The stock CPU fan is OMG LOUD!
It sounds like a gerbil-sized chain saw

So I'm looking around for an aftermarket cooler.
No overclocking, just some audio/video production.

I *am* interested in low noise level. The Hyper N520 seems to
come well recommended, but I'm open to other suggestions.
Amazon shows its dimensions as 5.6 x 4.8 x 2.4 inches.
Depending on how it orients when installed, that could work,
as long as the 2.4 in align to the snugly-placed memory slots.

Here's what I have:

Motherboard: ECS Golden Z77H2-A2X
CPU: Intel Core i7-3770
Memory: G.SKILL Trident X Series
Case: Fractal Design Define R4

/dennis

According to a number of sources the max CPU cooler height in the Fractal Design R4 is 170mm. That allows the Hyper N520 to fit or any number of other coolers too. Right now I can't think of anything over 170mm. Take a look through all of the SPCR reviews for more ideas:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/section11.html

Thanks for that info, edh. I am also concerned about the width and depth of the cooler. On this board, the memory slots are located slap next to the CPU. From the center of the CPU to the second memory slot (first memory slot is unoccupied) measures ~ 60mm. The G.SKILL Trident memory stick with its built in heat sink stands ~ 50mm above the mobo. So I need to make sure the heat sink rises high enough to clear the memory stick.

/dennis