Which CPU cooler should I get?

[RunForestRun]

My computer's CPU is Intel i7-8700 (non-K) on ASUS' Prime Z370-A and I need to buy a new CPU cooler. I mostly do programming, edit images and use Office programs. Ocassionally I play Dota 2 and PUBG. Also I run Ubuntu on Virtual Box from time to time.

I want to buy a Noctua cooler but I can't decide between two coolers: Is NH-U12S enough for my needs or should I go for NH-U14S?

 

[EXCellR8]

Either one would be fine, just go with what physically fits. 120mm vs 140mm isn't going to make much of a difference.

 

[UsandThem]

If you can fit the U14S, go for it. It is a better cooler than the U12S. The bigger fan will spin at lower RPMs, so it will be quieter while also being more effective.

And just to be clear, the U12S is a good cooler (I own 2 of them), but it can't compete with the U14S (which I use in my personal PC). Also, it's only like $5 more expensive. No brainer IMO.

 

[RunForestRun]

Thanks for your replies guys.

If you can fit the U14S, go for it. It is a better cooler than the U12S. The bigger fan will spin at lower RPMs, so it will be quieter while also being more effective.

And just to be clear, the U12S is a good cooler (I own 2 of them), but it can't compete with the U14S (which I use in my personal PC). Also, it's only like $5 more expensive. No brainer IMO.

Actually I went for the NH-U12S. The reason why I chose the smaller cooler is because I worry about the NH-U14S being too heavy for the motherboard. Am my worrying unnecessarily? Can the motherboard take all that weight without any trouble?

 

[UsandThem]

Actually I went for the NH-U12S. The reason why I chose the smaller cooler is because I worry about the NH-U14S being too heavy for the motherboard. Am my worrying unnecessarily? Can the motherboard take all that weight without any trouble?

Neither of them are heavy enough to worry about that. There are a lot heavier coolers out there (like the NH-D15). They have the best mounting system out there, so it will support it nicely. I've had mine installed for several years, and there is no concern about the weight (as neither are really that heavy to begin with).

Since you're not overclocking the CPU, it won't matter too much. However, they are such nice (and expensive) coolers, so the way I figured it, you'd have the extra headroom with the U14S in the future if needed.

 

[RunForestRun]

Neither of them are heavy enough to worry about that. There are a lot heavier coolers out there (like the NH-D15). They have the best mounting system out there, so it will support it nicely. I've had mine installed for several years, and there is no concern about the weight (as neither are really that heavy to begin with).

Since you're not overclocking the CPU, it won't matter too much. However, they are such nice (and expensive) coolers, so the way I figured it, you'd have the extra headroom with the U14S in the future if needed.

Do you have any idea what kind of thermals would be expected in i7-8700 + NH-U12S scenario and in i7-8700 + NH-U14S scenario?

 

[UsandThem]

Do you have any idea what kind of thermals would be expected in i7-8700 + NH-U12S scenario and in i7-8700 + NH-U14S scenario?

It's tough to say because the case and fans you use will have a major impact on your overall cooling. But a rough guess will the U14S will shave about 3 - 4c degrees off of your idle temps, and you'll shave around 4 - 6c degrees off of your load temps:

https://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/noctua_nh_u12s_u14s_review,10.html

 

[RunForestRun]

It's tough to say because the case and fans you use will have a major impact on your overall cooling. But a rough guess will the U14S will shave about 3 - 4c degrees off of your idle temps, and you'll shave around 4 - 6c degrees off of your load temps:

https://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/noctua_nh_u12s_u14s_review,10.html

My case is Fractal Design's Define C and I have 3 Noctua NF-S12A PWM -fans in the front blowing air into the case. 3-4 degrees celcius under load doesn't sound that big of a difference so I reckon I'm fine with NH-U12S.

 

[UsandThem]

My case is Fractal Design's Define C and I have 3 Noctua NF-S12A PWM -fans in the front blowing air into the case. 3-4 degrees celcius under load doesn't sound that big of a difference so I reckon I'm fine with NH-U12S.

It's a good cooler as well, so I really wouldn't worry about the purchase. I have the U12S cooling a Ryzen 1700X and Intel Kaby Lake CPU that both are run at stock, and it works just fine. I just went with the larger one for my PC as I more likely to dabble in overclocking at times, and it just gives me the extra wiggle room.

 

[RunForestRun]

It's a good cooler as well, so I really wouldn't worry about the purchase. I have the U12S cooling a Ryzen 1700X and Intel Kaby Lake CPU that both are run at stock, and it works just fine. I just went with the larger one for my PC as I more likely to dabble in overclocking at times, and it just gives me the extra wiggle room.

Do you notice any significant difference in the noise U12S produces compared to U14S? Assuming they're cooling a CPU producing heat roughly the same amount.

 

[UsandThem]

I can since I have my PC tuned most of the time for silence. I can usually run my my U14S's fan around 650 RPM, which is inaudible. This is in my Fractal Design R5 case.

I also own the Define C, which isn't nearly as quiet as the R6, so you will likely not notice much of a difference in that case. Additionally, you will not have much left over space in that case with the U14S as it is 165mm tall with the fan, and your case supports up to 170mm. So you will probably be better of with the shorter U12S.