Installation
Installation is simplified by the built in screw brackets. We had no issues and there is plenty of clearance around the CPU socket. You’ll also have no memory compatibility issues, even with two fans.
Test Set Up
We tested the Phanteks PH-TC14S for sound and cooling performance using our standard i7 LGA2011-v3 set up. We tested two configurations, stock and overclock both with turbo.
The i7 LGA2011-v3 set up is basically a high end set up that will stress the CPU cooler under stock load conditions and when overclocked. This is our basic test set up for most of our reviews, compatibility permitting.
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
- Processor: Intel i7-5820K
- Motherboard: Asus Rampage V Extreme
- Graphics: MSI GTX 970 GAMING Twin Frozr V
- Memory: 16GB Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR4 @2666Mhz
- Drives: Crucial BX100 500Gb SSD
- PSU: Corsair HX1000i
- Chassis: MicroCool Banchetto 101
Software used for load tests and temperature capture;
- HWiNFO64
- AIDA64 Engineer
We ran the AIDA64 Engineer stability test in 30 minute batches and recorded the results. We used the Core Max result as there was typically a variance across the cores of a couple of degrees.
We only selected the cache, FPU and CPU tests, so no other component would generate impacting heat during the tests. We always “run in” our CPU cooler installations, essential to maximizing the performance of the cooler before testing begins.
Phanteks PH-TC14S CPU Cooler Review
Package - 7.5
Performance - 8.2
Price - 7.8
Consumer Experience - 8.2
7.9
For a single fan cooler it is a little more forgivable to get a little warmer than some of the bigger dual fan coolers, especially under overclocking load conditions for example. The performance of the Phanteks PH-TC14S is definitely there though, a custom fan profile and maybe a second fan if you have the headers and don't mind the extra airflow, you will have a capable cooler that looks the part too.