We are used to see high quality products under the Noctua logo so it’s not a surprise that we expect a lot from the NH-L12S cooler. The NH-L12S is a compact cooler designed for both AMD and Intel processors and looking at the specification, it can handle nearly all desktop processors.
We are going to check how the NH-L12S works on the mini ITX platform based on the AMD Ryzen. Eight cores of the 1700X processor will be good test for this small cooler. Since more gamers are moving to smaller builds then I think it will be also interesting for all who are thinking about small, yet powerful gaming PC.
The NH-L12S is a low-profile quiet cooler designed for use in Small Form Factor cases and HTPC environments. While it provides first-rate performance in its class, it is not suitable for overclocking and should be used with care on CPUs with more than 95W TDP (Thermal Design Power). Please consult our TDP guidelines to find out whether the NH-L12S is recommended for your CPU.
Based on the award-winning NH-L12
Having received more than 200 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines, the NH-L12 has become an established reference for low-profile 120mm top-flow coolers. Equipped with the new NF-A12x15 fan, the new S-version provides more flexibility and improved performance in low-profile mode.
Low-profile mode
Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed underneath the fin stack, the NH-L12S stands only 70mm tall. The fan can be installed blowing upwards or blowing downwards in order to match the airflow direction inside the case.
High-clearance mode
Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed on top, the NH-L12S provides extended clearance underneath the fin stack. This way, it is fully compatible with chipset coolers and RAM modules with heat-spreaders of up to 48mm in height (vs. 35mm in low-profile mode).
NF-A12x15 slim 120mm premium fan
Featuring sophisticated aerodynamic optimisations such as Flow Acceleration Channels, the NF-A12x15 is a premium-grade slim 120mm fan. Its outstanding efficiency allows the NH-L12S to provide even better performance than the previous model with its 92mm fan.
PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor
The NF-A12x15 premium fan supplied with the NH-L12S supports PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the motherboard. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 1850 to 1400rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptor for even quieter operation.
120x25mm fan support
The fan clips supplied with the NH-L12S work not only with the slim NF-A12x15 fan but also with 25mm thick 120mm fans. Users who have extra room inside their cases can thus boost the cooler’s performance by using a standard 120x25mm fan on top (increases total height to 95mm).
SecuFirm2™ mounting system
Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and ease of use. Supporting Intel LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA2011 (LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3), LGA2066 and AMD (AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, FM1, FM2, FM2+), the SecuFirm2™ mounting included with the NH-L12S guarantees perfect contact pressure and maximum convenience on all current sockets.
Compatibility with past and future sockets
Complying with the open SecuFirm™ standard, the NH-C14S can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided by Noctua free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets.
NT-H1 thermal compound
Noctua’s much-acclaimed NT-H1 is a pro-grade TIM solution that provides minimum thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and outstanding reliability. Chosen again and again by overclockers and enthusiast users worldwide, it has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality thermal compounds.
6-year manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A12x15 features an MTBF rating of more than 150,000 hours and the entire NH-L12S package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.
You can buy the Noctua NH-L12S
