I have also decided to use the A12x25 which is supposedly the best fan you can buy for heatsinks.
I don't want to go AIO because of pump noise and long term reliability.
I am thinking of buying a Noctua U14S and using the 120mm fan on it like this:
![Image](https://i.postimg.cc/zX0RFq0w/gQoYAr.jpg)
https://i.postimg.cc/zX0RFq0w/gQoYAr.jpg
I have an NF-S12A PWM exhaust fan, and the top of my case is vented. I will be replacing the case and it will likely be with a non windowed Fractal Define C/S/R5.
My question is, are there any other contenders that are better or have more heatpipes for quieter cooling? And can accomodate big ram sticks?
I will at some point be upgrading again, and will want to use it again, possible either AM4 Zen2 or 9700k.
Currently I am running a 3770k at 4.2ghz, 1.128v, ~76C P95 - because I don't have a fan on the end or middle of my D14.
So U14S vs U12S (this seems to have less heatpipes than its bigger cousin) vs................... either will be using A12x25.
Thanks