Since upgrading to an Intel Core i5-14600K, I've noticed that my Gamdias Boreas M2-51D cooler is louder than I'd like, even though CPU temperatures generally stay below 80°C. I've already tried adjusting the fan curve without much improvement. What would be a quieter replacement that can still handle the processor well?
4 Answers
Before replacing the whole cooler, you could try swapping the fan for a quieter model with a lower noise rating. If the heatsink itself is cooling adequately, the fan may be the main source of the noise.
If you’re open to liquid cooling, a 360 mm all-in-one cooler should provide plenty of thermal headroom and can run its fans more slowly. It’s more expensive and adds pump noise, though, so a good air cooler may be the simpler choice.
A budget-friendly upgrade would be something like the Thermalright Burst Assassin Evo. You could also compare the cost of that cooler with simply installing a quieter replacement fan on your current heatsink.
For a strong air-cooling option, Noctua’s NH-D15 G2 would handle the 14600K well while staying relatively quiet. Other Noctua tower coolers are worth considering too if you want to remain with air cooling.

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