Noctua Scythe Zalman HSF comparisons

speedlever · Post by **speedlever** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 7:52 am

In my search to find a compatible HSF for my planned Asus P5B-3/Conroe build, I came across this review that compares the Noctua NH-U12F to the Zalman CNPS9500 and the Scythe Ninja Rev B Plus CPU Cooler with included Scythe 120mm AMD1212DS fan.

I've heard that the Scythe has fitment problems with the P5B-E. I don't know about the others.

This review is run on an Asus P5WDG2 WS which I hope is comparable to the P5B-E.

IAC, the Noctua looks to be worthy of consideration. I haven't seen much mention of this hsf but hope that spcr will test one soon.

burebista · Post by **burebista** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 8:05 am

Noctua review on SPCR.

Calgarian · Post by **Calgarian** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:10 am

Remember that this particular SPCR review is a year old AND of the -fanless- versions of the Noctua coolers.

The 120mm fans themselves did quite well in the more recent 120mm fan roundup on SPCR.

I read the Bjorn review when it came out and was quite impressed with how the Noctua demolished the Zalman. (which had been my preferred choice for a new system)

It would have be nice to see how the Noctua with two fans would have done.

I will be getting either the NH-U12F or the NH-U9F, depending on the fit.

Calgarian · Post by **Calgarian** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:12 am

Oops,

I suppose I should also say I'm looking at an E6600 and P5B Deluxe in a P150.

speedlever · Post by **speedlever** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:26 am

Thanks for that link, Burebista. Is the U12 the same as the U12F? Or is the addition of the fan in the U12F the only difference?

Edit to add:
proposed build is:
Antec Solo
P5B-E (Edit to correct)
e6600
passive GPU

burebista · Post by **burebista** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:59 am

Yep, and more sockets compatibility.
NH-U12F vs. NH-U12
But if you plan to heavily OC your CPU you should take a look at Scythe Infinity with 2 fans in push-pull at ~1200 RPM.
Of course when you don't OC you can keep your fans at 0 RPM for absolute silence.

speedlever · Post by **speedlever** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:09 am

Well, I seem to be down to deciding between the Noctua U12F and the Scythe 1100P. Scythe's web site says it fits the P5B-E... but others report problems.

I also wonder if a passively cooled GPU will fit with the northbridge heatsink on the P5B-E.

Edit: if I OC, it will likely be a mild OC. I'm not sure of the benefits of OC vs extra heat generated. I am working towards a cool and quiet (not silent) PC.

speedlever · Post by **speedlever** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:32 am

Sounds like the Scythe 1100P is out of consideration for my P5B-E board due to clearance issues with capacitors around the CPU.

Currently being considered:
Noctua NH-U12F
TT 120
Thermalright Ultra-120