I'm upgrading my PC with an AMD Ryzen 9950X3D and an MSI X870E Carbon WiFi motherboard, alongside 64GB of G.Skill RAM in a Cooler Master HAF X case. I'll also be reusing my Zotac 1660 Super 6GB graphics card. I'm looking for advice on a CPU cooler: I previously used a Noctua NH-D14 with a Core i7 3930K. I've ordered the free AM5 mounting kit from Noctua, but should I reuse the NH-D14 for my new setup, or is it better to go for the Noctua NH-D15 G2? Keep in mind my NH-D14 is already 13 years old!
4 Answers
Honestly, I’m using an old NH-D14 on my setup with a 12900K, and it’s doing just fine! Your 9950X3D should do well under it too. If you run into serious thermal issues, then you can consider getting something new. But for now, just stick with what you have!
Yeah, the NH-D14 can definitely handle your Ryzen 9950X3D, at least for regular use. If you’re really concerned about performance and cooling, just keep an eye on the temps during heavy workloads. If you find it’s too hot or loud, then maybe think about an upgrade.
Your NH-D14 should work just fine with the 9950X3D since it peaks around 230W max. The D14 is rated for up to 220W, so you'll probably be okay unless you're really pushing it. But hey, if you want to save some cash, you might consider a Peerless Assassin 120; it's cheaper and still super effective for cooling. Just a heads up, though, your 1660 Super might be a bit of a bottleneck for that CPU. You might want to think about upgrading your GPU in the future too.
You could definitely start with your NH-D14 and see how it performs. It’s a free option and you can upgrade later if you find it doesn't keep your CPU cool enough. Removing a cooler and dealing with all the thermal paste mess can be a hassle, so it's worth giving the older cooler a try first!
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