How Do You Compare CPU Coolers

[RedSoxFan]

Do you use TDP to compare CPU coolers or is there some other piece of information that you can use to compare CPUs without actually having to test them?

 

[pastrychef]

I just searched online for some reviews to determine which ones were good. When I decided on going with a Noctua, I looked at the following chart:

http://noctua.at/en/products/cpu-cooler-retail/tdpguide

 

[kiiroaka]

I read all the reviews and looked at the problems others were having by reading the user reviews at Newegg and Amazon. I'm sure that most heat sink manufacturers must have their own forums where problems are discussed.

I choose the Noctua because of their mounting system, foremost, and the NH-U14S specifically because it does not interfere with RAM slots. Cheaper assemblies typically have flimsy mounting systems. The Noctua fan mounting system is superior over many others, too. The Noctua cooling fans are the best in the industry and also the most quiet. (I bought a $50 case and spend over $80 on just case fans.)

 

[powerpcg5]

Another vote for Noctua... quiet and effective. A little more expensive compared to others, but the price difference isn't much considering how much CPUs cost.