Best small CPU cooler?

You should be able to remove the funnel by removing the screws securing it to the side panel. I would recommend the Cooler Master Hyper TX-3 for an effective CPU cooler that's small and does not need to have a back-plate installed. Also could you give me a link to your computer case, I can't seem to find a page in english. I guess its by some small company?

Sorry, I thought I linked it. http://www.krel.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&view...

Anyway, the funnel is not removable; it's welded to the aluminum side.

Can you measure the distance from the retention clips to the funnel? While I will be looking up for some small CPU coolers, think you may have to go old school and get the coolers that sit on the CPU completely and have a fan that lines up with the funnel and draws air from it.

Update: Compatible coolers with your case that can be the Noctua NH-L12 (high end low profile cooler) and the Zalman CNPS8900 Extreme however I do not know any Intel coolers that are low profile and mount without a backplate, these coolers use backplates. Installing a back plate is not as hard as it seems.

^ can you confirm it requires a backplate? Was it easy for you installing the backplate?

Yes, at least for my socket 1155 mobo it required a backplate. It was easy installing it.

Best answer selected by bnot.

Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the Noctua. It turns out that the funnel might be removable, but it might not even get in the way. If it does, I can remove the top fan.

As for the backplate, I might be in luck, as both side panels are removable. Therefore, I have easy access to the back of the mobo without removing it.