Noctua is one of the well-known manufacturers in the silent and high-end cooling range, whereby the CPU coolers of the Austrian manufacturer have an excellent reputation. These combine excellent processing quality with high cooling performance and minimal noise. The self-developed fans from Noctua are also responsible for this, which are also available separately in order to serve as a housing, CPU or radiator fan.

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Noctua NH-L12S is predestined for installation in smaller enclosures in the so-called small form factor and HTPC environments. It belongs to the L-type coolers, so the four heatpipes in an L-shape from the cooling surface into the slats of the cooling block. This on the other hand looks very futuristic, on the other hand it offers the possibility to an enormously flat height.

Optimized for compact systems

The NH-L12S is distinguished above all by its flexible installation: the fan can be installed above the cooling ribs. Then the cooler supports RAM modules with an overall height of up to 45mm. If, on the other hand, the fan is installed below the cooling fins, the total height is only 70mm. The housing can be so tiny, the NH-L12S fits almost everywhere and ensures sufficient cooling at low volume.

The NH-L12S is supplied with the fan NF-A12x15 PWM. The high-performance 120 mm fan with a maximum of 1,850 rpm and 23.9 dB (A) noise is particularly quiet, yet delivers an above-average cooling performance with a flow rate of 94.2 m³ / h. Outstanding refrigeration coupled with the small size contribute to an amazing product.

Flexible speeds

The built-in fan supports the automatic regulation of the rotational speed by pulse width modulation (PWM). By means of a supplied low-noise adapter it is possible to limit the maximum speed of the fan to 1,400 rpm and make the fan even quieter.

Another highlight is the patented SecuFirm2 Multisockel mounting system. It allows the cooler to be installed on mainboards with Intel and AMD sockets and, in addition to the common platforms, supports most of the sockets of both manufacturers. On some Intel-based mini-ITX motherboards, no backplate can be mounted. The NH-L12S is therefore delivered with an additional set of Intel mounting bolts so that the cooler can still be installed.

Danger:The NH-L12S is a quiet low-profile cooler designed for use in compact enclosures and HTPC environments. The cooler has excellent cooling performance in its class but is not suitable for overclocking and should be used with caution on processors with more than 95W TDP (Thermal Design Power).

Technical specifications:

– Dimensions: 128 x 70 x 146 mm (W x H x D, including fan)

– Material: Copper (base plate nickel-plated, heatpipes), aluminum (fins)

– Heatpipes: 4

– Weight: 520 g (including fan)

Fan

– Model: NF-A12x15 PWM:

– Format: 120 x 120 x 15, 120 x 120 x 25 mm

– Volume: max. 23.9 dB (A)

– Speed: 450 – 1,850 rpm (PWM-controlled)

– Flow rate: max. 94.2 m³ / h

– Static pressure: max. 1.53 mmH2O

– Connection: 4-pin PWM

Compatibility:

– Intel 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-V3, 2066

– AMD AM2, AM2 +, AM3, AM3 +, AM4, FM1, FM2, FM2 + (backplate required)

Contents:

– 1x NF-A12x15 PWM Premium Fan

– 1x Low-Noise Adapter (LNA)

– NT-H1 High-End Thermal

– Compound SecuFirm2 Mounting Kit

– Noctua Case-Badge made of metal