It doesn’t matter if you’re an Intel or AMD user and it doesn’t matter if you like mATX or ATX computer cases. When it comes down to the basics of keeping your computer cooled and in working order, air cooling is the superior challenger that gets the job done.
Since the beginning of computing, novices, enthusiasts, and professionals have been using air to cool the hardware components of the computer. As technology advances in the hardware market, cooling fans and processor cooling units need to be up for the challenge to maintain a stable temperature.
A processor running at idle speeds can easily reach a temperature of 30C (86F) degrees. When the user begins to use the computer for gaming, online videos, or software usage, the processor is put to work and that follows with an increase of temperature.
The majority of computer processors have a shutoff Tjunction of 100C (212F) degrees. At this point the manufacturer sees that a processor failure is imminent and the entire computer is forced into a full shutdown. Not only does this save your motherboard and other components from failing, it saves your processor from a failure.
The processor is a highly engineered component that performs all of the computer’s work and running tasks. Therefore, it’s best to keep it in working order by keeping a stable and cool temperature; the colder, the better.
Consumer grade Intel and AMD processors are shipped with a stock processor cooler. As this cooler may suffice for light operation, any user who may choose to overclock or run processor heavy applications will need to up the ante. When a third party processor cooler is needed, stick to a company that is reputable and understands the process of processor cooling.
Welcome to my Noctua NH-C14 top-flow processor cooler review. During my review, I will be speaking about the following subjects: the unboxing, design, features, and my final thoughts of the NH-C14. I would like to thank Noctua for providing me with the NH-C14 for this review.
The Unboxing
When unboxing any Noctua product, you will be excited to see that everything you may possibly need is included. Noctua tends to the needs of every user; whether that user be new to computing or one that has been hard at work for years.
The exterior shell displays the typical Noctua branding along with the six major features of the NH-C14. On the rear of the box, users will find a multi-language section that briefly outlines Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting process. More on this later.
Make your way inside the packaging and you will find an accessory box on top of the cooler. Peel open the accessory box to find an assortment of handy tools. Noctua provides the essentials like a long metal screwdriver, Intel and AMD mounting hardware, thermal paste, and installation manuals. In a separate bag, Noctua includes a metal case badge and multiple fan header extenders for those that may need them. There is also an optional metal supporting bar that can increase stability in mATX computer cases as, if the case were to be transferred, the supporting bar would allow the NH-C14 to stay firm. It truly is a great feeling knowing that Noctua has you covered by providing everything you may need.
To finish off, in the bottom of the packaging is the NH-C14 itself in all its glory. Protected by two large cardboard braces, the NH-C14 arrives with two 140mm preinstalled NF-P14 fans. At first glance, the NH-C14 can easily take your breath away thanks to its sheer size and all aluminum finish.
The Design
Speaking about its sheer size, the NH-C14 comes in at a height of 130 mm (13cm) and a width of 140mm (14cm) with the fans installed. Sandwiched between the two 140mm fans is a large aluminum fin structure. Having a total of 68 fins with six heat pipes running through the structure, cooling should be adequate as the dual fans are setup in a push and pull air configuration.
Moving on to the dual NF-P14 fans, users should find that the fans use a SSO-Bearing that provides an ultra-quiet, high pressure, and an effective operation when in use. The fans also run in three different modes, beginning at 700RPM to 900RPM then maxing out at 1200RPM. Lastly, the NF-P14 fans are metal reinforced to offer a vibration free operation and increased life span. As always, Noctua wraps the fan wires in a black rubberized material to increase the premium look. Although the NF-P14 still carry the undesirable brown and tan color scheme, users always have the option to swap them out for any fan they desire. I would recommend Noctua’s new PPC and Redux series if you desire some new colors, check them out here.
Next, we have the physical design of the NH-C14. Coming out of the bottom of the fin structure are six copper, metal wrapped, heat pipes that connect up to the smooth metal pad which makes contact to the processor. Due to the six heat pipes and their angle of approach, the cooler allows for large amounts of air to flow through the pipes, increasing cooling performance.
Finally, we have the style of the NH-C14 inside a computer case. Users with a windowed case may question the thought of staring at a large 140mm fan rather than a plain Noctua logo. For me, the looks of the NH-C14 inside a case are acceptable and I don’t mind seeing the large spinning fan in action.
Features
Noctua’s mounting process is something that they have pioneered for many years now. SecuFirm2 is a Noctua trademark that allows for compatibility for a large amount of computer sockets. Although Noctua ships the NH-C14 to support the following sockets: LGA1366, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA775, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, users always have the option of contacting Noctua for free mounting hardware for older processors; provided the socket you ask for supports SecuFirm2. Once again, Noctua has you covered! Included in the Intel mounting bag is a large thick back plate that will offer a ridged base for the cooler to mount to as well as adding additional strength to the motherboard.
Next, we have the selectable clearance modes that the NH-C14 has to offer. For users who have high clearance memory, the NH-C14 can transform from a dual fan unit into a single top fan design within a matter of seconds. By pulling the air through the aluminum fin structure, the cooler still provides an adequate amount of cooling, but more importantly provides you with a large amount of bottom clearance between the cooler and memory slots. Furthermore, the NH-C14 can do the complete opposite and transform into a low profile cooler. Remove the top fan and air is forced through the fin structure rather than pulled through. In this mode, mATX case users will find this helpful as it gives them more clearance on the top whereas before they may have struggled to close the side panel.
Apply the included Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste and the NH-C14 can achieve some outstanding low temperatures. You can begin your epic story of your brand new computer game and not have to worry about thermal throttling or a processor failure. When I compared the NH-C14 to the NH-D15 that I reviewed a while back, the NH-C14 did exceptionally well. While gaming, expect to have an average processor temperature of about 70C (158F), however, your results will vary. Additionally, when at full operational power, noise from the fans is barely noticeable and the room is still peaceful (Or filled with gun fire from your online first-person shooting game).
Finally, for those that are interested, you can view the entire specification sheet here:
General Specifications:
Socket compatibility: Intel LGA1366, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA775, LGA2011 on request, Asus X-socket™ & AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ (backplate required)
Height (without fan): 105 mm
Width (without fan): 140 mm
Depth (without fan): 166 mm
Height (with fan): 130 mm
Width (with fan): 140 mm
Depth (with fan): 166 mm
Weight (without fan): 700 g
Weight (with fan): 850/1000* g
Material: Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating
Fan compatibility: 140x140x25mm / 120x120x25mm
Scope of Delivery
2x NF-P14 premium fan
Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor (U.L.N.A.)
NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound
SecuFirm2™ Mounting Kits
Noctua Metal Case-Badge
Warranty: 6 Years
Fan specifications
Model: Noctua NF-P14
Bearing: SSO-Bearing
Rotational Speed (+/- 10%): 1200 RPM
Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%): 900 RPM
Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. (+/- 10%): 750 RPM
Airflow: 110.3 m³/h
Airflow with L.N.A.: 83.7 m³/h
Airflow with U.L.N.A.: 71.2 m³/h
Acoustical Noise: 19.6 dB(A)
Acoustical Noise with L.N.A.: 13.2 dB(A)
Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A.: 10.1 dB(A)
Input Power: 1.2 W
Voltage Range: 12 V
MTBF: +/- 150.000 h
My Final Thoughts
Backed by a six year warranty, the NH-C14 is an excellent and well-crafted low profile processor cooler. With manufacturing taking place in Taiwan, expect to never buy a new processor cooler again as when new sockets are released, and if they support the SecuFirm2 mounting hardware, Noctua will provide the required accessories free of charge. Priced at $84.99, I do find it to be high priced, but well worth it if you want the peace of mind that comes with such quality hardware. Thanks to the stable running and adequate airflow provided, computer usage improved overall to an even faster standard.
Buy it Now:
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