I agree. But let me take this opportunity to elaborate a little further here:
We have been working double time on this issue in the past 24 hours. For the record, when we designed our block, we used Intel official specifications (362033_362033_Nehalem_EP_EMTS_Ver1.52). If there are any revisions to this document affecting the keep-out zone, I am not aware of them.
The keep-out zone around the socket specifies that NO COMPONENTS SHOULD EXCEED 7MM IN HEIGHT ABOVE BOARD.
Knowing that the CPU IHS is 7.8mm above board, this obviously makes sense.
Gigabyte capacitors have been measured at 8.6mm above board. So they clearly are in violation of Intel specs. Now, are they the only ones? No Sirree.. Measured the caps on an Asus board, and the height is comprised between 8.7 and 8.8mm above board. The big difference between the Asus and the gigabyte boards is that Asus in their infinite wisdom, chose to place these caps far away enough from the socket so that they don't interfere with extra large heatsinks.
Note: any Intel rep reading this, welcome to comment or PM me.
/Rant on: So now, I am seriously frustrated because we have to revise several hundred base plates. Where are we going if M/B manufacturers don't respect Intel specs???? What's even more frustrating, is that I understand that [another] waterblock manufacturer is suffering the same pligh, but didn't do anything about it, forcing consummers to install their product in a less than optimal configuration.. /Rant off
Anyways, as far as you are concerned, this is what we'll do: send you a replacement plate without you having to return the "bad" one. Please contact michelle@swiftech.com to give her your address.
I really do not recommend you do that. contrary to my earlier announcement, where we were planing on cutting a simple chamfer, it appears (subject to final validation) that the "proper" and final revision necessitates milling a 1.3mm deep x 2.5mm wide step all around the plate (avoiding the screws so as not to damage the threads). 7.8 + 1.3 = 9.1mm Plenty of clearance, even with lapped processors! But, it's not something you can do at home. If you butcher your plate, I guarantee you that you will lose performance, and likely not get sufficient clearance with the caps.
just email Michelle@swiftech.com, and we'll send you a replacement plate next week. However, since you are in the US, we will ask for your original plate back ;-)
Warning: the above discussion and information is subject to change, until final validation.




just ordered mine from performancepcs yesterday, and I have EX58-EXTREME
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