Phanteks PH-TC12DX CPU Cooler Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging & Bundle3. The Phanteks PH-TC12DX CPU Cooler4. Installation5. Testing Methodology6. Thermal Performance7. Acoustic Performance 8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

We received the black version of Phanteks' PH-TC12DX CPU cooler. The heatsink features a striking and very attractive matte black appearance which will look excellent in a system, especially when partnered with the correct hardware.

The matte finish is a by-product of the C.P.S.C. and P.A.T.S. technologies which are implemented on the TC12DX.

Measuring in at 126mm wide, 157mm tall, and 57mm thick, the TC12DX is actually one of the more moderately-sized mid-range, single tower CPU coolers on the market.

Phanteks' TC12DX heatsink uses a split tower design which features a vertically-aligned, pressure-adjusting channel.

The four nickel-plated copper, 6mm heatpipes are aligned in the common U-shape orientation. Placing the row of heatpipes in the centre of each of the TC12DX's split towers allows thermal energy to distribute itself evenly throughout the fin array, ready for dissipation.

The U-shape design also minimises air resistance due to the fact that only 1 heatpipe's surface area is blocking the airflow path through each half-tower.

Phanteks chooses to use an open-sided design which makes creating the fan-mounting channel an easier task.

The lack of closed sides shouldn't have much effect on the characteristics of the air inside the heatsink as the vertically-aligned, pressure-adjusting channel will help to create a natural direction in which air will flow.

Phanteks' P.A.T.S. technology may help to prevent the heat from surrounding components sneaking its way into the TC12DX's aluminium fin array.

Each tower is given an inwards-slanting alignment to assist with the process of forcing air through the centre gap.

Phanteks embosses its logo on the summit of the TC12DX's aluminium fin array, further enhancing the heatsink's attractive appearance.

All four of the 6mm-diameter heatpipes converge atop a nickel-plated copper base. This method of contact with the CPU's heatspreader should allow for a more even distribution of thermal energy, in comparison to the heatpipe direct contact alternative.

A pair of Phanteks' 120mm PH-F120HP fans supplies and removes the TC12DX heatsink's air. The PH-F120HP fans operate at 600-1,800 RPM to provide up to 63.5 CFM of air – a figure which is achievable thanks to the Maelström Vortex Booster on each of the nine fan blades.

Maximum stated noise output of the fan is 27.6 dbA, although the 4-pin PWM connector allows lower noise operation when the highest cooling performance isn't required.

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