I built my i7 D0 based rig last year with an Akasa Nero cooler which I have been rather disappointed with in terms of cooling performance (only slightly better than the stock cooler) and I am contemplating purchasing the Noctua NH-D14 so I can get some better temperatures as the hot weather is really pushing them up and also so I can try some overclocking.
It is pretty expensive at around £60 and so, understandably, I am hesitant. Does anyone have experience with it or have any other cooler recommendations that perform near to or just as well?
Judging from the measurements of my motherboard (P6T-SE) and current CPU cooler (Akasa Nero) it should fit however I'm not sure if my case will accommodate it (Antec Sonata III).
Also, thermal compound recommendations please (if the included Noctua/other cooler brand isn't good enough)?
Cheers, I'm new so I'll fill in the PC spec profile thing now.