Question Best cpu air cooler for 3950x no oc + video work?

note235

Golden Member
Dec 23, 2005
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I'm looking to upgrade my cpu cooler for my 3950.
I was thinking of the Deepcool AS500 but that doesn't seem to be available. Looking at
Noctua NH-U12S

I'd prefer to spend around $50 but can go more if needed. My primary workload is video rendering so I will be using all the cores. No OC though.
Upgrading my mobo to a Asus TUF X570 Gaming + I have a MSI Geforce Ventus 3X 3090
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
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For that CPU, I would personally go with either the NH-U14S or NH-D15S.

I'd only go with the NH-U12S if didn't have the space for one of the bigger coolers. You are going to use a $750 16 core / 32 thread CPU, so the extra surface area and bigger fan would be a good thing IMO.

They are $5 - $30 more, but a Noctua cooler is something you can use for a very long time, and they even give owners free mounting hardware when a new socket comes along so you can use it in your next build as well.
 
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aigomorla

CPU, Cases&Cooling Mod PC Gaming Mod Elite Member
Super Moderator
Sep 28, 2005
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U14 of D14 for sure.

not to mention the 140mm fan is quieter, sink has more mass, which means can take more heat.