Phanteks PH-TC14PE review

Performance Analysis

The Phanteks PH-TC14PE put in a superb performance across all out three test systems. When dealing with our overclocked Core i7-2600K on its full fan speed, it equalled the lowest temperature of any air cooler we've tested, with a delta T of 39°C. This was enough to put it ahead of both the Corsair H80 and H100, although the H100 was quieter. Dropping the fan speed only resulted in a 2°C rise in the delta T, but it also meant a significant drop in noise to levels we simply couldn't discern from our case fan and hard disks.



It was a similar story in our LGA2011 system - the delta T here of 55°C was second only to the Thermaltake Frio Advanced in the company of air coolers, but Corsair's H80 and H100 were noticeably better, even at their lowest fan speeds. Again we saw just a tiny increase in delta T by switching to the lower fan speed. It's a no-brainer really - if you end up owning the PH-TC14PE, there's little point using the louder, faster fan speed setting as it doesn't net you much more cooling prowess.

Socket AM3+ owners will be glad to hear that the PH-TC14PE should definitely be in your top five best coolers list - its delta T of 48°C was the second best air cooled result on test, only just behind the Antec Kühler H2O 920 using its ear-splitting Extreme Profile. Needless to say, the PH-TC14PE was far quieter.


Conclusion

Despite its massive size, time-consuming installation and eyebrow-raising price tag, we couldn't help but like the Phanteks PH-TC14PE. It looks as good as it cools, which is fantastically well, and it's supremely quiet too, especially on its lowest fan speed setting. In our Socket AM3+ and LGA1155 test systems it proved to be particularly potent, matching or bettering our favourite all-in-one liquid coolers at similar noise levels.


The looks and performance come at a cost - cheaper coolers such as the Arctic Freezer i30 are available at half the price - if you can live with the higher noise levels that is. Where the PH-TC14PE comes in is for those who must have a quiet PC, and will pay a premium for it, but not quite as much as a Corsair H100 or full custom water-cooling system.

Size is an issue too, but assuming you've checked this prior to reaching for your wallet, there's little else we have against it. In fact, we also give Phanteks a big pat on the back for offering a sporty-looking cooler in several different colours. It's not something any other high-end cooler manufacturer offers at the moment and it gives you the chance to synchronise you're PC's colour bling without having to opt for your usual gun metal grey cooler. It gets some definite brownie points from bit-tech.