Hardware News

Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler Reviews

Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan

2011-04-22 21:40:00.0


Madshrimps, t-break, and ThinkComputers have reviewed the high-end Noctua NH-D14 CPU cooler, a huge CPU cooler that comes with both a 120MM and 140MM fan.

Let's see what they had to say:

  • Madshrimps:

    "At the high end of the scale, inside a case, the NH-D14 trailed the competition when both were paired with the same high RPM/CFM fans, but then again, if a 5°C difference in CPU temperature means the difference between a stable and unstable system, you might be pushing your luck with the CPU overclock. We're sure that outside a case on a test bench this heatsink will perform beautifully, with the ability to mount 3 fans on this monster construction (might need to get a bit creative for the third fan as clips for only 2 fans are provided)."


    Click here to read the full review.


  • t-break:

    "The Noctua NH-D14 is one of the more interesting CPU coolers I have reviewed in a while. On the one hand it is extremely efficient and effective at its job, but it comes at a cost. And I’m not talking about the $90 price tag either. This thing is huge, and if you have already purchased memory modules with big heatsinks, like our Kingston HyperX T1, then you’re out of luck. Still, nothing comes easy in this world. I would back the NH-D14 completely based on its operational prowess, just make sure to check out the aforementioned compatibility list for a headache-free installation process."


    Click here to read the full review.


  • ThinkComputers:

    "After seeing how well Noctua’s NH-C14 performed I had really high expectations for the NH-D14 and they were exceeded! The NH-D14 performed even better than the NH-C14! If we compare it to the stock AMD cooler it was 14 degrees cooler during idle and 18 degrees cooler during load at stock speeds. When we overclocked the CPU to 3.8GHz it was 11 degrees cooler during idle and 20 degrees cooler during load. Those are very impressive numbers! Just like the NH-C14 the NH-D14 was very quiet in operation."


    Click here to read the full review.

This is very likely the best air cooler on the market and it's quiet too. It's relatively expensive for an air cooler at $85, but it might just be worth it if you want the best performance/noise balance.

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