Is a downward-flow cooler significantly better for board component cooling?

[atxcyclist]

Would something like a Noctua NH-C14S be beneficial over a tower-style cooler for board components? I have an MSI B450 Gaming Plus and a 2700x, currently I'm using the Prism cooler but want to change it due to noise. I've considered liquid cooling, but the cost of an AIO plus a case to facilitate it would be quite a bit more expensive than a good air cooler. I've used tower coolers on other builds, but this is the first time I've purchased the highest-end processor that was intended for a certain platform, so I want to keep everything cool and happy.

 

If not the Noctua, any other options that would make sense?

[Windows7ge]

I would say if you're working in a chassis that doesn't have great airflow across the board (such as a chassis lacking bottom or front mount fans) then a CPU cooler that doubles as a cooler for the components around the socket definitely makes a difference.

 

How important it is depends on your setup. Under some circumstances it could make a serious difference when overclocking such as to keep the VRMs cool.

[WoodenMarker]

Yes, it would cool the motherboard better but might not be as good as a tower cooler for cpu cooling which may be more important.

What case and ram are you using? Where are you shopping / located? Budget?

[atxcyclist]

8 minutes ago, WoodenMarker said:

Yes, it would cool the motherboard better but might not be as good as a tower cooler for cpu cooling which may be more important.

What case and ram are you using? Where are you shopping / located? Budget?

I have some Corsair LPX. Using a cheap Raidmax Monster II full ATX case, I do have a bunch of 140mm fans in it but try to run them at low RPM. United States. Budget is flexible, I'm not looking for dirt cheap, but something even around $75 that's the right cooler wouldn't be an issue. Mainly just something that allows components to be cooled, but the quieter the better.

[WoodenMarker]

33 minutes ago, atxcyclist said:

I have some Corsair LPX. Using a cheap Raidmax Monster II full ATX case, I do have a bunch of 140mm fans in it but try to run them at low RPM. United States. Budget is flexible, I'm not looking for dirt cheap, but something even around $75 that's the right cooler wouldn't be an issue. Mainly just something that allows components to be cooled, but the quieter the better.

You could save some money with a cheaper cooler like the Macho Rev. B: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/4TCrxr/thermalright-cpu-cooler-machorevb

It should provide enough airflow for the motherboard components unless you plan on heavily oc'ing.