Threadripper 3990X CPU Cooling Comparison – Taming the Beast

Cooling the 64-core Threadripper 3990X is tough, especially because it is an 8-CCD, single-IOD design that demands cooler baseplate and heatpipe contact across a larger surface area than previous Threadripper parts.

As our testing highlights, coolers that are not TR4-specific, such as most AIOs, will have a challenge when faced with the immense heat that the 3990X can throw out. Even air coolers that are supposedly Threadripper-specific through baseplate sizing may not be particularly good for the 8-CCD 3990X.

Of course, these factors are perhaps of most importance to overclocking users looking to push their chip's frequency. But even stock operators may see a difference given AMD's aggressive Precision Boost 2 algorithm. Plus, there is the argument that a better CPU cooler may be able to run at quieter fan speeds when delivering tolerable temperatures.

Noctua's NH-U14S TR4-SP3 CPU cooler is very well balanced in terms of cooling performance, price, and low-noise operation. This is thanks in large to an excellent heatspreader design and optimal heatpipe orientation. The 140mm A15 PWM fan also deserves credit for delivering a good amount of airflow at a reasonable 1500 RPM spin speed.

If it is all-out air-cooling performance you are most interested in, the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite CPU cooler is absolutely superb. Of course, the 2019 prototype that we tested with is big and bulky and the fans are loud. But this is clearly a cooler that has a dense radiator designed for high-speed fans and deploys thermosiphon technology to deal with high thermal loads.

That is absolutely fine in our opinion; if you want extreme cooling performance from an air cooler and are happy with fast, loud fans, the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite 2019 prototype is clearly very impressive and brings new-found excitement to the air-cooling scene. And if you would prefer higher, but tolerable, CPU temperatures in exchange for out-of-the-box noise-optimised cooling, there really are plenty of positives to take from Noctua's NH-U14S TR4-SP3.

The be quiet! Dark Rock Pro TR4 is available for £79.99 from Overclockers UK HERE.

The Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3 is available for £74.99 from Overclockers UK HERE.

The Corsair iCUE H115i Pro XT RGB is available for £139.99 from Overclockers UK HERE.

The IceGiant ProSiphon Elite is not yet commercially available but can be pre-ordered for $119.99 from IceGiant HERE.

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KitGuru says: Noctua's trusty NH-U14S TR4-SP3 is proving that it is no slouch when it comes to thermal performance and does not compromise on noise output. We are extremely excited to see the next IceGiant protype version later this year as the 2019 prototype has opened up a new level of performance from an air cooler for the power-hungry Threadripper 3990X.

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