Noctua NH-U14S 140mm U-Type Tower Heatsink Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Monday, June 24, 2013
Introduction
There are a variety of different cooling solutions that can cater to the way you plan to use your computer. For those looking to get the best thermal performance a self contained watercooler or large tower heatsink might be the best option, especially when overclocking. OEM replacement coolers are extremely popular in the DIY market and often sacrifice cooling performance for cost and quality of components. While these styles can often be found as hybrids of each other but can never replicate a third popular style, the silent cooler. Silent coolers are more than high performance coolers with slow moving fans but instead are specifically engineered to get the best thermal performance when overall airflow may be at a premium.
In this review we will be looking at the Noctua NH-U14S 140mm U-Type heatsink. As the name suggests this is an oversized tower heatsink designed for 140mm fans. The cooler features a total of six heatpipes in a staggered array that loop from one end of the radiator to another.
In this review we will be looking at the Noctua NH-U14S 140mm U-Type heatsink. As the name suggests this is an oversized tower heatsink designed for 140mm fans. The cooler features a total of six heatpipes in a staggered array that loop from one end of the radiator to another.
One of the first things you may notice is the oddly shaped fan which is a standard NF-A15 from Noctua measuring in at 150mm but with a 140mm frame and 120mm mounting holes. The hybrid nature of the fan allows it to be used in a variety of locations including 120mm fan openings and 140mm heatsinks, like this one.
Another thing to note is the radiator dimensions and construction. Like most heatpipe coolers there is a locking tab to connect and separate the radiator fins while also providing stability. You will notice that the NH-U14S uses these tabs as a shroud to prevent air from escaping out the side. We suspect this not only increases performance but also lowers the noise footprint.
Another thing to note is the radiator dimensions and construction. Like most heatpipe coolers there is a locking tab to connect and separate the radiator fins while also providing stability. You will notice that the NH-U14S uses these tabs as a shroud to prevent air from escaping out the side. We suspect this not only increases performance but also lowers the noise footprint.
The radiator itself is also considerably thinner than most coolers of this size. The reduction in thickness will impact overall cooling performance but allows the cooler to clear tall memory modules by avoiding them altogether. We tested the NH-U14A on an X79 motherboard and are happy to report that any module will fit in any slot and still allow the cooler to operate with dual fans installed.
