Noctua NH-L12 Low Profile Review
Published by Marc Büchel on 31.05.13Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| With the NH-L12, Noctua shows a perfectly manufactured and beatifully crafted low profile cooler. The fact that the block measures only 66 millimeters in height makes it compatible to all HTPCs cases as well as small desktops. From such a compact cooler one shouldn't expect miracles in terms of cooling performance. Never the less it is still sufficient to keep a powerful desktop CPU at reasonable temperatures. | - Dimensions | ||
| Installation | + | - | |
| Installing a Noctua cooler is usually simple and easy and there is no exception with the NH-L12. In our case it wasn't necessary to check manual to do the installation which is always a good indicator for an easy mounting process. Of course this cooler is compatible to all recent sockets, which is why you find several small bags in the delivery containing the different socket kits. | - Compatible with Intel and AMD sockets - Simple mounting process | ||
| Performance | + | - | |
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During our tests we used the fans, which were in the delivery. At 12 Volt the noise level is subjectively loud. Using an adapter and regulating the voltage to 7 Volt made the noise level drop to subjectively silent. At 12 Volt and 1500/1600 rotations per minute we measured 66°C core temperature, which is a good result for a low profile cooler. Driving the fan at 7 Volt and 800/900 rotations per minute made the core temperatures increase to 69°C, which is a surprisingly good result. Overall cooling performance of this little thing is very good compared to other small form factor coolers. |
- Sufficient cooling capacity - Cooling capacity at 7V | - Loud at 12V | |
| Recommendation | + | - | |
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If you're looking for a capable cooler for you HTPC build or a small form factor desktop PC, then the NH-L12 from Noctua is a good choice. These days you can get this cooler for CHF 53.- (est. EUR 44.-). |
- Desktop-PC - HTPC |
- Gamer - Overclocker |
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Author: Marc Büchel m.buechel@ocaholic.ch
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