Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler Review

Dual Fan Results

Earlier we stated that mixing fans is never a good idea and like the old saying goes: “the proof is in the pudding". Both dual NF-P12-1300’s and NF-P14-FLX’s results are much improved over the stock results. If you do decide this is the cooler for you and your case can accept 140mm fans AND you have a 140mm NF-P14 kicking around, we would strongly recommend you yank the P12 from this cooler and replace it with your P14. Alternatively, if you have a spare P12 laying around we would swap out the P14 for it as this too would result in better CPU temperatures. However, please remember that both of these options do add to the already extreme price of the D14.

Triple Fan Results

Its not often we get to add a new test to our testbed, but if we ever do come across another cooler capable of “Three Fan Mojo” it will be included in future reviews.


These test results really do show a couple things to us. The biggest of these is that Noctua seems to have a winner on their hands with the P14-FLX fan, but it may not be the best solution for ALL coolers. It is however, a great solution for THIS cooler as is evidenced by the excellent performance numbers. It may only be a slight difference but when you a looking to break records, a couple degrees can make the difference between a successful overclock and one that is a failure. Though to be honest, we doubt many people will bother mounting three P14-FLX fans as they would add another 40 or 50 dollars to the cost of this cooler and give a ton of installation headaches. The same can be said of the triple NF-P12-1300 fan results as it may reduce temperatures somewhat but the added expense may not be worth it (also $40 added to the price tag).

What may tempt a lot of people is the dual NF-P12 w/ single P14 setup. This setup will add $20 to the cost of the cooler, but it does seem to be the best combination of increased performance versus price. Though to be totally blunt we have a tendency to agree with Noctua and say that three fans are not really worth it. To us (and if we had our heart set on this amazing cooler) we would take that $40 or $50 and invest in a couple of higher speed fans. We truly hope that one day Noctua will either add a “Deluxe Edition” which comes with triple P14-FLX fans or adds a higher speed fan to their growing stable.