The Verdict
Much like any other Noctua review, we can can do nothing else than to acknowledge the fact that this is once again is a superb product. The cooling performance is massive, the noise levels very acceptable. By releasing the NH-D14, Noctua places an very high end cooling product onto the market that will lure in aficionado's that refuse to go for liquid cooling.
A couple of things though, the price of this product will be 75 EUR roughly 85 USD. And sure, that's definitely on the expensive side for a cooler, but compare it to say the latest Zalman coolers which are even more expensive (we'll have a review on 10X 'es soon), please realize the cooler is not cheap, but is a pure quality product .. offering tremendous cooling performance.
Secondly, aesthetics wise it's not the most pleasing cooler to look at. The selection of two different fans make it look a little weird. None the less it's all about cooling performance and nothing less -- that's where this fracker annihilates everything in it's path.
Last thing we must mention, if you want to pick up this cooler, then make sure it will actually fit into your chassis. Make no mistake -- it is huge, but .. was designed to evade all major components. Stuff to think about especially is your DIMM memory. That on a lot of motherboards might block the cooler if it is high-profile just like the OCZ reaper memory for example. Check our article, we mentioned all dimensions.
Other than that, well it's a Noctua -- I mean .. it might not be the most stunning looking cooler in the world, but man the performance absolutely rocks. I mean, we reached 4.3 GHz on the processor with 1.5 volts and with the four CPU cores stressed and maxed out at roughly 70 Degrees C -- which at the overclock level is very respectable for air based cooling.
Bottom line: make sure the cooler fits, other than that all processor sockets are supported. And should a new one come up, Noctua always delivers a free socket / bracket upgrade at your doorsteps. It's the kind of after sales that places a smile on my face. To top off the product and bring in some more value, you'll receive a six year warranty with the product. The NH-D14 comes with the SecuFirm2 mounting system for use on LGA1366, LGA1156, LGA775, AM2, AM2+ and AM3 boards, the cooler is available right now at a MSRP of EUR 74.90 / USD 84.90.
We can highly recommend the NH-D14, give it the conditions it needs and it keep your processor nice and breezy.
Site
Navigation
