upgrade from Noctua NH-U12P?

Kotu · 26 Jan 2013 at 21:54

I have had a Noctua NH-U12P for a few years now on a 1366 based system, I am just wondering if any of the newer air coolers offer much better performance?

AWPC · 27 Jan 2013 at 21:36

This does not offer better performance but its under 700g (less than half of most high end HSF) & much smaller so case temps should improve slightly as less airflow obstruction mine keeps a Core i7-980x pretty cool & silent. You cannot really get much more performance out of air HSF than the U12 unless you turn to liquid cooling.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-021-NC&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2346

Helios1234 · 27 Jan 2013 at 22:06

AWPC said:
This does not offer better performance but its under 700g (less than half of most high end HSF) & much smaller so case temps should improve slightly as less airflow obstruction mine keeps a Core i7-980x pretty cool & silent. You cannot really get much more performance out of air HSF than the U12 unless you turn to liquid cooling.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-021-NC&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2346

There are many coolers out there that are much better than the NH-U12P.

See my sig for results.

olivier renault · 27 Jan 2013 at 23:44

I'd say, a Phantek PH-TC12DX.

Dunno if they would be 'much' better. These new coolers seem to perform well, while not being huge monstrosities. However, you can always go for a huge monstrosity (NH-D14, Dark Rock Pro 2, Silver Arrows, Phanteks...). Then it depends what kind of ram you got as well.

Actually... So yeah, slightly better, although a 2600K doesn't put anywhere the same heat as say, a i7-920 or hexacore. Then usually, mass and brute force becomes more important than efficiency. Think you'll have to go big for any significant improvement.

EDIT : Hey Helios, do you have plans for testing a PH-TC12DX? Looks promising, and I like your reviews. Slightly better than the new Vapor-X cooler, which would be another interesting test.

Kotu · 28 Jan 2013 at 02:05

thanks for the replies, it does look like the PH-TC12DX would be a good upgrade.

doyll · 28 Jan 2013 at 02:35

Kotu said:
thanks for the replies, it does look like the PH-TC12DX would be a good upgrade.

It's a nice little cooler.
I used the U12P for couple of years, than moved up to TC14PE and will probably never go back.

Really, there are some much better values than TC12DX. A lot depends on what ram and what your CPU clearance is.
Thermalright True Spirit 140 £39.95 is very good for the money
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-095-TR&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2352

Or go for a twin tower like Alpenfohn K2, Noctua NH-D14, Phanteks PE-TC14PE, any of the 3 Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E series, and more. All in the £50-70 range depending.

Helios1234 · 28 Jan 2013 at 09:41

olivier renault said:
EDIT : Hey Helios, do you have plans for testing a PH-TC12DX? Looks promising, and I like your reviews. Slightly better than the new Vapor-X cooler, which would be another interesting test.

I don't plan to as such because I don't review anymore but I still have my test rig which mean I can test them. I'd have to buy one though.

That said the PH-TC12DX doesn't look all that special to me, it's 4x6mm heat pipe being its limiting factor. This is the same design used by more budget heatsinks like the CM212+ and the now rather antiquited NH-U12P. As Doyll suggests, a TS140 is a far better alternative, and nothing can match Thermalright's fans.

Kotu · 28 Jan 2013 at 14:46

copy and paste fail, I meant the PH-TC14PE sorry, the PH-TC12DX looks almost identical to the noctua i am already using. My ram is fairly low profile (normal ram height with plain heatsinks, no bits sticking out the top of them) and my case is fairly big, so anything should fit really.

olivier renault · 29 Jan 2013 at 20:29

Kotu said:
copy and paste fail, I meant the PH-TC14PE sorry, the PH-TC12DX looks almost identical to the noctua i am already using. My ram is fairly low profile (normal ram height with plain heatsinks, no bits sticking out the top of them) and my case is fairly big, so anything should fit really.

The TC14 is one of the best. Will bring noticeable improvements.

As for the TS140, yeah it performs well, and it is very quiet even at full speed (which isn't that fast but does a great job). Fitting the fan is a pain, and not very secure (at least on mine).

Helios1234 · 29 Jan 2013 at 22:20

Yeah the TS140 fan clips are a bit of a pain to use but once installed, you can just forget them. Thankfully, Thermalright seems to have learnt their lesson and the new Archon SB-E fan clips has a different design.