Performance Results Explained

Taking a closer look at the results of the IFX-14, the heatsink doesn’t fail to impress. In the high fan speed fan section the IFX-14 scores quite well, with the Delta 120x38mm 3200rpm fan the CPU temperature drops to an all time low of 37°C under full load! Using the slightly slower 2900rpm 120x25mm fan the results are on par with the Ultra-120, at 43.5°C.

Moving to the 120mm GlobalWin NCB at high the results are impressive, 2°C lower than its closest competitor, the Ultra-120, at this noise level of ~47.3dBA the IFX-14 is audible in a quiet room, but not intrusive, the performance is splendid, best we’ve seen yet.

The last test is with the silent 120mm NCB at 5v where the noise level drops to 39.7dBA and the system becomes whisper quiet. Here the IFX-14 truly dominates the performance charts, its massive surface area proves superior, ~5°C cooler than Ultra-120, Scythe Ninja and Coolink Silentator! At this noise level and with this heat output, a 5°C difference in a small closed case is impressive, as it currently stands, the IFX-14 is the best HSF in our ranking.

Our addendum test was done without active cool fan on the IFX-14, do note that the rear exhaust fan is in close proximity to the rear tower of the IFX-14. Either way, the performance results are most striking, you’d think that removing active CPU cooling would increase temperatures a lot, well, the IFX-14 kept the CPU at 56°C, that’s only one degree more than the Scythe Ninja who HAS active cooling!

Conclusive Thoughts

Thermalright has got a winner on their hands with the IFX-14 which beats the best heatsinks we’ve tested in the past, be it with very low CFM or medium CFM fans. Granted that at the high noise scale, the difference is a lot less stellar, and once you come into Delta/Vantec territory, where the dBA meter reads 70+dBA, the “smaller” Tower coolers with 120mm support catch up and surpass the IFX-14.

Nevertheless it’s the low noise performance which interests us most and there the IFX-14 is currently unbeatable, even without active cooling this monster heatsink doesn’t flinch, keeping our overclocked Prescott cooler than many other products.

Price wise the IFX-14 comes at a premium, available at PC-Cooling for €62.9 it’s a very expensive heatsink without a doubt. Our US readers can find the IFX-14 at Sidewinder Computers for $79.95, as you can see, it remains expensive no matter which side of the pond you live.

With many high end heatsinks available at half the price of the IFX-14 it wouldn’t be a very wise choice if you’re on a tight budget, but if you have money to spare and you’re looking for the best low noise heatsink, look no further. The IFX-14 is a high end product which comes recommended for its extreme performance, if you can afford it.

Recommended for


+ World Class Performance
+ Support for up to three 120/140mm fans
+ Can passively cool many of today’s CPUs

- Very high price
- Very big heatsink, possible compatibility issues in smaller cases
- Extra small heatsink will only fit in certain cases

We like to thank PC-Cooling.de for providing the test sample, unit next time!