Compare: NH-U14S vs AK400

Design and Aesthetics:

NH-U14S

The Noctua NH-U14S sports a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a slim single-tower heatsink attached with Noctua's iconic brown and beige color scheme. A 140mm fan is attached, further enhancing its understated appearance.

AK400

The AK400 is a sleek and stylish air cooler that features a clean black top, complemented by a single 120mm black fan, designed for users who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic. The it's single-tower aluminum radiator efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring effective cooling for your CPU. This compact and unassuming cooler not only delivers efficient performance but also seamlessly integrates into a variety of PC builds, making it an ideal choice for those who value both form and function.

Install Notes:

NH-U14S

The NH-U14S boasts a user-friendly mounting system that is compatible with a wide array of Intel and AMD sockets. Its straightforward installation process is facilitated by clear instructions and high-quality components.

AK400

This cooler is moderately difficult to install and is more difficult than other DeepCool cooler installations. For AMD CPU's, the mounting setup can be difficult to place due to the mounting bracket doesn't secure through holes, but rather through notches for the AMD setups (This isn't a problem for Intel setups). For this reason, keeping the backplate flush against the motherboard while also keeping the install components in line may prove to be difficult and may require a second pair of hands. This also has a very similar installation to the AG400.

Cooling Performance:

NH-U14S

With its six heat pipes and an extensive fin array, the NH-U14S delivers exceptional cooling performance. It is more than capable of handling high-end processors, maintaining optimal temperatures even under heavy workloads.

AK400

The AK400 delivers impressive cooling performance for its size, attributed to its four heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin array on the heatsink. It is well-suited for up to moderate-level processors; however, it might not be the best choice for high TDP CPUs or those looking to overclock their systems.

Noise Performance:

NH-U14S

Equipped with a 140mm NF-A15 PWM fan, the NH-U14S is designed for quiet operation. Striking a balance between cooling efficiency and noise, it is an ideal choice for users seeking a silent PC experience.

AK400

This CPU cooler offers average cooling performance and operates at a moderate noise level. While it may not be the quietest option on the market, it maintains a comfortable balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance. This cooler is suitable for users who are not particularly sensitive to noise and are seeking a cost-effective solution for maintaining stable temperatures in their systems without demanding top-tier cooling or silent operation.

Summary:

NH-U14S

The Noctua NH-U14S stands out as an excellent cooler, offering a simple yet attractive design, top-notch cooling performance, hassle-free installation, and impressively low noise levels. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a reliable and quiet cooling solution for their PC.

AK400

This cooler has a moderately difficult installation, especially for AMD CPUs, due to its unique mounting setup. The installation process is similar to the AG400. The AK400 has a compact design, moderate cooling performance, and above-average noise levels. With a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the cooler is suitable for various PC builds, offering a balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance for users seeking cost-effective solutions without top-tier cooling or silent operation.