28 - 03 - 2024
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INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nh d14 se2011a

    One of the things i happen to enjoy is testing CPU Coolers and so it really comes as no surprise that while in my previous position i was able to build the largest LGA1366 CPU Cooler database online and so naturally now i will try to accomplish the exact same thing with the latest LGA2011 socket and my brand new Intel Core i7 3930k. This list will shoot off with one of the best CPU Air Coolers in the market, namely the NH-D14 SE2011 by Noctua, the recent revision of a unit which was also featured in my LGA1366 database. Of course unlike the initial version of this cooler the SE2011 version is compatible with socket 2011 CPUs and as you will see later on it does a terrific job keeping the temperature of the 3930k at relatively low temperature levels even at 4GHz under extreme load conditions.

 

   Designed in Austria, Noctua's premium cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb quietness, exceptional performance and thoroughgoing quality. Having received more than 1000 awards and recommendations from leading hardware websites and magazines, Noctua's fans and heatsinks are chosen by more than a hundred thousand satisfied customers around the globe. Noctua comes from a cooperation of the Austrian Rascom Computerdistribution Ges.m.b.H. with the Taiwanese cooling specialist Kolink International Corporation, pooling more than ten years of experience in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-end cooling components. Established in 2005, Noctua took the international silent enthusiasts' hearts by storm and quickly developed into one of the most acclaimed suppliers of premium quality quiet cooling products. Today, Noctua is present in more than 30 countries across the globe and working with several hundred sales partners. Chosen by noise conscious PC users, system integrators and industry clients alike, Noctua has become synonymous with impeccable quality, excellent customer service and class leading quiet cooling performance.

 

   The massive NH-D14 by Noctua has already proven itself by staying amongst the top CPU Air Coolers in the market for the past 2 years so in a way many of you know what to expect from the latest SE2011 version in terms of performance. Unfortunately Intel doesn't really provide a stock CPU Cooler with their latest CPUs (excluding the extra liquid cooler which should be here soon) so this review will only feature the NH-D14 SE2011. Luckily more LGA2011 compatible CPU Coolers are already here (plenty more on the way) so it won't be long before our LGA2011 CPU Cooler database has enough members to compete with the old LGA1366 one.

 


 

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

featspecs

 

 


 

 

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The NH-D14 SE2011 was shipped inside a large box with a partial image of the unit’s heatpipes and a list with its main features at the front.

 

 

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A few words about the cooler in 8 different languages can be seen at the left side.

 

 

 

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Moving at the left side of the box we see the specifications of both the heatsink and its fans.

 

 

 

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At the rear we find an in-depth explanation of the unit’s main features.

 

 

 

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As usual for Noctua the entire package is placed inside two cardboard sections.

 

 

 

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Since the SE2011 version is only compatible with the latest Intel LGA2011 socket inside the box you will only get mounting hardware for that. Of course you are also getting the cooler itself, classic Noctua metal case badge, NT-H1 thermal paste tube, long screwdriver, installation manual, two low-RPM fan adapters, a Y-split fan adapter and a fan extension cable.

 


 

THE NOCTUA NH-D14 SE2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Just like the original NH-D14 the SE2011 version is quite massive and measures 160mm in height, 140mm in width and 158mm in depth while weighing a total of 1240g.

 

 

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The unit is actually two heatsinks/radiators in sandwich configuration, each of which features a total of 42 aluminum fins.

 

 

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The first out of the two fans found on the NH-D14 SE2011 is the PWM version of their award winning NF-P12 120mm fan. This fan model can reach a maximum rotation speed of 1300RPM and produce 54.3CFM of airflow at 19.8dBA of noise, always according to Noctua.

 

 

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Mounted between the two heatsinks we find the latest NF-P14 PWM 140mm fan which in turn can reach speeds of up to 1200RPM, produce airflow levels of up to 64.9CFM and produce noise levels of up to 19.6dBA.

 

 

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Noctua has engraved their logo on the top of both heatsinks as seen above.

 

 

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Although by default the NH-D14 SE2011 comes with two preinstalled fans you can always install a 3rd fan at the rear end for increased performance.

 

 

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I was glad to see that Noctua is still using the same mounting clips for the fans since these are extremely easy to adjust.

 

 

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Six 6mm nickel plated all-copper heatpipes run from the base and through both of the heatsinks.

 

 

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The base of the NH-D14 SE2011 features a mirror like finish and is virtually flat.

 


 

TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cpuz

Our newest and current primary test rig featuring the latest Intel Core i7-3930k and the Gigabyte X79-UD7 will be used to build our LGA2011 CPU Cooler database.

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

 

     I always take things quite seriously when it comes to work so just like with the previous LGA1366 database we will not be testing each CPU Cooler on its own and with different ambient temperature levels so we can actually have yet another valid CPU Cooler database. Testing a CPU Cooler automatically means that you need to know where it stands against the immediate competition and to accomplish that we have spent both money and time through the years, something that i plan to continue to do so in order to get the most accurate results for the end users who read these lines. Every CPU cooler in this database will be tested with its bundled 140mm/120mm/92mm/80mm fans while working at 100% of their speeds for all the temperature tests. CPU Coolers that do not come bundled with a fan/s are measured using a Noctua fan (size dependent on the model) to test for the temperature tests but due to the lack of a stock fan we will not be measuring their dBA levels. For the dBA test every cooler in the database was measured both while on idle mode or with the fan controller in the minimum setting and while on extreme load or with the fan controller all the way to the highest possible setting. PWM fans do that or their own without our intervention. Every single test takes place in a temperature controlled room of 23 degrees Celsius Ambient Temp with the help of two AC units placed diagonally inside the room. The Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste is used with every CPU Cooler in our latest LGA2011 database (although initially this was not the plan we had to change things to get the most accurate results). Finally it's very important to point out that just because a CPU Cooler is better than another when tested with our test rig CPU, the Intel Core i7-3930k that does not necessarily mean that the same performance differences will apply 100% for other CPU models and in other situations (such as different ambient temps and system configurations).

 

     To successfully record the load temperatures we use the latest OCCT application for around 6-10 minutes to push the processor to its limits and after that is done and the temperatures are recorded we wait for about 10-20 minutes for the CPU to cool down and record the idle temperatures. This is done to allow time for the thermal conductive material to achieve the optimal performance level. Same procedure is then repeated with the Passmark BurnIn Test as a failsafe just in case the OCCT results are wrong. This procedure takes a lot more time than the usual peltier/thermometer tests chosen by others but this way not only can we deliver real world results to our readers based on real CPUs but we can also triple check the results using a variety of programs. Last but not least the temperatures were recorded using both the latest versions of AIDA64 and RealTemp while the noise level test is performed by using a high precision ExTech Decibel Meter placed about 10-15cm above the CPU Cooler. Still although the same testing procedure applies to all units do take into consideration that unlike the official numbers which are measured in special noise isolated labs with just the fans here we also have both the rest of the cooler and the rest of the system (although all system fans are turned off when recording noise levels).

 


 

TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

TEMPERATURES

 

 

temps

 

NOISE LEVELS

 

 

noise

 


 

CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nh d14 se2011b

 

   Just as i mentioned before in this review the performance levels of the NH-D14 are not something new and so right from the moment i started recording the temperatures for this review i roughly knew what to expect. Now when i say roughly that is because although i knew how well the NH-D14 performed with my previous Core i7-920 systems i had no idea on how exactly the two extra cores of the i7-3930k would affect the results. Luckily as you all saw at a full 4GHz the NH-D14 SE2011 is able to keep the temperature of the CPU at 60 degrees even under extreme load so i see no real need for people to rush and get anything better than the NH-D14 SE2011. Of course at 4.5GHz (not included in the review) the NH-D14 SE2011 could hardly keep up and although the temperatures never crossed the 80 degrees mark even at extreme load still i could never recommend such usage.

 

   Noctua always puts quality and performance above cost so just like the original NH-D14 the SE2011 variant does not come cheap and currently retails for around USD85 inside the USA and 70Euros inside the EU. True with that amount of money most people will most probably think about getting one of the cost effective liquid cooling solutions like the Antec Kuhler or the Corsair Hydro and especially if size and airflow are problems with your case those are quite good solutions, perhaps even the best ones. On the other hand however if you happen to own a large enough PC Case with good airflow levels, you don't like much noise and you think about strapping an 3rd fan onto it then this is the way to go. For excellent cooling efficiency, relatively low noise levels and the high level of quality Noctua has gotten us used to the NH-D14 SE2011 walks away with our Platinum award. 

platinum

 PROS

- Cooling Performance
- Build Quality
- Noise Levels
- Easy Installation
- Ability To Add An 3rd Fan (All 3 Can Be 140mm Ones) 

 

CONS

- Size
- Price (For Some)