z97 heatsink question

[Trik'Stari]

So I've been looking at low priced motherboards for my intel upgrade/switchover, and I just can't find one with looks that I like, for less than $130USD. So I'm wondering,

 

Can you modify and or change the heatsinks around the cpu on z97 motherboards? I think they're for the VRM but I'm fairly new to pc's still so correct me if I'm wrong please.

[Oshino Shinobu]

Well, you technically can, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you find a kit that is designed for the board. 

[Trik'Stari]

Well, you technically can, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you find a kit that is designed for the board. 

Don't some people make waterblocks for the VRM and chipset?

[eshbop]

I remember JJ from Asus saying you could completely remove their Z97 power reg heatsinks and still be safe running a small overclock. Not surprising given how over built they are. You'd be safe to modify them.

[Trik'Stari]

I remember JJ from Asus saying you could completely remove their Z97 power reg heatsinks and still be safe running a small overclock. Not surprising given how over built they are. You'd be safe to modify them.

That sounds sketchy lol. Probably wouldn't handle a 4690k at 4.0 right? Just guessing, that's the processor I've decided to get.

[WinNut]

You could modify the heatsinks on a motherboard quite easily, but you may void the warranty or there could be compatibility issues.

[eshbop]

That sounds sketchy lol. Probably wouldn't handle a 4690k at 4.0 right? Just guessing, that's the processor I've decided to get.

From what he said it sounded like that would be fine, at least on their higher end boards. Still, cooler is always better, but modifying and replacing them shouldn't be an issue.

[Trik'Stari]

From what he said it sounded like that would be fine, at least on their higher end boards. Still, cooler is always better, but modifying and replacing them shouldn't be an issue.

After realizing that an Matx board would be an advantage in my Air540 case, I've decided on the Ga-z97MX gaming 5 board, it's cheap, it's sli capable (for future upgrades) and the heatsinks dont look quite as stupid as the full sized atx sli board that's basically the next step up. Thanks for the info guys.