(I'm having trouble posting this reply)
Twice I came across someone mentioning that a BE CPU does not come with a cooler, but I certainly hope you are correct. If I can unlock hidden cores and OC a little, it is likely I will need more than the stock cooler. But, if the CPU comes with a cooler, that will give me more time to find a suitable replacement cooler. The CPU I ordered is a Phenom II X2 555 BE. After I ordered this CPU I read that it is sometimes an X4 with hidden cores. Also got interested in overclocking. Both of these things, I think, will need a larger cooler. I am less interested in OC since I read that it shortens the life of the components. I like to keep a computer for ten years with some upgrades.
The CPU is a retail package, so maybe I will get a cooler.
As for removing the side panel fan, this is going to sound a little funny. . . I'm not a great housekeeper. Over the years I have noticed that the fans, always blowing outward, sucking air in all the nooks and crannies, even into the mic and headphone jacks, gets dust into every little thing. I wanted a case with a large side fan to try and create a positive pressure within the case and blow air out of all of the nooks and crannies. Thereby solving my dust in the nooks and crannies problem. I'm have to put a good filter on the side fan of course.
I have the motherboard but haven't taken it out of the static bag yet. Waiting for my antistatic stuff. I can hold the cooler that I have over the CPU socket. It looks like the heat pipes will not interfere with the first memory slot, but it's a close thing. In the pictures of the Gemin II cooler that I would like to order, it looks like the heat pipes stick out a little farther. I may be able to turn the cooler in a different direction, but then there's the Northbridge and the MOSFET heatsinks.
It won't be a terrible loss if I order the cooler and it doesn't fit. I can ship it back for about $5, I think. But perhaps someone who has tried this will come across my post.