CPU Heatsinks Dilemma

Hi Guys, I am confused between 2 CPU Heatsinks:

1. Noctua NH-D14

2 TRUE 120 Black Rev. C with 2 Silverstone FM121 Fans in a Push/Pull Config.

The base of TRUE is not purely flat so will it leads to any performance issue?? Now tell me which heatsink will perform the best.

My PC Config is in my SIG.

Thank you....

It's hard to make things completely flat sometimes. I don't really have a problem with my TRUE limited edition Black. It's running my i7 920 @ 3.6 on idles temps of 30-33c.

The Noctua NH-D14 is extremely big though. Even without a fan, I believe it blocks one DIMM slot. So your already limiting yourself to 2 sticks of RAM(for dual channel).

Not your RAM, but your motherboard. The heatsink itself is extremely big and WILL block a DIMM SLOT.

Which heatsink will perform the best according to my first post?Gamers_cool

The noctua is better I believe, but its outrageously huge, and will block one of your dimm slots, unless your mobo is big too.

The compatibility charts are to only show that the heatsink will FIT.

But if you read the third paragraph on that page, you will see this.

The NH-D14 is a big cooler that extends over the first RAM slots on most mainboards. The cooler offers sufficient clearance for all standard size memory modules, but you won't be able to use memory modules higher than 44mm. Corsair Dominator DDR3 modules can be used if the top heatspreader is removed as shown here.

Let me say this as well, the FORM FACTOR of the motherboard DOES NOT mean that it WON'T cover the DIMM slot. It just means that the motherboard has more expansion slots than a m-ATX board. I have seen m-ATX boards that are the same width as ATX boards.

The NH-D14 is superior than the TRUE, but the TRUE is still an excellent cooler.

@Killerchese That's what im trying to make u understand from my last couple of posts that I do not have a bit compatibility issue with this cooler coz my memory modules has low-profile heatsinks on them, very less than 44mm. It's Kingston HyperX DDR2 modules manGamers_cool

Then what are you waiting for? go get the Noctua, bigger is mostly better than smaller most of the times :P

So u all guys meant to say that Noctua NH-D14 with default fans will also beat this the combination of TRUE 120 Black Rev. C with 2 Silverstone FM121 Fans in a Push/Pull Config ?????????Gamers_cool

Plz reply me soon

Gamers_cool

If you want more proof,

http://www.guru3d.com/article/noctua-nh-d14-review/

And they compare it a H50 and a V10, which I consider to be way better than the thermaltech

@Killerchese That's what im trying to make u understand from my last couple of posts that I do not have a bit compatibility issue with this cooler coz my memory modules has low-profile heatsinks on them, very less than 44mm. It's Kingston HyperX DDR2 modules manGamers_cool

Killerchese is pointing out that the heatsink will cover the memory modules when it has been installed. In other words, you won't be able to access your memory modules once the heatsink has been installed.

I've installed the D14 on the Maximus II Formula (P45), and encountered the same issue with the memory. And judging by the spacing of the DIMM slots with the processor socket on the Maximus Formula, you're gonna encounter the same issue once you install it.

So again, we're not questioning the compatibility of the heatsink with your motherboard, we're only pointing out that you will not be able to access a couple of your DIMM slots once the heatsink has been installed.

[QUOTE="Gamers_cool"]@Killerchese That's what im trying to make u understand from my last couple of posts that I do not have a bit compatibility issue with this cooler coz my memory modules has low-profile heatsinks on them, very less than 44mm. It's Kingston HyperX DDR2 modules manMaoTheChimp

Killerchese is pointing out that the heatsink will cover the memory modules when it has been installed. In other words, you won't be able to access your memory modules once the heatsink has been installed.

I've installed the D14 on the Maximus II Formula (P45), and encountered the same issue with the memory. And judging by the spacing of the DIMM slots with the processor socket on the Maximus Formula, you're gonna encounter the same issue once you install it.

So again, we're not questioning the compatibility of the heatsink with your motherboard, we're only pointing out that you will not be able to access a couple of your DIMM slots once the heatsink has been installed.

Which in turn means, if you have something installed in those slots and you ever feel like upgrading your RAM, you will have to remove the heatsink first. Which to me sounds like a lot of trouble to just change out the RAM.

[QUOTE="Gamers_cool"]@Killerchese That's what im trying to make u understand from my last couple of posts that I do not have a bit compatibility issue with this cooler coz my memory modules has low-profile heatsinks on them, very less than 44mm. It's Kingston HyperX DDR2 modules manMaoTheChimp

Killerchese is pointing out that the heatsink will cover the memory modules when it has been installed. In other words, you won't be able to access your memory modules once the heatsink has been installed.

I've installed the D14 on the Maximus II Formula (P45), and encountered the same issue with the memory. And judging by the spacing of the DIMM slots with the processor socket on the Maximus Formula, you're gonna encounter the same issue once you install it.

So again, we're not questioning the compatibility of the heatsink with your motherboard, we're only pointing out that you will not be able to access a couple of your DIMM slots once the heatsink has been installed.

[QUOTE="MaoTheChimp"]

[QUOTE="Gamers_cool"]@Killerchese That's what im trying to make u understand from my last couple of posts that I do not have a bit compatibility issue with this cooler coz my memory modules has low-profile heatsinks on them, very less than 44mm. It's Kingston HyperX DDR2 modules manGamers_cool

Killerchese is pointing out that the heatsink will cover the memory modules when it has been installed. In other words, you won't be able to access your memory modules once the heatsink has been installed.

I've installed the D14 on the Maximus II Formula (P45), and encountered the same issue with the memory. And judging by the spacing of the DIMM slots with the processor socket on the Maximus Formula, you're gonna encounter the same issue once you install it.

So again, we're not questioning the compatibility of the heatsink with your motherboard, we're only pointing out that you will not be able to access a couple of your DIMM slots once the heatsink has been installed.

Heh, sorry for the added redundancy ;)

To answer your question, the D14 performs significantly better than the TRUE (assuming the TRUE isn't using monster fans), but you can greatly reduce the temperature margin, or possibly beat the D14 by lapping the base of the TRUE and pressure modding it. Still, if you don't feel like modifying the heatsink, the D14 is a very competent choice.

I had no problem fitting a Prolimatech Megahelm Cooler on my P6X58D motherboard, the cooler doesn't block any dimm slots.

Not my computer below, but I have the same case, a X58 motherboard, and the same cooler.

Prolimatech might fit on a X38 motherboard...Dunno for sure..

This board looks similar to X38, doesn't look to be blocking RAM slots.