I've recently inherited an Intel DX58SO and a Core i7 980 and I'd like to build a new system using these components:

XFX Radeon HD 6870 (already own)
Intel SSD 320 160GB (already own)
Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1250 Hybrid TV Tuner w/ Video Recorder PCI-E x 1 (already own)
Antec Solo II
Seasonic SS-520FL
Koutech 4-Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PCI Express (x1) (2xExt+1xICC) (with 15-pin SATA power) Model IO-PEU432
Crucial 12GB (3 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT3KIT51264BA1339

As the title suggests, I am currently undecided on what kind of CPU cooler to buy. There will be only 3 fans in this sytem - CPU, GPU and rear exhaust. This system will never be overclocked and I plan to let the motherboard automatically control the CPU and rear exhaust fans. The Noctua NH-D14 (with one fan removed) is my choice for a heatsink, but I am concerned that the VRMs and X58 IOH may not receive enough airflow, especially under load. What do you guys think? Is the NH-D14 a viable choice or should I consider a downdraft heatsink?

I have used both downdraft and tower coolers, and there didn't seem to be much difference between them, probably I suspect because overall system airflow is more important that a potentially higher degree of cooling applied to one area of the motherboard.


If you're going to do that then you could look at the SilverStone Heligon HE01 which will give you closer to NH-D14 performance from a single fan. That's because the Silverstone fan is 38mm thick. It has a manual switch that allows a Quiet PWM range of 500 to 1200. From Newegg it costs around $75 against $80 or so for the NH-D14.

I don't know your particular Intel motherboard but I guess it will be the usual deal with a PWM CPU fan header that only runs 3 pin fans at full speed. So the PWM fan in the HE01 could be a better fit given the processor involved here. It could also make sense to use a PWM fan chain of intake, CPU and exhaust. For the additional PWM intake and exhaust fans you might consider the Noctua NF-P12 PWM. These fans have a 300 to 1300 speed range. Yes they are around $20 each but they do come with rubber mounts, a PWM Y cable and PWM extension cable so it would be straightforward to chain them to a CPU PWM fan without any additional components or expense. The 3 pin exhaust fan supplied with the case could be redeployed as an additional intake fan. If plugged into the 3 pin fan header on your motherboard there would be a degree of thermal control to supplement what a PWM chain could provide.

Hi lodestar,
Thanks for your insight, but I ended up going with the U12P SE2 because of its lower weight, lower price, and better performance with low airflow. It turns out that my concerns were only partially unfounded. I created a new thread about my new system here.