Noctua NH-U12S CPU Cooler Review

As summer rolls in, one can finds various ways to stay cool. For us, it’s all about keeping that gaming rig and test bench as cool as possible. Today, we are taking an in-depth look at the Noctua NH-U12S CPU Cooler!

If you are looking to compare the NH-U12S to other Noctua CPU coolers, please head on over to here where you read up on Noctua’s excellent CPU cooling line up!

PACKAGING, PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

Taking a look at the exterior of the packaging, the front shows us Noctua’s simple glance of the cooler in the background, followed by all the details of the cooler in the foreground.

The back of the packaging shows us more specifics about the Noctua NH-U12S, such as the air flow design, profile modes, mounting systems and more. The sides of the packaging go into way more specifics and details.

The NH-U12S comes with a single 120mm NF-F12 premium PWM fan, and features support for a second, which is sold separately. The cooler also uses Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting system which features support for Intel’s LGA115x, 2011/2011-v3, and AMD’s AM2/AM2+, AM3/AM3+, FM1, FM2/FM2+ sockets.

Our research shows that this priced just around similar profile CPU coolers at $61.99. You are also getting six years of manufacturer’s warranty.

Inside the box you will find the mounting kit, brackets and accessories packed neatly at the top, and underneath that we’ll find the cooler itself with the fan pre-installed. All of this is neatly encased in some cardboard packaging.

For accessories, Noctua provides you with the Intel and AMD installation sets packaged separately in clear plastic bags, a set of installation manuals, and a backplate for Intel 115x motherboards. You will also find the low-noise adapter for the fan which changes its maximum RPM from 1500 down to 1200, as well as a 4-pin PWM y-splitter for powering a second fan. Noctua also includes their signature Noctua case badge, a tube of Noctua’s NT-H1 thermal compound and a Phillips head screwdriver to help with installation.