If you don’t like (AIO) liquid CPU coolers and you simply want a nice and good solid performing CPU cooler that won’t give you some leaking or pump failure issue, then Noctua has a good news for you. Noctua recently released their new premium 120mm silent CPU cooler – the Noctua NH-U12A. The NH-U12A is a nice tower type CPU cooler featuring two NF-A12x25 120mm PWM fans. It’s not too large and bulky like their flagship CPU cooler and it’s not too small either. It doesn’t have any (RGB) lighting, but it’s really silent and it gets the job done. I have used Noctua CPU coolers and fans before and I can 100% say quality is top notch. Their products are really premium and craftsmanship is superb. There’s just one thing, not all likes the brown color of their fans. But if this doesn’t bother you, or perhaps you plan to replace the fans, then continue reading below and find out more about the Noctua NH-U12A.
Noctua NH-U12A Premium Class 120mm CPU Cooler
Noctua recently presented its new NH-U12A premium-quality quiet CPU cooler. The NH-U12A is the latest, 5th generation of Noctua’s award-winning U12 series of 120mm size coolers. Conceived to push the envelope of the 120mm form factor, it combines two of Noctua’s flagship model NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fans with a completely redesigned heatsink featuring 7 heatpipes and an increased fin surface area for superior heat dissipation. This way, the NH-U12A can rival the performance of many 140mm sized coolers while offering 120mm class case and PCIe compatibility.
“The original NH-U12 was the very first product we introduced back in 2005 and the U12 series has been at the core of our product line-up ever since,” explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “Today, we’re proud to continue this successful legacy by introducing the 5th generation that provides even better quiet cooling performance, which enables it to compete with much larger units while offering superior compatibility. In a nutshell, the NH-U12A is an ideal choice for customers who are looking for a cutting-edge cooler that’s hassle-free to integrate in most setups.”
First introduced in 2005, Noctua’s NH-U12 series has won more than 600 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines. The NH-U12A is the latest addition to this prestigious series that has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality quiet 120mm coolers. Thanks to its completely revised, thoroughly optimised 7 heatpipe layout, 37% more fin surface area (as compared to the NH-U12S) and a dual fan push/pull configuration that uses the new, state-of-the-art NF-A12x25 fans, the NH-U12A pushes the performance envelope in the 120mm class and can actually match or even outperform many 140mm sized coolers.
At the same time, the NH-U12A offers significant advantages in RAM, case and PCIe compatibility when compared to larger 140mm class coolers: Due to its asymmetric design, it does not overhang the RAM slots on Intel LGA115x and AMD AM4 based motherboards, which ensures easy access and 100% compatibility with modules that have tall heat-spreaders. As far as case compatibility is concerned, the 158mm tall cooler is short enough to fit most modern mid- or high-end tower cases. Measuring 125mm wide (including fan and fan clips), the NH-U12A stays clear of the top PCIe slot on most standard ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards, ensuring optimum compatibility with multi-GPU setups.
Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s proven NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-U12A is a deluxe choice that combines top-tier performance with excellent compatibility and outstanding quietness of operation.
Noctua NH-U12A Price and Availability
The Noctua NH-U12A is now available. It comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR/USD 99.90. The cooler is already available via Noctua’s official Amazon and eBay stores. Other sales partners will receive stock shortly.
Noctua NH-U12A Specifications
