Compare: NH-U14S vs FX360 Pro

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.

FX360 Pro

This cooler features a sleek, understated design, perfect for setups aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic rather than a flashy, Times Square vibe. The AIO pump adds a touch of reflection, drawing attention to the center of your build. This minimalist style aligns well with those who prefer a clean, sophisticated look for their system, like myself.

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.

FX360 Pro

The installation of this cooler follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers. You will need to install the fans, which come with an easy daisy chain setup, making the process relatively simple. After connecting the fans, ensure the AIO pump brackets are set up and secure on the motherboard. Next, attach the radiator to the case, make sure the right mounting bracket is on the AIO pump, place the pump on the motherboard mounting brackets, and secure the AIO pump in place. Finally, connect the AIO pump cable to the motherboard pump input and the fans to the CPU input. Overall, this is what you would expect with most mainstream AIO coolers.

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.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, making it capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Testing at 100% AIO pump speed demonstrates that this cooler has enough headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it extremely competitive option at its price point.

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.

FX360 Pro

The base noise level is higher for this CPU drive due to the increased pump noise. However, since the testing is done at 100% pump speed, this can easily be toned down to quieter levels. With this in mind, the cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and also handle more demanding tasks, albeit with increased audibility.

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.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Installation follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers, with an easy daisy chain setup for the fans and straightforward attachment of the radiator and pump. The cooler features a sleek, understated design, ideal for those aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic. Testing at 100% pump speed shows the cooler's headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it a competitive option at its price point. Although the base noise level is higher due to the increased pump noise at full speed, this can be reduced to achieve quieter operation. The cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and handle more demanding tasks with increased audibility.