Just like with TIMs - The top ~10 HSFs will all deliver pretty much identical results +/- 1-2C so pick the one that makes you happy and enjoy. You don't need to overpay to get great HSF cooling. There are many good choices.
It had a curved base and couldn't overclock the CPU beyond 4500 Mhz? HA HA HA. Sorry, but Zalman CNPS12X is still the leader, the most efficient cooler compared to Phantek and the old leader Thermalright Archon.