Phanteks PH-TC90LS Low Profile CPU Cooler Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging & Bundle3. The Phanteks PH-TC90LS CPU Cooler4. Testing Methodology5. Thermal Performance6. Acoustic Performance 7. Closing Thoughts8. View All Pages

The Phanteks PH-TC90LS is a solid low profile CPU cooler that had the ability to effectively cool our moderately overclocked Core i5 3570K processor.

During testing, the maximum task that we presented the PH-TC90LS CPU cooler with was a 4.0GHz Core i5 3570K at a voltage of 1.200V. While you may be able to get a little extra frequency out of 1.2 volts, we would be reluctant to increase the voltage any higher as the load temperatures were already peaking at 85°C. Use an LGA 2011 CPU and the overclocking headroom will be slashed as voltages will have to remain at near-stock levels.

While heavy or even moderate overclocking isn't what the PH-TC90LS low profile CPU cooler is designed for, Noctua's smaller NH-L9i offered better cooling performance in both tests, and Intel's ‘free' Core i5 3570K heatsink was only narrowly beaten by the Phanteks solution. While this is a rather disappointing result, our test system isn't representative of the type of environment that the PH-TC90LS is likely to operate in. With a more confined case that offers lower airflow, the unique technologies such as P.A.T.S and C.P.S.C may allow Phanteks' PH-TC90LS to widen its performance lead over Intel's unoptimized heatsink.

Maximum noise output of Phanteks' PH-F90 fan is bearable for everyday usage and very close to that of the model used on Noctua's NH-L9i cooler. Phanteks doesn't include a low-noise adapter, so a decreased acoustic output is the PWM operation's responsibility. We think that providing a cheap low-noise adapter which has the ability to cap maximum fan revolutions, while still working with a PWM operation, would have been a good idea.

Installation of the PH-TC90LS heatsink is a straightforward and effective procedure. Phanteks has carried its simple and secure installation traits over to this low profile model. Installing the fan can be slightly trickier, however. The method of attaching the fan clips takes some practise to master, and even then it can still be considered a fiddly procedure.

Priced at £29.99 from OverclockersUK, the Phanteks PH-TC90LS is cheap enough to appeal to much of its target audience, but not so expensive that most shoppers are alienated by its price. Noctua's NH-L9i is available for £5 more but also offers better cooling performance and a shorter design, making it a tough competitor.

With our test results showing only a slight performance boost over Intel's ‘free' reference heatsink, it is difficult to justify spending £29.99 on Phanteks' PH-TC90LS for a minor temperature decrease. On the other hand, that minor temperature decrease could spell the difference between stability and thermal throttling for SFF users with low-airflow cases.

If enhanced cooling performance is an absolute requirement for a HTPC or SFF system, we would recommend spending an extra £5 over Phanteks' PH-TC90LS to get Noctua's better-performing and shorter NH-L9i.

Pros:

• Can cool an overclocked Core i5 3570K.
• Sturdy installation.
• Also compatible with 80mm fans.
• 5 year warranty.

Cons:

• Only a slight performance boost over Intel's reference Core i5 3570K cooler.
• Priced too closely to tough competitors.
• No low-noise adapter.
• Limited compatibility – LGA 115X and 2011 only.

KitGuru says: A slight performance boost over the reference Intel heatsink, but better coolers can be had for a similar price.

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