Noctua NH-C14S, Premium CPU Cooler with NF-A14 PWM 140mm Fan (Brown)

Mounting issue. When I lay the case flat down horizontally like a HTPC or rack server, the performance is almost as good as my Noctua D15s. Once I shift the case into normal vertical orientation, temperatures went from 63 to 72 degree Celsius real fast (Ive remounted and tested this multiple times). Ive also tested this with the heat pipes facing in every possible direction except for top-to-bottom, as instructed by Noctua. I guess this cooler is more suited towards HTPC chassis such as Fractal Node 304, because performance takes a hit if you use it in a tower case. My theory is that either the concave base loses optimal contact with the processor when positioned in a vertical orientation, or the bent heat pipes have trouble in that configuration, which might also explains the varying results from many different professional reviews on the Internet.

This cooler saved my mobo because my mobo has terrible VRMs. The VRMs overheat like crazy and need good airflow. I setup this cooler to be downward blowing and it keeps my mobo at sane temperatures. The Noctua also cools CPU better than the beQuiet! Pure Rock, but the Noctua did cost a lot more.

Caught it on sale and replaced a Noctua NH-L9x65 (which moves less air), so the mounting bracket system was the same. Had to remove the fan to access the two hold-down screws then mounted the fan in the upper position (and blowing down). Not sure what the most efficient cooling position is and Noctua instructions did no say but they did note the upper position is the more quiet position besides including two extra fan wire holders if you want to run two fans in both mounting positions (and noted to use the throttle cable on the upper fan in that configuration).

Very expensive, but really great quality. it is quiet and keeps my processor cool. I switched from a closed loop liquid cooler which had lost its coolant due to permeation over around 8 years. Its really nice not having to worry about leaks with this air cooler. It may not be quite as cool as the liquid cooler, but air coolers have less to worry about. it is very heavy, so its recommended not to transport it with the heatsink on. If you do a lot of transporting, you may want to pick a lighter one if possible. I did transport mine over an hour and it was okay when I got back to my apartment. Definitely be careful and think about the orientation of the heatsink when you transport the computer. But overall really great cooler. It keeps my cpu cool without any noise.

Good thermals, quick install, and it fits my CoolerMaster NR200 just right.

This is the second time I buy NH-C14S and my fifth time purchasing one of noctua products, and its my first time time having a problem with one of them.

Solid Cooler for more low profie builds. Cool and quiet low maintenance proposition compared to liquids coolers. As I swtich to this cooler after my H80i losing liquid over time due to evaporation.

I bought this one for my sons computer, since I am really impressed by the performance of the NH-D15. This is way nicer looking CPU Cooler than the NH-D15 and the temperature performance is just few degrees higher. I guess beauty has its price. Anyhow, I offered my son my NH-D15 for this one, and he refused. I told him that the NH-D15 is more capable, more expensive, but no. My son says that he also cares how his PC looks. All in all, if this CPU can handle my sons AMD nuclear power station (his computer is hot), I am highly recommending it.

I installed this for a friend on a 3950X with only the single fan it came with and he has no problems keeping it under full load 24/7 at stock clocks. Very impressive cooler yet again from Noctua.

Used on a AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU in a Cooler Master NR200 case. Substantially lower temps on both idle/low load and stress test.