Nine Big Air Coolers For Intel's Haswell CPUs, Reviewed
Intel's Haswell-based CPUs have a unique cooling problem that leaves many overclockers in a quandary. Today, we're rounding up nine different sink and fan combinations to see if any can contend with the fourth-gen Core processor's copious heat.
SilverStone Argon AR01
SilverStone targets the Argon AR01 at value seekers, who can find the entire package for $35 at various sites. Though the modest price is matched by moderate specifications, budget-sensitive enthusiasts might find another advantage in an installation kit the lets it fit multiple platforms.
A proponent of direct contact with its heat pipes, SilverStone selected the three-pipe AR01 for this round-up specifically because of the Haswell core’s small heat spreader. Using the company's larger AR03 as an example, the outer pipes on that design don't make contact with the CPU. SilverStone does, however, increase the diameter of its AR01 pipes to 8 mm, up from the AR03’s 6 mm.
SilverStone’s machinists do a great job of leveling the base to maximize contact.
The AR01’s support plate features three holes on the Intel side to line up with LGA 775, 1150/1155/1156, and 1366. It also flips over to replace AMD’s default four-screw support clip system. Both sides use a thin, hard insulation layer to prevent shorts, though we’ve seen places where those wide tabs won’t fit.
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jk_ventolero The CM H212 Evo has been a crowd favorite for quite some time now. :) I wonder how that might have performed. :DReply -
blackmagnum Water cooling is the best way forward: less noise, energy efficient and low maintenance.Reply -
CaptainTom I hate to say it but all this article demonstrated to me is that Haswell is in no way better than Ivy Bridge. Even Ivy Bridge used 25% less energy with a 10% boost when compared to Sandy Bridge, and I can still get IB to 4.8 GHz on air.Reply
Haswell= 10% more power for 10% more energy and 10% less headroom. Oh and it costs more...
Man I hope AMD can whip them back into shape with Steam Roller... -
s3anister I can't even fathom why one would spend this much time to write an article like this and still leave the NH-D14 out.Reply -
spazoid It's funny how some of you guys still think Intel made Haswell with desktops in mind. This is a CPU architecture made for mobile. It's quite sufficient for desktops in every regard. Yes, it might not outperform IB by much, and it might run a bit hotter, but in a laptop, there is nothing that compares to Haswell.Reply -
Crashman
Noctua picked the NH-U14S instead of the D14. Please feel free to ask them why.11158600 said:No NH D14?
Since Noctua chose not to feature the NH-D14 this time, you might want to look at its closest competitor. The article links a comparison of Phanteks TCP14E and NH-D14. Since Phanteks chose to keep its big cooler in the running but Noctua chose otherwise, this was the closest "frame of reference" available.
I can't even fathom why you would repeat the first post without regard to any response. And speaking of a response, please read above.11159094 said:I can't even fathom why one would spend this much time to write an article like this and still leave the NH-D14 out.
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Shneiky Really disappointed that there was no be quiet! and Cooler Master representatives. I would enjoy seeing how a Dark Rock Pro 2 or a V8 GTS/V6 GT.Reply -
flong777 The comments are correct concerning the omission of the NH-D14 from this testing. It really doesn't matter a damn what "Noctua picked," that is not the issue. The FACT is the D14 is legendary for its cooling and to leave it out of any major test is just plain stupid. Don't forget that it won your last competition for best cooler.Reply
To say compare it's performance with the Plantek's performance is lame. Use some common sense when you do these reviews.