Phanteks PH-TC14PE (vs. Noctua NH-D14) CPU Cooler Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. The Phanteks PH-TC14PE CPU Cooler4. Installing the Phanteks PH-TC14PE5. Testing Methodology and Performance6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

There are a number of different versions of the Phanteks PH-TC14PE available for purchase depending on which colour takes your fancy.  We have the PH-TC14PEPH-TC14PE_BL version for review which, as the suffix to the name suggests, is coloured blue.  This means it is easier for you to colour co-ordinate the components in your system.  The cooler is available in white, orange, red and blue finishes.

Phanteks have used a sandwich design similar to that of the Noctua NH-D14 which is sure to set it in good stead when it comes to performance.  The two heatsink stacks are arranged across five 8mm U-shaped heatpipes which are moulded into the CPU block at the bottom of the ‘U'.

The sandwich design of the cooler means that there is room for a maximum of three fans in a push, push/pull, pull configuration.  Despite only including two fans with the cooler itself, Phanteks thoughtfully include the required mounting accessories for the third fan, should you wish to install the third.

Both of the included fans are 140mm Phanteks PH-F140TS units, differing from the Noctua NH-D14 which is supplied with one 140mm fan and one 120mm fan.  Phanteks supply each colour variant of the cooler with different coloured fans.  The fans run at a fixed speed of 1,200 RPM and generate a maximum airflow of 78.1 CFM.  Even though they are 140mm fans, they have 120mm mountings which mean that you can install any 120mm fan in their place should you wish.

Phanteks have started offering a PWM adapter with the PH-TC14PE which allows the system to control the fan speeds depending on the temperature of the CPU.  While this may result in higher CPU temperatures, the reduction in fan speed should make the cooler considerably quieter, especially when the system is idling.

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