Two years ago I posted my review of the original Noctua NH-D14 CPU cooler and proclaimed it the best air cooler money could buy at the time. When it came time to select a heatsink to use in our new LGA2011 test system, I immediately reached out to Noctua for our cooling needs. The timing was just right as Noctua had recently introduced the NH-D14 SE2011 for Intel's Sandy Bridge-E platform. The gang had also launched their NF-F12 PWM cooling fans and agreed to send over a few along with the cooler for evaluation in our test system.



The NH-D14 SE2011 is essentially a standard NH-D14 outfitted with the new SecuFirm2 mounting system for LGA2011. If you aren't familiar with this heatsink, it utilizes six heatpipes in an asymmetrical dual radiator layout. The heatsink is cooled by a 120mm fan as well as a larger 140mm fan, but we will get to that in just a bit.

As you can see from the photos of the retail packaging, not much has changed with Noctua's presentation. The signature white / black / brown heatsink package reveals plenty of specifications on the rear while the front of the fan box opens to reveal a clear cutout so you can see the actual fan and accessories within.

Specifications for the NH-D14 SE2011 and NF-F12 PWM fans are as follows, borrowed from Noctua's website.



And for the NF-F12 PWM...


Notice that the heatsink includes a slightly different 120mm fan, the NF-P12. Despite a faster max rotational speed, the NF-F12 only produces a tiny bit more airflow and is a few decibels louder. The newer fans also use second generation SSO bearings and a custom designed PWM IC for better automatic control. Note that all items carry a standard six year warranty - very nice.

Let's move on and have a closer look at both the heatsink and the new fans.