Finished Looks

When paired with matching components, the Phanteks PH-TC12DX is a sharp-looking CPU cooler, and with the various color options available, most users should easily find one that matches their system's theme.


The smaller size of the PH-TC12DX also gives it an advantage over the PH-TC14PE as it doesn't take up the top half of the motherboard. This translates into the PH-TC12DX offering more space around the cooler, making access to the 8-pin EPS, DIMM slots, and fan headers a bit easier.


The top-down look shows that the Phanteks PH-TC12DX will not interfere with the top PCIE slot. I have seen this problem crop up with some coolers on certain motherboards, but it will not be a problem with the PH-TC12DX. Memory clearance will be tight, as is normal for most air coolers. Users should stick to standard-height memory if they are populating all four DIMM slots.


As can be seen here again, memory clearance under the fan is tight; however, on LGA2011, the Heatsink and both fans easily clear both banks of DIMM slots on the test system's motherboard. Users on LGA1155 or other sockets should, again, stick to standard-height memory if using four sticks. Those only using two sticks should not encounter any problems and can thus use any memory they want.