Verdict and Conclusion
Honestly? Having experienced this heatsink in action, I’m more than a little bit happy with it. I think the biggest selling points are the much-needed improvements to installation parts and the extra cables which can come in handy in a pinch.
As far as temperature goes? It’s not the best, but it’s still really good. The Haswell, by now, I’m sure, has a reputation for being hot under the collar, so the ability to compete with other models means it’s actually got the stuff to back up the price and isn’t just padding it out with accessories.
Oh yeah, the price. Well, we’ve got to mention it sooner or later. Most places will sell the NH-U14S for $75.00 USD. That’s a noticeable step for an air cooler, so I can understand if that makes you a little apprehensive.
Pros:
- Works with all Intel and AMD sockets.
- Average to above-average cooling quality.
- Easy installation.
- Improved fan clips & Installation kit.
- Quiet
Cons:
- Pricey
Final Words.
That pretty much covers the main package deal, and I’m happy to have tested its strength. Noctua is relatively new for me, so I think they’ll also be happy to have made another potential customer. Despite the higher price, there’s not many more models on the market that could beat out the NH-U14S. It’s probably as close as you can get to water cooling without spending a similar or higher retail price. All-in-all, if you want a good setup with good power, then give this a try. You won’t be disappointed.
SCORE
9.0/10
