Video summary

Noctua just LOST... And it's exciting! - Building the ULTIMATE AIR-COOLED PC!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary of Technological Content (Air Cooling Build + Cooler Comparison)

Core premise / debate

  • The video argues against the claim that air-cooled PCs are boring/ugly and all the same.
  • Instead, it claims modern air coolers can be powerful and even “exciting”, compared with AIO (liquid) cooling.
  • The creator frames the test as “proving” that an air cooler can compete closely with a top-tier alternative by using a demanding CPU + GPU thermal stress scenario.

Sponsored competition & comparison approach (Trikes vs Noctua)

The video is sponsored by Trikes, and the creator’s plan is:

  1. Build an “ultimate air-cooled PC” using Trikes Tourist.
  2. Run a thermal/performance test.
  3. Swap to a Noctua cooler and repeat the same test for comparison.

Build configuration (hardware + why)

Motherboard

  • ASUS ProArt B850 Creator Wi‑Fi Neo
  • Rationale: chosen to save money versus newer boards while retaining “most features.”
  • Limitation: missing a dedicated 10 Gb Ethernet port.
    • Suggested workaround: use a higher-end model or a PCI expansion card.

CPU

  • AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (12-core / 24-thread)
  • Emphasis:
    • “Underrated” performance
    • AM5 platform for upgradeability
    • Overclocking via PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive)

SSD / RAM

  • SK hynix SKH High P51 Gen 5 NVMe
  • Kingston Fury Renegade 64 GB DDR5-6400
  • Cost note: RAM is described as expensive (jokingly compared to Apple pricing).

Air cooler #1: Trikes Tourist

  • Design:
    • Dual-tower cooler
    • Massive front fan plus a middle fan
  • Front fan frame depth:
    • 36 mm, deeper than typical 25 mm designs
  • Fitment:
    • The fan can move up/down to match RAM clearance, but clearance must still be checked per RAM model.
  • Extra feature:
    • Integrated customizable screen on top for visuals/graphics.

Case + airflow strategy

  • Case: Trikes “Flver”
    • Unique fabric exterior design
    • Cross-airflow layout: intake from the side, then airflow through the case
  • GPU selected to stress cooling:
    • NVIDIA RTX 5090 Founders Edition
    • Reason: intentionally creates an unfavorable thermal scenario by dumping hot air toward the CPU cooler.

Fan tuning (important for airflow)

  • Initial testing suggested stock fans weren’t enough for the high-heat scenario.
  • Added fans:
    • 3× Noctua 120 mm in front
    • 1× 120 mm at bottom near the GPU
    • 2× 140 mm Arctic P14 Max on top (matching the color theme)
    • 1× 120 mm Arctic P12 Max top intake
  • Noted claim:
    • Studies suggest making the first top fan an intake can improve internal airflow.

Software tools & overclocking methodology

Trikes Canali software (cooler preset control)

  • Uses a simple homepage to detect the installed cooler.
  • Supports presets (downloadable or already available).
  • Includes customization and a stats display.

CPU power limits / PBO settings (Ryzen Master)

  • PBO enabled and described as removing constraints: “all power limits are gone.”
  • Advanced settings mentioned:
    • Socket power limit: 1000W (likely not reached in practice)
    • CPU boost override: 200
  • Goal:
    • Max performance while observing sustained thermals and benchmark results under extreme conditions.

Thermal/load test setup (how the evaluation works)

  • To generate heavy GPU heat while not focusing on frame rate/resolution:
    • Runs a multi-thread test/benchmark scenario
  • Load characteristics:
    • GPU driven up to ~575 W
    • That heat is dumped close to the CPU cooler (air cooler placed “right on top” of the CPU)
  • CPU monitoring during the test:
    • CPU draws ~214–217 W
    • Temperatures approach the limit (near 95°C initially)
  • Performance metric:
    • Uses CPU benchmark score as the final metric to see whether thermals throttle performance, comparing results between coolers.

Results: Trikes Tourist vs Noctua

Test #1: Trikes Tourist

  • Benchmark score: 7,557 points
  • Temperatures remained high, but throttling was managed enough to preserve performance.

Test #2: Noctua swap (Noctua NH-D15)

  • Mounting note:
    • Noctua uses an offset mounting system on AM5 to align better with CPU CCD hotspot(s).
  • Structural comparison:
    • Trikes Tourist: 6 heat pipes
    • Noctua NH-D15: 8 heat pipes
  • Test repeated with similar GPU stress:
    • GPU still at ~575 W
    • CPU still around ~213–217 W
  • Observed temperatures:
    • Noctua appears 1–3°C cooler
  • Benchmark score:
    • 7,356 points (lower than Tourist)

Interpretation / conclusion by creator

  • Even with lower temperatures, Noctua produced a lower performance score.
  • Creator conclusion:
    • Performance is very close / within margin of error
    • Noctua may still have an edge in absolute maximum cooling performance (more fans/heat pipes)
    • Trikes is framed as having “exciting” tuning and delivering strong value on both performance and aesthetics
  • Final verdict:
    • The Trikes cooler is presented as worth considering.

Price & “excitement” comparison (final takeaway)

  • Price:
    • Trikes Tourist: $130
    • Noctua: $170
  • Conclusion:
    • Trikes wins on value and excitement factor
  • Mentioned future product:
    • Trikes indicates an “S version” later in the year, potentially even cheaper.

Main speakers / sources

  • Main speaker: the YouTube creator (name not provided in the subtitles)
  • Brands referenced:
    • Trikes: sponsor; “Canali software,” Trikes Tourist cooler, Trikes Flver case
    • Noctua: tested cooler NH‑D15
    • ASUS: ProArt B850 Creator motherboard
    • AMD: Ryzen Master, PBO concept, Ryzen 9 9900X
    • NVIDIA: RTX 5090 Founders Edition

Original video