A Closer Look

Taking a closer look at the Phanteks PH-TC14PE, it is easy to see that this cooler is massive. Weighing in at 1250g with two fans, it may not be the heaviest cooler around, but it certainly has some serious bulk. There is of course room for a third fan at the back, with extra clips and rubber pads making the addition of a third fan a possibility right out of the box.


The eighty-eight cooling fins have heat transferred to them through five heatpipes that are 8 mm in diameter. Each anodized aluminum tower is topped off with an aluminum plate that has the company's name embossed across it. This definitely gives the cooler a nice, clean look. Add in the cooler's other color options and you get an air cooler that will match just about any theme.


The plastic fan clips, while also creating a snug fit, conveniently cover each fan's screw holes with small rubber pads as an anti-vibration measure. The fans themselves make use of U.F.B (Updraft Floating Balance) bearings. Phanteks has even sleeved and heatshrinked the cables for a completely uniform and clean appearance. Attention to such small detail really does improve a cooler's appeal, and shows dedication to quality.


The five 8 mm heatpipes are arranged in the traditional U-shape, with some curve to help distribute heat evenly across the aluminum fins. The heatpipes are made of nickel-plated copper. The base, also made of nickel-plated copper, is smooth, but one can still make out machine marks. This air cooler's overall build quality is top notch. Phanteks has really delivered a well-constructed product of quality with the PH-TC14PE.