Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler Review
Results
Finally, we get on to the highly anticipated results. Afterall, that's what we are here to see. The table contains the raw data with the actual temperature measured but to provide a fair comparison of the coolers, I will be looking at the delta value based on the room temperature. These are drawn up on the graphs.
**Updates**
-Mid-fan results added
-Prolimatech Megahalem results added
-Added 2x140mm fan results
-Added 2xSWiF2-120 results
2.66ghz
If the NH-D14's size was not enough of an indication of its sheer potential, then the above certainly is. At stock speeds, the new Noctua outperforms the old NH-U12P by up to 6 degrees. Using the Y-splitter yields a small performance increase but that is well within the error limits. The NH-D14 is the new top performer, succeeding the Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme as the leader of our chart. Noctua advertises their new cooler using the Ultra Low Noise Mode as being better than the NH-U12P at full speed and our findings back up their words, In fact the U.L.N.A mode manages to outperform many of the top coolers such as the Alpenföhn Nordwand and the Thermolab Baram!
4.0ghz
When you see results showing new coolers outperforming previous crown holders by more than 4 degrees, impressive just doesn't cut it! The Noctua NH-D14, with and without the y-splitter is an outstanding 12.5 degrees better than the NH-U12P and is clearly in a different league to the Thermolab Baram and Tuniq Tower. Noctua have managed to create the ultimate cooler through a very efficient and well thought out design rather than relying on the brute force of a high RPM fan. The U.L.N.A is further proof of that, managing to stay ahead of the competition even with both fan spinning at a mere 900 RPM. At idle, where normally we see very little variation, Noctua disproves the convention and sets the benchmark once again.
Noise
It wouldn't be Noctua if it wasn't silent so there's really not much to say here apart that the fans are virtually inaudible. The Ultra Low Noise mode further quietens an already silent solution whilst maintaining similar cooling performance. The phrase "to have one's cake and eat it too" justifies what Noctua stand for, silence and performance.
*Update I*
I have decided to add the results for the NH-D14 with just the middle fan installed for those interested in the cooler but were put off by the fact that it covered several RAM slots. It's outstanding to observe that there is very little difference in performance. There you have it, there's no real reason not to get one now!
*Update II*
I have now added the results for the Prolimatech Megahalem after popular demand, and the Noctua NH-D14 still remains the King of the coolers. I have decided to remove the raw data tables but for an indication of real world performance, add your room/ambient temperature to the delta values to get an idea of the temperatures you will experience.
*Update III*
For those wondering how the NH-D14 copes with high RPM fans, I conducted a few tests with the SWiF2-120P and the results speak for themselves. They blast their way to the top of the charts, but Noctua's forte is silence and the lower RPM NF-P12/NF-P14 still do a tremendous job keeping the CPU cool without much of a performance hit.
**Updates**
-Mid-fan results added
-Prolimatech Megahalem results added
-Added 2x140mm fan results
-Added 2xSWiF2-120 results
2.66ghz
If the NH-D14's size was not enough of an indication of its sheer potential, then the above certainly is. At stock speeds, the new Noctua outperforms the old NH-U12P by up to 6 degrees. Using the Y-splitter yields a small performance increase but that is well within the error limits. The NH-D14 is the new top performer, succeeding the Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme as the leader of our chart. Noctua advertises their new cooler using the Ultra Low Noise Mode as being better than the NH-U12P at full speed and our findings back up their words, In fact the U.L.N.A mode manages to outperform many of the top coolers such as the Alpenföhn Nordwand and the Thermolab Baram!
4.0ghz
When you see results showing new coolers outperforming previous crown holders by more than 4 degrees, impressive just doesn't cut it! The Noctua NH-D14, with and without the y-splitter is an outstanding 12.5 degrees better than the NH-U12P and is clearly in a different league to the Thermolab Baram and Tuniq Tower. Noctua have managed to create the ultimate cooler through a very efficient and well thought out design rather than relying on the brute force of a high RPM fan. The U.L.N.A is further proof of that, managing to stay ahead of the competition even with both fan spinning at a mere 900 RPM. At idle, where normally we see very little variation, Noctua disproves the convention and sets the benchmark once again.
Noise
It wouldn't be Noctua if it wasn't silent so there's really not much to say here apart that the fans are virtually inaudible. The Ultra Low Noise mode further quietens an already silent solution whilst maintaining similar cooling performance. The phrase "to have one's cake and eat it too" justifies what Noctua stand for, silence and performance.
*Update I*
I have decided to add the results for the NH-D14 with just the middle fan installed for those interested in the cooler but were put off by the fact that it covered several RAM slots. It's outstanding to observe that there is very little difference in performance. There you have it, there's no real reason not to get one now!
*Update II*
I have now added the results for the Prolimatech Megahalem after popular demand, and the Noctua NH-D14 still remains the King of the coolers. I have decided to remove the raw data tables but for an indication of real world performance, add your room/ambient temperature to the delta values to get an idea of the temperatures you will experience.
*Update III*
For those wondering how the NH-D14 copes with high RPM fans, I conducted a few tests with the SWiF2-120P and the results speak for themselves. They blast their way to the top of the charts, but Noctua's forte is silence and the lower RPM NF-P12/NF-P14 still do a tremendous job keeping the CPU cool without much of a performance hit.
