Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler

Noctua introduced a new CPU cooler in April 2022 called NH-D12L low-height dual-tower CPU cooler and matching NF-A12x25r 120mm round-frame fan. At just 145mm tall (13mm lower than Noctua’s regular 120mm models), it fits many 4U cases and narrower tower cases previously limited to solutions with 92mm fans. At the same time, its five-tower heatpipe design and NF-A12x25r 120mm fan allow it to achieve a level of efficiency that surpasses many full-height 120mm models.

While Noctua’s regular 120mm CPU coolers are 158mm high, the NH-D12L measures just 145mm. This allows it to fit not only a wide variety of 4U rackmount server enclosures and many tower-style enclosures not wide enough for 158mm units, but also some larger Small Form Factor (SFF) and Mini-ITX chassis. Despite its limited height, the NH-D12L easily outperforms 92mm coolers. It can even outperform well-known 120mm units such as the NH-U12S and often comes close to Noctua’s award-winning 120mm flagship model NH-U12A.

Due to its asymmetrical design, the NH-D12L does not protrude over the RAM slots on Intel LGA1700/LGA1200/LGA115x and AMD AM4/AM5 based motherboards, ensuring easy access to the modules and 100% compatibility with DIMMs with high heat spreaders or RGB lighting.

The Noctuas NF-A12x25r PWM is not a new product, although it was introduced in 2018, it is a strong performer for the 120x25mm fan in the market. The round-frame variant used on the NH-D12L offers the same well-known quiet cooling performance, yet allows to reduce the overall height of the cooler without risking compatibility issues with tall heat sinks or motherboard veils. The NH-D12L also comes with an extra pair of fan clips that can be used to install a second of these NF-A12x25r PWM fans in the front or rear. It should be noted, however, that the second fan usually sits on top of the RAM or I/O panel, increasing the overall height to over 145mm.

Complemented by Noctua’s NT-H1 thermal compound, a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty and the acclaimed SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system that already supports both Intel’s latest LGA1700 socket and AMD’s upcoming AM5 platform, the NH-D12L is the perfect choice for applications requiring serious require cooling performance, but will not fit the larger NH-U12A. Noctua offers a guide to which Noctua 120 mm CPU cooler you should go to Select, and most importantly, how do the NH-U12A, NH-D12L, NH-U12S and NH-U12S redux compare to each other. Finally, the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are as follows:

  • NH-D12L: EUR/USD 89.90
  • NF-A12x25r PWM: EUR/USD 29.90

Functions

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 1 145mm height for wider housing compatibility

While Noctua’s regular 120mm CPU coolers are 158mm high, the NH-D12L measures just 145mm. This allows it to fit not only a wide variety of 4U rackmount server enclosures and many tower-style enclosures not wide enough for 158mm units, but also some larger Small Form Factor (SFF) and Mini-ITX chassis.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 2 More performance at lower altitude

Despite its limited height, the NH-D12L easily outperforms 92mm coolers. It can even outperform well-known 120mm units such as the NH-U12S and often comes close to Noctua’s award-winning 120mm flagship model NH-U12A.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 3 Round Frame NF-A12x25r PWM Fan

Introduced in 2018, Noctua’s NF-A12x25 is widely regarded as the best 120mm fan on the market. The round-frame variant used on the NH-D12L offers the same well-known quiet cooling performance, yet allows to reduce the overall height of the cooler without risking compatibility issues with tall heat sinks or motherboard veils.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 4 100% RAM compatibility on LGA1700/1200 and AM4/AM5

Due to the asymmetrical design, the NH-D12L does not protrude over the RAM slots on Intel LGA1700 (LGA17xx family)/LGA1200/LGA115x and AMD AM4/AM5-based motherboards, ensuring easy access to the modules and 100% compatibility with DIMMs requiring high heat spreaders or RGB lighting. On the LGA2066, the rear fin stack will extend over the RAM slots on the left side of the socket, so RAM modules should not exceed 45mm in height.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 5 PWM support and low noise adapters

The NF-A12x25r 120mm fan included with the NH-D12L supports PWM for easy automatic speed control via the motherboard: full performance under load, virtually silent when idle! In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 2000 to 1700 rpm using the included Low-Noise Adapter for even quieter operation.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 6 Dual Fan Options

The NH-D12L comes with a second pair of fan clips that can be used to install a second one NF-A12x25r PWM fan on the front or on the rear finstock. It should be noted, however, that the second fan usually sits on top of the RAM or I/O panel, increasing the overall height to over 145mm.
Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 7 SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system

Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Supports Intel LGA1700 (LGA17xx family), LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156) and LGA20xx (LGA2066, LGA20110, LGA2011-3), as well as AMD AM4 and AM5, the SecuFirm2™ mount included with the NH-D12L is easy to install, offers perfect contact pressure and will stand the test of time, even with intensive use.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 8 Compatibility with past and future sockets

Thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm™ ecosystem, the NH-D12L can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided free of charge. Where technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets, making the NH-D12L a safe long-term investment.
Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 9 NT-H1 thermal compound

Noctua’s acclaimed NT-H1 is a professional TIM solution that offers minimal thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and excellent reliability. Chosen time and again by overclockers and avid users around the world, it has established itself as a benchmark for high-quality thermal connections.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 10 Soldered interface between heatpipes and fins

With many heatsinks, the fins are pressed onto the heatpipes. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of copper and aluminum, this fit may loosen after years of thermal cycling, leading to decreased performance. In contrast, the NH-D12L’s fins are soldered to the heat pipes to ensure a superior thermal interface that does not deteriorate even after many years of use.

Noctua NH-D12L CPU Cooler 11 6 year manufacturer’s warranty

Noctua products are known for their impeccable quality and excellent longevity. True to this legacy, the NH-D12L’s heatsink is built to last, and like all Noctua fans, the included NF-A12x25r has an MTTF rating of over 150,000 hours. The whole package comes with a full 6 year manufacturer’s warranty.

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