The second review of the Noctua’s Threadripper coolers will cover the NH-U12S TR4-SP3 so a bit larger cooler which is using a single 120mm fan. Even though is a bit larger then also designed for maximum TDP of 180W. It’s a lot but considering AMD Ryzen design, we should be able to have some headroom for overclocking and keep our CPU to run quietly.

Let’s take a look at our review to find out if our expectations are true.

Continuing the legacy of Noctua’s classic NH-U-series, which has received more than a thousand awards and recommendations from international hardware websites and magazines, the NH-U12S has become a benchmark for slim, highly compatible 120mm single tower coolers. The TR4-SP3 version is a tailored custom model for AMD’s TR4/SP3 platform (Ryzen Threadripper / Epyc) and features a larger contact surface as well as the latest SecuFirm2™ mounting system for socket TR4/SP3. Topped off with the renowned quiet NF-F12 PWM 120mm fan, Noctua’s proven NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-U12S TR4-SP3 forms a complete premium-quality solution that combines outstanding performance, superb acoustics and excellent compatibility for high-end TR4/SP3 systems.

Award-winning NH-U12S cooler

Tens of thousands of enthusiast users all over the world swear by the NH-U12S’ quality and performance. Recommended by more than 200 international hardware websites and magazines, it is renowned as being one of the best 120mm coolers on the market.

Tailored custom version for TR4/SP3 (Ryzen Threadripper/Epyc)

At 70x56mm, the copper contact surface of the TR4-SP3 version is more than double the size of the standard model. Tailored to fit the enormous integrated heat-spreaders (IHS) of AMD’s TR4/SP3-based processors, this customised design allows for an optimal heat flow from the CPU over the base to the heatpipes and on to the cooling fins.

120mm size for excellent performance and compatibility

With five heatpipes and the powerful NF-F12 120mm fan, the NH-U12S achieves outstanding cooling performance while maintaining excellent compatibility: At 158mm height and 125mm width, it is short enough to fit most modern tower cases and stays clear of the top PCIe slot on most motherboards.

NF-F12 120mm Focused Flow™ fan

Recommended by more than 150 hardware publications and thousands of enthusiasts world-wide, the Noctua’s premium quality NF-F12 Focused Flow™ 120mm fan is renowned to combine superb static pressure, excellent heatsink performance and surprising quietness of operation.

PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor

The NF-F12 120mm fan supplied with the NH-U12S supports PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the mainboard. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 1500 to 1200rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptor for even quieter operation.

Anti-vibration pads and fan-clips for second NF-F12 (optional)

For users who want to achieve even better performance by adding a second, optional NF-F12 fan to create a push/pull setup, the NH-U12S includes fan clips and an extra set of custom-designed anti-vibration pads that allow to off-set the rear fan by 5mm to improve acoustics in dual-fan mode.

SecuFirm2™ mounting system for TR4/SP3

Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and ease of use. The TR4-SP3 variant has been completely custom-designed for the new socket and is particularly easy to install: Put on the heatsink, fix the four spring-loaded screws and you’re done!

Offset mounting options for better PCIe clearance

In order to assure optimal compatibility with SLI and CrossFire multi-GPU setups, the SecuFirm2™ mounting for TR4/SP3 makes it possible to offset the cooler by 3 or 6mm towards the upper edge of the motherboard, thereby increasing clearance of the top PCIe slot.

NT-H1 thermal compound

Having received more than 100 awards and recommendations from hardware journalists around the world, Noctua’s NT-H1 is a proven professional grade TIM solution that provides minimum thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and outstanding reliability.

6-year manufacturer’s warranty

Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-F12 features an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and the entire NH-U12S package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Cooler Specification

Socket compatibility AMD TR4 & SP3

Height (without fan) 158 mm

Width (without fan) 125 mm

Depth (without fan) 45 mm

Height (with fan) 158 mm

Width (with fan) 125 mm

Depth (with fan) 71 mm

Weight (without fan) 695 g

Weight (with fan/s) 870 g

Material Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminum (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

Max. TDP see TDP guide

Fan compatibility 120x120x25

Scope of delivery

NF-F12 PWM premium fan
Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound
SecuFirm2™ TR4/SP3 mounting-kit
Anti-vibration pads and fan-clips for second NF-F12
Noctua metal case-badge

Warranty 6 Years

FAN Specification

Model Noctua NF-F12 PWM

Bearing SSO2

Max. Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) 1500 RPM

Max. Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%) 1200 RPM

Min. Rotational Speed (PWM, +/-20%) 300 RPM

Max. Airflow 93,4 m³/h

Max. Airflow with L.N.A. 74,3 m³/h

Max. Acoustical Noise 22,4 dB(A)

Max. Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. 18,6 dB(A)

Input Power 0,6 W

Voltage Range 12 V

MTTF > 150.000 h

You can buy the Noctua NH-U9 TR4-SP3 Threadripper CPU cooler from Amazon for around USD $69.00 – https://amzn.to/2l7Z7q3

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