Hi all,
Been a while since I posted here. I admittedly swapped out of my Ncase M1 for a Thermaltake F1 for 'ease of use' for a short while and want to go back. I have a Noctua U9B SE-2 in storage to go back into the Ncase when I do a swap shortly. However, I'm really interested in something more powerful given I run everything low RPM to keep noises down, and will be upgrading to a 1070 soon from a lowly GTX 750 Ti while I get back into gaming. Currently i5 4690k at 1.15v at 4.2ghz. I live in Aus so any higher (even as we've just started spring) already starts shooting up temps.
I wanted the Noctua C-14 original but nowhere local appears to have it. There is - Be Quiet Dark Rock TF however i've read some potential issues with this fitting.. I own the Asus Z87i-Pro with daughterboard. Ideally I'd like this to fit with heatpipes facing the rear but I understand this may not work... Alternatively - Cryorig M9i or Be Quiet! Pure Rock Slim or Cryorig C1 are alternatives but I don't think they'd gain me much over the U9B SE-2 (I have owned a U9S but when I swapped cases I sold this.. eh).
Can anyone comment perhaps on what would be a solid choice? I'm fine with the dark rock if it'll fit no problems but the sheet states 'only one orientation' and not sure if it'll interfere with my motherboard.
Ideally I'd really prefer the C14, as i'd install 2 fans on the side, have no under fan, gives me room to move around a little internally etc, but it's either sold out or not listed anymore. (One places says in stock, but i went there 'no stock all gone'. still says in stock online -.-).
Thanks!
PS: Edit, the C14s is still plausible if the low profile option works? using the fan under...
A quick Google search shows NE having three Noctua C-14 still in stock. $99 though but if you want best hsf cooling I would say it's worth it. If that's too rich for you just get a U9S.