Noctua NH C14 Heatsink Review

Recently we have changed our method of measuring noise levels. Ambient noise in the room is around 20dBa. We measure from a distance of around 1 meter from the chassis and 4 foot from the ground with our Extech digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation.

KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refridgerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum

The Noctua NF-P14 fans are exceptionally high quality and generate low levels of noise. We also noticed that motherboard temperatures reduced by 2-3c thanks to the forced downwards facing airflow.

Noctua rate the fans at 19.6 dBa, which is basically silent. Our own results are higher, but room ambience and other contributing factors mean that we are not often able to replicate ‘perfect' conditions. Regardless, the performance of these fans, as we already know from previous testing, is first class. In real world terms you would be hard pressed to tell if they were running.

Become a Patron!