you have still a high clock while the CPU generates less heat. The performance lost is low.
3) If you have the A4-SFX v2 you can use the 92mm Asetek AIO
4) If you have the A4-SFX v3, a full size GPU and a HDPlex PSU you can use a 120mm AIO. This solution can handle the 8700K also with light OC.
5) If you have the A4-SFX v3, a ITX size GPU and a SFX PSU you can also use a 120mm AIO. This solution can handle the 8700K also with light OC.
6) External Water cooling: Works on every A4 version, remove the I/O shield and route the pump of an big 240mm or 360mm AIO through it. Now reinstall the boards. The radiator can be placed behind the case or under the desk. This solution will give you the best thermal results and heatroom for OC.
For some odd reason my 92mm AIO would not fit correctly...This is the v3 version, am i doing something wrong? Please help me.Here are some impressions of the new A4-SFXv3. The pressure point of the power button is now very great, the 92mm AIO will fit without removing the front USB and today i did a first test with 120mm AIO, HDPlex PSU and full size GPU. The temps are very good in Prime95.
How did you get your 92mm to fit, mine would not fit the v3 case at all. By any chance can you compare the number to see if we got different 92mm models from asetek? thank you for the help!
I have the v2, and had to remove the rubber clip from one side (or both, I can't remember) to fit the 92mm radiator.
ohhh, maybe thats the reason. Can someone else confirm that i have to remove the rubber clips to fit the 92mm AIO? thanks man!!
I recommend installing the radiator and fan first. Fan should be pulling air through the radiator. Plug in the front I/O next. Route the PWR and usb3 cables as best as you can. Followed by slowly angling the PSU, with all the cables already plugged in, into place. The PSU cables will be very tightly bent. The radiator tubing will able be bent very tightly. Just make sure the tubing isn’t kinked, and no cables are inside the fan. Secure PSU. Plug the PSU cables into motherboard last. If you want to push air through the radiator out of the case, you'll need to get a 92mm fan grill to keep cables and tubing out of the fan. But space will be even tighter with the grill. Some of the excess 24pin and 8pin cables may be tucked under the motherboard. You’ll also need low profile ram in order to close the side cover.
Good luck!
