Noctua

The Noctua NH-U12S chromax.black is a premium 120mm single-tower air cooler designed for PC enthusiasts building high-performance systems with Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors. Its slim profile at 158mm tall fits most mid-tower and high-end cases while offering 100% RAM compatibility and clearance for top PCIe slots, making it ideal for compact builds or multi-GPU configurations.

Standout features include the award-winning NF-F12 PWM fan with focused flow design, delivering excellent static pressure and cooling efficiency at just 22.4 dB noise. Users report idle temps around 32-36C and load temps of 70-75C on demanding CPUs like Ryzen 7 7700X or i7-13700KF, far surpassing stock coolers without throttling. The included NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting ensure secure, efficient contact across supported sockets.

Build quality shines with a black-coated heatsink, copper base, aluminum fins, and anti-vibration pads for durability and silence. The all-black chromax design suits stealth aesthetics, with optional colored accessories for customization. Real-world reviews highlight effortless installation and transformative quietness.

Drawbacks are minor: it lacks a second fan out of the box and RGB elements, and while versatile, extreme overclockers might prefer dual-tower options. Overall, this cooler excels in balancing performance, noise, and compatibility.

Verdict: A top choice for quiet, reliable cooling in modern gaming or productivity rigs, backed by Noctuas renowned quality.

Dimensions: 4.92in L x 2.8in W x 6.22in H (with fan)

Weight: 755g (with fan)

Fan Specs: 120mm NF-F12 PWM, 1500 RPM max, 22.4 dB noise, 4-pin connector

Compatibility: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x; AMD AM5, AM4

Materials: Copper base/heatpipes, aluminum fins, nickel plating

Includes: NT-H1 paste, Low-Noise Adaptor, SecuFirm2 kit, case badge

Users rave about dramatic temp drops from stock coolers, with one noting 70-75C max on video encoding versus 95C throttling. Many praise the near-silent operation even at full speed and easy install on AMD Ryzen or Intel setups.

Highlights include perfect fit in tight cases, black aesthetics matching modern builds, and reliability over years on high-TDP CPUs like Ryzen 9 or i7-13700KF.

The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is a flagship dual-tower air CPU cooler designed for enthusiasts seeking top performance without the risks of liquid cooling. It targets overclockers, silent PC builders, and users of high-end Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen processors who demand reliability and low noise in demanding builds.

Its standout features include a 6-heatpipe dual-tower heatsink paired with two premium NF-A15 140mm PWM fans, delivering airflow efficiency that rivals many 240mm AIOs. Real-world tests show it maintaining CPU temps in the 30s-40s C at idle and well under 70C during heavy loads like rendering or gaming on chips such as Ryzen 9 7950X3D or i9-12900K. The fans operate at a mere 24.6 dB max, often inaudible even under stress, thanks to SSO2 bearings and Low-Noise Adaptors.

Build quality shines with a black-coated aluminum heatsink, copper base, and SecuFirm2 mounting for straightforward installation across Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115x and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets. The all-black chromax aesthetic fits stealth builds perfectly, with options for further customization. High-grade NT-H1 paste and a metal case badge add enthusiast touches.

Drawbacks include its bulky 165mm height and 1.3kg weight, which demand spacious cases and careful motherboard handling. Tall RAM may require raising the front fan or single-fan use, and wires need tucking to avoid fan interference.

Overall, the NH-D15 chromax.black sets the air cooling benchmark with unmatched quiet performance, durability backed by a 6-year warranty, and versatility. It is the ultimate choice for those prioritizing silence and longevity over compact size.

Cooling Method: Air

Fans: 2x NF-A15 HS-PWM 140mm (up to 1500 RPM, 140.2 CFM, 24.6 dB)

Dimensions (with fans): 165 x 150 x 161 mm

Weight: 1320g

Compatibility: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115x, AMD AM5/AM4

Materials: Copper base/heatpipes, aluminum fins, nickel plating

Includes: NT-H1 paste, Y-cable, L.N.A., SecuFirm2 kit

Choose this cooler if your case supports 165mm height and you run hot CPUs like Intel 285K or AMD 9950X. Verify RAM height under 32mm for dual-fan use or offset the front fan for taller modules. Pair with good case airflow for optimal results. Avoid if space is tight or you prefer slimmer profiles.

The Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black is a premium all-black 120mm single-tower air cooler designed for PC enthusiasts seeking top cooling without the risks of AIO liquid systems. It targets builders with high-TDP Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen processors in mid-tower cases, offering compatibility where larger coolers fail.

Its asymmetrical heatsink and dual NF-A12x25 PWM fans provide outstanding thermal performance, keeping demanding CPUs like the i9-12900K or Ryzen 7950X3D at 40-70C during idle and gaming. Users report massive temp drops over old AIOs, with 102 CFM airflow and 22.6 dB noise for silent operation under load.

Build quality shines with copper base, aluminum fins, and nickel plating, plus SecuFirm2 mounting for Intel LGA1851/1700 and AMD AM5/AM4. Installation is straightforward with included NT-H1 paste, though following the manual prevents issues. The sleek black finish enhances modern builds.

Drawbacks include the higher cost and need for precise setup, but it avoids AIO pump failures for better reliability.

Verdict: A deluxe choice for quiet, effective cooling that justifies the investment with proven results and a 6-year warranty.

Cooling Method: Air

Fan Specs: Dual 120mm NF-A12x25 PWM, 1500 RPM max, 102.1 CFM, 22.6 dB

Dimensions: 4.92 x 4.41 x 6.22 inches, 158mm height

Compatibility: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115x, AMD AM5/AM4

Material: Copper base/heatpipes, aluminum fins

Includes: NT-H1 thermal paste, SecuFirm2 mount, Low-Noise Adaptors

The Noctua NH-U9S is a premium single-tower air cooler designed for users building compact systems like HTPCs, mini-ITX, or small form factor PCs. Its 125mm height and asymmetrical 95x95mm footprint ensure it clears RAM slots and PCIe cards on Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, and AMD AM5/AM4 motherboards, making it a go-to for space-constrained builds without sacrificing cooling power.

Standout features include five heatpipes, a highly efficient NF-A9 92mm PWM fan, and pro-grade NT-H1 thermal paste. Real-world performance shines in reviews, with users reporting idle temps dropping to 25-30C and load temps from 90-100C to 50-70C during gaming or office tasks. The fan's Low-Noise Adaptor and automatic speed control keep noise minimal, often quieter than stock coolers.

Build quality is top-notch, with a copper base, aluminum fins, and Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system supporting easy installation across sockets. It includes clips for a second fan to enhance airflow. Drawbacks include potentially fiddly setup requiring motherboard removal and limited headroom for heavy overclocking on high-TDP CPUs.

Overall, the NH-U9S delivers deluxe cooling reliability for quiet, compatible upgrades. It's a smart pick for enthusiasts prioritizing silence and fit over liquid cooling extremes.

Dimensions: 125mm height, 95x95x95mm with fan; 524g without fan, 618g with fan.

Compatibility: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x; AMD AM5, AM4. Fan: 92x92x25mm PWM.

Materials: Copper base/heatpipes, aluminum fins, nickel plating.

Included: NF-A9 fan, NT-H1 paste, SecuFirm2 mount, LNA adaptor, fan clips, case badge.

Warranty: 6 years.

Choose the NH-U9S if you need a quiet cooler under 130mm tall with RAM/PCIe clearance for Intel or AMD builds. Add a second NF-A9 fan for better push-pull performance in warmer cases. Verify socket compatibility and consider Noctua's free mounting kits for older boards like LGA1366.

Avoid if planning extreme overclocking; opt for Noctua's taller models like NH-U12S instead. Pair with good case airflow for optimal results.

The Noctua NH-U12A is a top-tier 120mm tower CPU air cooler designed for enthusiasts seeking maximum cooling performance without sacrificing quiet operation or compatibility. It targets builders of high-end PCs with Intel Core Ultra (like 285K) or AMD Ryzen (like 9950X) processors, offering 140mm-class thermal dissipation in a more compact footprint.

Standout features include dual NF-A12x25 PWM fans in push-pull configuration, 7 heatpipes, and 37% more fin surface area, enabling it to match or exceed many larger coolers. Real-world benefits shine in sustained loads with airflow up to 102.1 CFM at just 22.6 dB noise, PWM speed control for silent idling, and Low-Noise Adaptors for fine-tuning. Compatibility is unmatched with no RAM overhang on key sockets and clearance for top PCIe slots.

Build quality is exemplary, using copper base and heatpipes, aluminum fins with soldered joints and nickel plating, plus pro-grade NT-H1 thermal compound and SecuFirm2 mounting for Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115x and AMD AM5/AM4. At 158mm tall and 1220g with fans, it fits most mid/high-end towers but demands good case airflow.

Drawbacks include its premium positioning and brown color, which might clash with RGB-heavy builds, plus a slightly involved install for novices despite clear instructions.

Verdict: The NH-U12A sets the benchmark for quiet, high-performance air cooling, earning its deluxe status with unmatched efficiency, compatibility, and a 6-year warranty. Ideal upgrade for demanding overclockers or silent builds.

Key Specs:

• Cooling Method: Air
• Fan Size: 120x120x25mm (Dual NF-A12x25 PWM)
• Noise Level: 22.6 dB(A)
• Max RPM: 2000
• Airflow: 102.1 m³/h
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.92 x 4.41 x 6.22 inches
• Weight: 1220g (with fans)
• Compatibility: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115x, AMD AM5/AM4
• Power: 4-Pin PWM, 12V
• Includes: NT-H1 paste, SecuFirm2 kit, Y-cable, LNA adaptors
• Warranty: 6 years

The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.black is a compact low-profile CPU cooler standing just 65mm tall, perfect for small form factor PCs, HTPCs, and mini-ITX builds where space is at a premium. It bridges the gap between ultra-small coolers and larger models with four heatpipes and a 95x95mm footprint, ensuring it clears RAM slots, PCIe cards, and near-socket components on modern Intel LGA1700/LGA115x or AMD AM5/AM4 motherboards.

Performance shines in real-world tests, handling CPUs like Ryzen 7 7700X, 5700X, or Intel i5-12600KF with peak loads staying at 60-75C during gaming or heavy workloads, far better than stock coolers. The NF-A9x14 slim fan with PWM and Low-Noise Adaptor keeps noise at a minimal 23.6dB, while the copper base and aluminum fins provide class-leading efficiency for non-overclocked setups.

Build quality embodies Noctua's reputation with soldered joints, nickel plating, and an all-black chromax finish featuring coated heatsink, black pads, and clips for aesthetic integration. Installation is straightforward via the SecuFirm2 kit, complete with NT-H1 compound, though motherboard removal may be needed in some OEM cases.

Drawbacks include unsuitability for high-TDP or overclocked CPUs, and its price positions it as a premium choice rather than entry-level. Some users note slight noise increase under max load compared to bigger coolers.

Overall, this is the top pick for quiet, reliable cooling in space-constrained builds, earning consistent 5-star praise for temps, silence, and fit.

Dimensions: 3.74 x 3.74 x 2.56 inches (with fan)

Weight: 413g (with fan)

Fan Specs: NF-A9x14 HS-PWM, 2500 RPM max, 23.6 dB noise, 2.52W, 4-pin connector

Compatibility: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115x, AMD AM5/AM4

Materials: Copper base/heatpipes, aluminum fins, nickel plating

Includes: NT-H1 thermal compound, L.N.A., SecuFirm2 kit, case badge

Full support for Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x (including 1150/1151/1155/1156) and AMD AM5, AM4 sockets with offset option. Avoid LGA20xx, LGA4189, TR4/SP3, sTRX4, sWRX8, sTR5/SP6.

100% RAM compatibility even with tall heatspreaders or RGB. Clears PCIe slots on mini-ITX, mATX, ATX boards. Ideal for low-moderate TDP CPUs like Intel 285K/265K or AMD Ryzen 7950X3D/7800X3D/7700.