+++ = Cooling capacity
+++ = Quiet! V. a. Operating with the supplied Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter.
+++ = Processing
+++ = Packaging and accessories
+ = Relatively high price; but justified by the quality offered
O = se simple installation, but motherboard must have in many cases be removed
O = no PWM controlled fan (more on this in the text)
All information and statements relating to the Intel installation variant!
For information on risks and side effects here the fine print:
Environment and compatibility:
I operate the cooler with the following components:
- Intel Core i7-2700K Quad-Core Processor Boxed (3.5GHz, Socket 1155, 8MB cache, 95W)
- Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 Socket 1155 Motherboard (Intel Z68, DDR3 memory, USB 3.0)
- PC3-12800 GEIL memory 16GB (1600 MHz, 240-pin) DDR3 RAM kit
Both motherboard and memory are listed on the Noctua product side of the radiator in the compatibility lists as appropriate. With buying interest please examine the previously selected components of you! Especially when storing large Heatspreaders it can lead to problems during installation. According Noctua the memory modules may not be higher than 44 mm - so be sure to check the compatibility list before purchasing! In the gallery you will find three pictures of my setup with further explanations.
Processing, packaging and accessories:
The processing of the heat sink is high (because nothing wobbles) and the geometry is well thought out: The heatpipes are bent so that the expansive VR modules are not affected at the base edge. The 14cm fan is greater than the bearing surface on the heat sink to the CPU zuzufächeln environment also some fresh air. The color of the fan (boring beige and brown) may be trendy ... - care case modders will use another anyway.
The packaging is also exemplary, the dimensions of which are considerable. In addition to the heat sink and the associated 14 cm fans are housed in a separate box three bags: Nr. 1 with the parts generally required (thermal paste, 2 Molex throttles for speed regulation, housing Sticker Metal ()!), No 2 with the. parts for AMD Socket AM2 / AM2 + / AM3 / AM3 + / FM1 and no. 3 with the Intel Accessories for socket LGA1366 / LGA1156 / LGA1155 / LGA775. For Intel LGA2011 you can order a separate installation kit according Noctua. Furthermore, there are two detailed and intricately made installation instructions, one for AMD and Intel.
Installation:
The installation of the cooler itself is simple and thanks to the detailed instructions easy to accomplish - well: What should nowadays be already mysterious truth in a CPU cooler? Should the CPU be installed with, then that makes me before you mounted the mounting kit as the holder covers the release lever of the LGA1155 socket. The feared of me fumbling kept within acceptable limits, only the thermal compound mess is a bit annoying and perhaps somewhat antiquated. Other manufacturers show so that it works well with factory-applied paste.
I had the advantage that I had neugekauft my CPU and motherboard and therefore could easily begin assembling the backplate because the Board had not yet been installed. Anyone who wants to use the system the radiator in an already completed system (Intel), will probably not be able to avoid the expansion of the motherboard, except on the back of the motherboard support is exactly the point at which the CPU socket is located, easily accessible or appropriate backplate already exists. This cooler is not kept (in the Intel variant) with the known plastic pivot pins, but has a Noctua own, consuming metal construction, which makes a very strong impression. See also my photos in the gallery. Those interested in details: the detailed installation instructions can be downloaded from the Noctua Homepage. I've looked at myself sometimes before buying - the Check compatibility with the other components ;-)
Cooling capacity:
What a CPU cooler is actually doing, is doing the Noctua NH-C12P SE14 with flying colors:
In Idle Mode (CPU to 1.6GHz) under W7: stable 31 ° C. During operation of the usual applications such as browser, email client, word processor, etc. this will change anything.
Under full load (CPU to 3.9 GHz) with Divinty 2: a maximum of 49 ° C. This value is well below again, therefore, it is (at least according to my measurements) this value is the absolute peak in the temperature profile. Fan speed: 780 rpm (unregulated) - the almost imperceptible operational noise I go even further below.
Divinity 2 is a slightly older RPG of 2009, and no current shooter, so I can not tell you how the temperature in such games (Crysis, Mass Effect, BioShock, etc.) behaves.
Operating noise: buy extra PWM fan - or rather the accompanying use ??
The An included 14 cm fan has "only" a 3-pin Molex Secker and thus can not be regulated or restricted by the hardware monitor of MB depending on the board. Sounds somehow not quite up to date, right? For speed reduction are two Molex adapter with soldered resistors at: connected Normal turns the fan at 1200 rpm, with the black Low-Noise Adaptor (LNA) with 900 rpm and with the blue Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter (ULNA) with 750 rpm . Sorry, but that sounds very antiquated to me. Why not leave it to the MB Fan Control? The 4-pin PWM fan connector may yet so expensive is not.
Some co-reviewers have the already discussed and proposed as a substitute for the accompanying fan to Thermalright Therma TY140 PWM fan (140x140x26). Because this fan is not available as expensive and on Amazon, I immediately ordered him to.
I could have saved me.
I do not know if I have put myself stupid only when configuring (possible), but the PWM fan has ever with 1200 - 1500 rpm rotated, thus generating a not just annoying, but clearly audible noise. The cooling capacity was achieved as already mentioned above: 31 ° C Idle, 49 ° C load.
This noise then has motivated me to test the first-maligned unregulated Noctua fan with Molex adapters. Behold: In the strongest throttling with the enclosed blue Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter (ULNA) and 780 routes the same temperatures as at 1200rpm (31 ° C Idle, 49 ° C load) and total peace in a box. Thus the decision was of course like!
Conclusion:
Super cooling performance and quietness with an acceptable price: buy recommendation!
Thank you for reading and your patience!
