NH-U12S model running at 11700kf
NH-U12S model running at 11700kf
It's tough to figure out the details. I thought about using a D15 but ended up giving up after looking at many sources. I didn't want to invest without having the components, and since I wasn't really into overclocking, I chose the Scythe Fuma 2 instead to save $80.
A 280mm model should perform comparably to or even surpass a D15, provided it's a solid build. You can check Gamers Nexus reviews for a recent best CPU cooler comparison that highlighted the Arctic Liquid Freezer among others. It's not a bad choice—it offers a practical path to boost overclocking and enhance your CPU's performance with minimal issues. In theory, each core should handle maximum boosts using appropriate voltages. Whether it's worth the added power draw and heat management depends on your priorities.
I believe this would be a solid choice. The U12S performs well with standard Rocket Lake power usage. The main issue would arise if you push it to higher speeds, since Rocket Lake 8-core configurations can easily exceed 200W, which is near the limit of the U12S. For more details, check GN's review of the Redux version. The original and Redux versions are largely identical, though the Redux model features a slightly quieter fan that’s marginally cheaper.