Compare: NH-C14S vs Frost Commander 140

Design and Aesthetics:

NH-C14S

The NH-C14S features a low-profile, top-flow design with a large aluminum heatsink and a single 140mm NF-A14 PWM fan. The cooler is designed for compatibility with a wide range of PC cases and motherboard layouts, as well as offering excellent RAM and PCIe clearance. Aesthetically, the NH-C14S maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, which is synonymous with the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

Frost Commander 140

The Frost Commander is a sleek CPU cooler with a design reminiscent of the Peerless Assassin 120. This cooler features a dual-tower heatsink with 5 heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation, and uniquely, the heat pipe ends are hidden from view. Sporting gray and silver tones, the Thermalright logo adorns the top of the heatsink. Despite its larger radiator, the Frost Commander uses a single 120mm fan in front and a 140mm fan between the heatsinks, giving it a distinct, asymmetrical look.

Install Notes:

NH-C14S

The NH-C14S features Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets and offering a straightforward installation process, typical of Noctua coolers. Clear instructions, high-quality components, and a tube of their premium NT-H1 thermal compound make it an easy and user-friendly experience, even for beginners. The cooler uses the original AMD backplate for AMD installations. However, one downside is that the cooler may stick to your CPU, and due to the screw setup, you can't slide the cooler off the CPU like with some other brands. Overall, the NH-C14S offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

Frost Commander 140

The cooler installation is quite similar to other mainstream cooler setups. However, during installation, securing the fans to the heatsink requires more effort (relative to other Thermalright offerings), which is due to the metal securing the fans requiring much more effort to place. For this reason, it's also a lot easier to slightly bend the heatsink fins, but this can be fixed by bending it back with a credit card.

Additionally, like other mainstream coolers, the Frost Frost Commander faces challenges in uninstalling when trying to break the thermal paste seal between the cooler and CPU, as it doesn't easily slide or twist off. This can be an issue if the thermal paste forms a strong bond.

Cooling Performance:

NH-C14S

The performance of the NH-C14S is exceptional, thanks to its six heat pipes that effectively transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. The cooler is suitable for a wide range of processors, from mainstream CPUs to high-end models with high TDPs. For certain CPUs, the NH-C14S can handle moderate to high levels of overclocking and provides reliable cooling in demanding situations.

Frost Commander 140

The Frost Commander delivers impressive performance for its size, rivaling premium cooler offerings. Capable of cooling some of the more powerful CPUs without being overly bulky, this cooler can also manage overclocking for specific CPUs. As a result, the Frost Commander is a strong contender for a wide variety of computer setups.

Noise Performance:

NH-C14S

One of the standout features of the NH-C14S is its quiet operation. The included 140mm NF-A14 PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-C14S is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

Frost Commander 140

Featuring two differently sized fans, this cooler generates above-average noise levels relative to the cooling it provides, unlike quieter options such as the NH-D15 or the Peerless Assassin 120. If you're seeking a quieter setup, you might want to explore alternative options that better suit your needs.

Summary:

NH-C14S

The NH-C14S cooler, compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, offers a straightforward installation process with Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, clear instructions, and high-quality components. Featuring a low-profile design, large aluminum heatsink, and a single 140mm NF-A14 PWM fan, it provides excellent compatibility and clearance for various PC cases and motherboard layouts. The cooler delivers exceptional performance with its six heat pipes and accommodates mainstream to high-end CPUs, even with moderate to high levels of overclocking. The NH-C14S stands out for its quiet operation, ensuring users enjoy a noise-free experience during heavy workloads or gaming sessions.

Frost Commander 140

The Frost Commander is a sleek, dual-tower CPU cooler with an asymmetrical design, featuring 5 heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation and a unique hidden heat pipe end design. It offers impressive performance, capable of cooling powerful CPUs and handling overclocking, making it a strong contender for various computer setups. However, with two differently sized fans, it generates above-average noise levels compared to quieter alternatives, so those seeking a quieter setup may want to consider other options.