Sigh. Okay.

[mao91]

Thanks to @ShrimpBrime convincing me to abandon my search for low profile high MHz and look instead for better optimized timings, I now have to abandon my NH-D15 and search instead for an AIO. 

I still need the best performance-to-noise ration I can find, so... What are the differences between the Z63 and X63 coolers from NZXT?

[Cyracus]

If you aren't using all 4 ram slots you should be able to get any height ram to fit by raising the position of the front fan of the d-15 (or relocating it to the rear of the cooler) with ram in slots 2&4.
From what I can tell the only difference between the z and x series is the display on the pump block

 

[zeusthemoose]

Quickly looking over that thread, it seems like you are switching to get more ram clearance. If that’s the case, why not just get a lower profile air cooler?

[mao91]

Just now, Cyracus said:

If you aren't using all 4 ram slots you should be able to get any height ram to fit by raising the position of the front fan of the d-15 (or relocating it to the rear of the cooler) with ram in slots 2&4.
From what I can tell the only difference between the z and x series is the display on the pump block

 

I use all the slots.

[mao91]

Just now, zeusthemoose said:

Quickly looking over that thread, it seems like you are switching to get more ram clearance. If that’s the case, why not just get a lower profile air cooler?

Noise-to-performance ratio. 

[zeusthemoose]

1 minute ago, B.Toast said:

Noise-to-performance ratio. 

I just looked at your signature, do you already have the d15 and are you cooling the 5820k?

[mao91]

Just now, zeusthemoose said:

I just looked at your signature, do you already have the d15 and are you cooling the 5820k?

I have the d15 on my 5820k.

Whatever new cooler I get will be cooling a Zen 3 CPU.

[zeusthemoose]

3 minutes ago, B.Toast said:

I have the d15 on my 5820k.

Whatever new cooler I get will be cooling a Zen 3 CPU.

Will the current system with the 5820k still be in use then? If possible, I would recommend trying the zen 3 cpu with your d15 with a single fam before buying a new cooler. If you are comfortable with slightly higher temps, you should be able to have basically silent performance with the single fan d15 and have enough space for the ram. 

[mao91]

Just now, zeusthemoose said:

Will the current system with the 5820k still be in use then? If possible, I would recommend trying the zen 3 cpu with your d15 with a single fam before buying a new cooler. If you are comfortable with slightly higher temps, you should be able to have basically silent performance with the single fan d15 and have enough space for the ram. 

Current system will remain in use, being reassigned to a different area of my studio. I have considered another d15 with a single fan configuration but at that point I might as well shell out a bit more to get a better cooler.

[zeusthemoose]

3 minutes ago, B.Toast said:

Current system will remain in use, being reassigned to a different area of my studio. I have considered another d15 with a single fan configuration but at that point I might as well shell out a bit more to get a better cooler.

In that case, the only difference between the two looks to be the screen. Either should be a great option for you.

[mao91]

Just now, zeusthemoose said:

In that case, the only difference between the two looks to be the screen. Either should be a great option for you.

Well then, X63 it is then. I think paired with my Noctua NF-A14s I should be able to get a solid noise-to-performance ratio.

[narrdarr]

Personal I'd get the Arctic liquid freezer 2. It preforms the same if not better at lower noise and cost

[mao91]

Alternate take: instead of the x63 w/ 2x NF-A14, how about the x73 w/ 3x NF-F12? 

[mao91]

Related question: 

My PC lays on its side. Which means AIO mounting would have to be on the front of the case, but due to case orientation would be horizontal instead of vertical.. Given GN's conclusion regarding AIO mounting, will I be likely to run into air bubble issues?