Noctua NH-U14S CPU Cooler Review

Our spring into summer CPU cooler reviews continue with the Noctua NH-U14S CPU Cooler, the big brother to NH-U12S we reviewed previously. The NH-U14S is the bigger, badder (a good bad if there is such a thing) and down right better CPU cooler than the NH-U12S, at least it should be. We are going to put it through the ringer to find out!

If you are looking to compare the NH-U14S to other Noctua CPU coolers, please head on over to here where you read up on Noctua’s excellent CPU cooling line up!

PACKAGING, PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

Packaging for most Noctua products follow a very standard means, much of which can be said is the same from product to product. The front of the exterior packaging shows us Noctua’s simple image of the cooler in the background, followed by all the details of the cooler in the foreground.

The back of the packaging shows us the details about the Noctua NH-U14S, such as the air flow design, profile modes, mounting systems and more. SimThe sides of the packaging go into way more specifics and details.

The NH-U14S comes with a single 120mm NF-A15 premium PWM fan, and features support for a second, which is sold separately. The cooler also uses Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting system which features support for Intel’s LGA115x, 2011/2011-v3, and AMD’s AM2/AM2+, AM3/AM3+, FM1, FM2/FM2+ sockets.

Our research shows that this priced just around similar profile CPU coolers at $74.99. You are also getting six years of manufacturer’s warranty.

Inside the box you will find the mounting kit, brackets and accessories packed neatly at the top, and underneath that we’ll find the cooler itself with the fan pre-installed. All of this is neatly encased in some cardboard packaging.

For accessories, Noctua provides you with the Intel and AMD installation sets packaged separately in clear plastic bags, a set of installation manuals, and a backplate for Intel 115x motherboards. You will also find the low-noise adapter for the fan which changes its maximum RPM from 1200 down to 900, as well as a 4-pin PWM y-splitter for powering a second fan. Noctua also includes their signature Noctua case badge, a tube of Noctua’s NT-H1 thermal compound and a Phillips head screwdriver to help with installation.