Phanteks PH-TC14PE Dual Tower CPU Cooler Review

Passive CPU TestThroughout testing we observed the cooler’s performance while using very low speed fans which operated at 1200RPM. For it to offer such impressive cooling results while using these fans we couldn’t help but wonder how far we could take this cooler using no fans at all. So, yes, you guessed, we will now show you the results of our testing using the Phanteks PH-TC14PE as a passive CPU cooler.

The test results will be strictly pass or fail. The case fan speeds are set to maximum to ensure that the cooler isn’t choked and starved of air. The temperature threshold we set before calling the test a fail is 65^oC above ambient but if the cooler manages to complete more than 75% of the test before rising above the 65C delta mark, we allow it to complete the test, provided it is capable.

Stock Frequency – PASS
4.4GHz Frequency – PASS
4.7GHz Frequency – FAIL

Wow, Just wow! The ability of a dual tower cooler designed to operate with fans to cool a hot 4.4GHz overclock on our hotter than usual Core i7 2600K processor is just amazing. It was very close to the scary heights of 70^o​C above ambient, but the PH-TC14PE managed to passively cool our stock and 4.4GHz overclocked 2600K CPU. While it did pass the passive test, we would warn you that the temperatures did take a long time to return to normal after removing the Prime95 load. It is possible to run an overclocked CPU passively using this cooler, but we wouldn’t recommend it for extended periods of time where the CPU is susceptible to high load conditions.