Find the Best CPU Cooler for Threadripper - Noctua Coolers Comparison
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Comparison of CPU Coolers
- Understanding the Differences in Heatsink Sizes
- The Importance of Full Coverage of the Threadripper IHS
- testing Methodology and Results
- 5.1 Idle Temperatures
- 5.2 Temperatures under Full Load at Stock Speeds
- 5.3 Temperatures under Full Load when Overclocked
- 5.4 System Volume Measurements
- Considering Different Threadripper CPU Models
- Recommendations for Overclocking
- Final Thoughts and Conclusion
- Subscribe for More Tech Videos
- FAQ
Introduction
👋 Welcome to this review of three CPU coolers from Noctua designed for AMD's TR4 Threadripper socket. In this article, we will analyze the performance of these coolers in terms of temperatures and system volume. We will also discuss the differences between the three models and help you determine which cooler is best suited for your needs.
Comparison of CPU Coolers
To understand the performance of different CPU coolers for Threadripper, let's first compare the three models from Noctua: the NH-U14S, NH-U12S, and NH-U9. These coolers vary in size, fan configuration, and weight. The NH-U14S is the largest, followed by the NH-U12S and NH-U9. Despite their differences, all three coolers provide full coverage of the Threadripper Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), which contributes to better cooling results compared to coolers using other mounting brackets.
Understanding the Differences in Heatsink Sizes
The size of a CPU cooler's heatsink plays a significant role in its cooling capability. The larger the heatsink, the greater its surface area for dissipating heat. The NH-U14S, being the largest cooler, offers the best cooling performance at both idle and under full load. However, the NH-U12S and NH-U9 are also capable of providing effective cooling, with only a slight difference in temperatures compared to the NH-U14S.
The Importance of Full Coverage of the Threadripper IHS
One of the key advantages of the Noctua coolers for Threadripper is their ability to provide full coverage of the Threadripper IHS. This feature ensures optimal heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler, leading to improved cooling efficiency. Other coolers that use different mounting brackets may not provide the same level of cooling performance.
Testing Methodology and Results
In order to assess the performance of the Noctua coolers, we conducted several tests with an AMD 16 core 1950X Threadripper CPU. These tests included measuring temperatures at idle and under full load, both at stock speeds and when overclocked. We used Aida64 to simulate a realistic system workload, and all tests were conducted with an ambient room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
5.1 Idle Temperatures
At idle, the Noctua coolers demonstrated similar performance, with only a small difference of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius between the models. The NH-U14S consistently performed slightly better, but the variance was minimal.
5.2 Temperatures under Full Load at Stock Speeds
When running the CPU at stock speeds under full load, there was a slightly greater difference in temperatures among the coolers. However, the results were still relatively close together, indicating that all three coolers effectively manage heat dissipation.
5.3 Temperatures under Full Load when Overclocked
The most significant variation in cooling performance was observed when the CPU was overclocked to 3.9GHz. In this Scenario, the NH-U14S outperformed the others by almost 8 degrees Celsius. Surprisingly, the NH-U9 performed reasonably well despite its smaller size, suggesting that the additional fan compensates for its physical limitations.
5.4 System Volume Measurements
In addition to cooling performance, we also measured the system volume produced by each cooler. The larger coolers tended to be slightly louder at idle but quieter under full load. Overall, the system volumes remained acceptable, considering the demanding workload of a 16-core overclocked CPU.
Considering Different Threadripper CPU Models
It is important to note that our tests were conducted using the 16 core 1950X Threadripper CPU, which generates more heat compared to lower-tier models with fewer cores. Therefore, the results presented here may serve as a worst-case scenario for cooling these processors. If you plan on purchasing a lower-tier Threadripper CPU, such as the 12 core 1920X or 8 core 1900X, you can expect even better cooling performance.
Recommendations for Overclocking
If you are planning to overclock your Threadripper CPU, we recommend opting for the larger NH-U14S cooler. Its superior cooling capabilities make it a suitable choice for handling increased heat production. However, if space limitations in your case prevent you from installing the NH-U14S, both the NH-U12S and NH-U9 offer commendable cooling performance and are viable alternatives.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Based on our extensive testing, we are impressed with the cooling performance of the Noctua coolers for Threadripper. The NH-U14S, in particular, stood out with its excellent cooling capacity. However, all three models proved themselves capable of efficiently tackling the cooling demands of the 16 core 1950X Threadripper CPU, whether at stock speeds or when overclocked.
Ultimately, the choice of CPU cooler should depend on your specific requirements and available space in your case. If optimum cooling performance is a priority and space permits, the NH-U14S is the top choice. However, if you prefer a smaller form factor or have size constraints, the NH-U12S and NH-U9 are viable alternatives that deliver satisfactory results.
Thank you for reading, and we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into selecting the right CPU cooler for your Threadripper system.
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FAQ
Q: Can I use the NH-U14S cooler for lower-tier Threadripper CPUs like the 1920X or 1900X?
A: Yes, the NH-U14S is compatible with all Threadripper CPUs using the TR4 socket, including the 1920X and 1900X models.
Q: Does adding a Second fan to the NH-U14S or NH-U12S cooler improve cooling performance?
A: While adding a second fan is an option for these coolers, we did not test it in this review. However, Noctua provides compatibility for additional fans, which could potentially enhance cooling capabilities.
Q: Are there any other all-in-one cooler options available for Threadripper systems?
A: At the time of this review, there were limited all-in-one cooler options that covered the full Threadripper socket. However, the Noctua coolers proved to be highly effective, eliminating the need for an all-in-one solution.
Q: Can I expect similar cooling performance with other brands of CPU coolers for Threadripper?
A: While we specifically tested Noctua coolers for this review, other reputable brands may also offer compatible coolers for Threadripper. However, it is recommended to choose a cooler that provides full coverage of the Threadripper IHS for optimal cooling efficiency.
Q: What is the ideal CPU cooler for overclocking a Threadripper CPU?
A: For overclocking a Threadripper CPU, we recommend using a larger cooler like the NH-U14S, as it demonstrated the best cooling performance in our tests. However, the NH-U12S and the NH-U9 also offer satisfactory cooling capabilities for moderate overclocks.
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