I've been doing a lot of digging recently trying to compare larger based coolers for an upcoming sTRX4 platform build that I'm planning. Although I've gone through the usual suspects including but not limited to here at Anandtech, FrostyTech, HardOCP/Forums, Toms, and really everyone else, I've yet to see anything I'd consider a fair comparison to judge the best cooler for this build, or even on older X399 reviews. Using the data I have and knowing the basics of the products and lineups it seems like the two most capable air coolers currently in existence for the platform are the Thermalright Silver Arrow TR4 and the Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3. The comparison is tough with reviews that contain both not being consistent on which provides better temps in their results. These reviews are also not testing both with the same fans for a true 1:1 comparison, usually opting for out-of-the-box fan configuration instead.
For my build I've settled on the NF-A14 PPC3000 fans, 2 if Noctua, 3 if Thermalright because dual tower. I think we'd all agree for a pressure focused heatsink fan its hard to pick something much better than the A14s. Even the newer A15s are lower in pressure and although packing 150mm on 120mm mounts, I've yet to see a proper comparison of the two so I'll stick with what I know.
I'm wondering if anyone here has :
-experience with air cooling on this platform,
-experience with or good comparison data for either of the 2 coolers I'm debating, or
-any further data on the A14 vs A15 fans that I might have overlooked.
While doing my research for this build its been a really troubling look at the state of hardware reviewing as a whole as someone who came into this in early LGA775 days. The 'roundups' of old seem to be long gone, and usually missing key products to make the roundup a good source of data. While places like GamersNexus seem to relish very in depth 'PCB level' analysis on some products, I'm seeing an abundance of 'reviews' using questionable methodologies and shying away from deeper technical details of a product. The lack of detail and proper testing in cooling right now seems a bit nuts, and I'm concerned about the space in general right now, though I guess that's a separate topic.
Any help or insight would be appreciated.
For my build I've settled on the NF-A14 PPC3000 fans, 2 if Noctua, 3 if Thermalright because dual tower. I think we'd all agree for a pressure focused heatsink fan its hard to pick something much better than the A14s. Even the newer A15s are lower in pressure and although packing 150mm on 120mm mounts, I've yet to see a proper comparison of the two so I'll stick with what I know.
I'm wondering if anyone here has :
-experience with air cooling on this platform,
-experience with or good comparison data for either of the 2 coolers I'm debating, or
-any further data on the A14 vs A15 fans that I might have overlooked.
While doing my research for this build its been a really troubling look at the state of hardware reviewing as a whole as someone who came into this in early LGA775 days. The 'roundups' of old seem to be long gone, and usually missing key products to make the roundup a good source of data. While places like GamersNexus seem to relish very in depth 'PCB level' analysis on some products, I'm seeing an abundance of 'reviews' using questionable methodologies and shying away from deeper technical details of a product. The lack of detail and proper testing in cooling right now seems a bit nuts, and I'm concerned about the space in general right now, though I guess that's a separate topic.
Any help or insight would be appreciated.