Phanteks are a brand that seem to have slipped under the eTeknix radar in our short existence since 2008. Yet Phanteks make some of the best fans and CPU coolers on the market, even if their range of products is quite limited. Phanteks are most for their PH-TC14PE CPU cooler, know as the NH-D14 killer to some, yet reviews were generally inconclusive and suggest that both PH-TC14PE an NH-D14 are on somewhat equal footing. Either way we are not here today to discuss the PH-TC14PE but Phanteks latest mid-range CPU cooler the PH-TC12DX.
In terms of specifications this unit is pretty standard for its price point. We’ve got a couple of 120mm PWM fans, four heat pipes and an average tower heatsink unit. Yet according to what Phanteks tell us there is a lot more to this heatsink than just that. With advanced P.A.T.S and C.P.S.C technologies, surely we should expect a level of performance that goes beyond what we’d expect from this type of cooler? Well that is for the review to reveal. Below you can check out the full specifications of the PH-TC12DX:
I’m actually very surprised it didn’t perform all that well in your tests. Although I haven’t tested this model, I did test the PH-TC14PE and it performed exceptionally well. I would’ve expected great results from this cooler as well. Hopefully I can procure a sample sometime soon.
I was very surprised too though when you think about it for a relatively thin four heat pipe cooler the results aren’t that surprising. Though it does more mirror a single fan 4 heat pipe cooler rather than a dual fan cooler.
You’re most likely spot on. I’ve also heard the TIM between the base & heatpipes is sub par or badly applied. The only way I can check that out is to see for myself. I have requested a sample from the distributor but there’s no stock available and they’re not sure if they’ll be receiving stock anytime soon, if again. Pity.
I mostly get my test samples from local distributors, not from manufacturers themselves which can be a pain in the arse.
The TIM does not come pre-applied with the TC12DX actually, or at least the one we were given did not. I am just more inclined to believe the heatpipes are integrated into the heatsink or base in quite a mediocre way hence the sub-par performance. Also the choice of heat pipe can make a big difference to cooling too.
Absolutely, although it seems strange that a high quality part would ship with such glaring oversights. Mind you, judging from other reviews I’ve seen, you’re not the only site that’s less than impressed with the performance. Maybe Phanteks will release a Rev. 2 in the near future.
I too am quite surprised with the performance. I honestly expected much better from Phanteks, although I do appreciate the color options.