The NH-P1 is Noctua’s first passive CPU cooler and has been custom-designed for fanless operation from the ground up: in enclosures with good natural convection, its six heatpipes and thick, widely spaced heatsink fins enable it to cool modern high-end CPUs with low to moderate heat dissipation completely passively (see setup guidelines and list of recommended cases). For further enhanced performance or semi-passive setups that only spin up their fans when necessary, the NH-P1 can be outfitted with a low-speed, ultra-quiet 120mm fan such as the NF-A12x25 LS-PWM. Topped off with the professional Torx-based SecuFirm2+ mounting system, Noctua’s award-winning NT-H2 thermal compound and a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-P1 is the ideal cornerstone for premium-grade fanless or semi-passive builds.

Caution: while the NH-P1 provides first-rate performance for a passive cooler, it is not suitable for overclocking or CPUs that create high heat loads.

Please note that the TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating or amount of heat dissipation that the cooler can handle not only depends on the chassis and various other factors such as ambient temperature or other components inside the system, but also generally varies from CPU model to CPU model. For this reason, we specify cooling performance using the Noctua Standardised Performance Rating (NSPR) instead of giving a general TDP specification. In addition, we refer to our CPU compatibility list where we indicate how well the cooler can be expected to work on a particular CPU in a fully optimised setup (see our setup guidelines).

Please also note that the NH-P1 strictly requires either a fanless PC case with good natural convection, an open benchtable-type setup or a PC case with fans in order to achieve its full performance. We offer a list of recommended cases for completely fanless systems using the NH-P1. If necessary, Noctua recommends adding a near-inaudible 120mm fan like the NF-A12x25 LS-PWM to the heatsink for improved performance headroom.

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Details

Designed for passive cooling from the ground up

The NH-P1 isn’t just a regular heatsink without a fan: it has been designed for fanless operation from the ground up, featuring much thicker, much more widely spaced fins in order to achieve both the mass and the minimal airflow resistance that are required in order to excel in natural convection cooling.

Fanless cooling for high-end CPUs

In fully optimised fanless systems, the NH-P1 is capable of cooling high-end CPUs with low to moderate heat dissipation using natural convection only (see setup guidelines and CPU compatibility list). This makes it ideal for powerful builds that have no moving parts and run absolutely silent.

Increased performance headroom with extra fan

The NH-P1 can be fitted with an extra 120mm fan such as the near inaudible NF-A12x25 LS-PWM in order to increase its maximum dissipation capacity significantly (see setup guidelines and CPU compatibility list): ideal for short spikes of higher heat loads or semi-passive systems that only start their fans when necessary!

No noise, less dust, 100% fail-proof

Fanless cooling doesn’t only have the advantage of being completely silent: if you’re relying on natural convection only and don’t have case fans pushing air through a case, less dust will accumulate in filters or inside the system. Last but not least, with no moving parts such as fans or pumps that could possibly fail, the NH-P1 is as fail-proof as it can be.

Asymmetrical layout for optimal PCIe compatibility

As many current motherboards have the top PCIe x16 slot sitting close to the socket, bigger heatsinks tend to block it. Due to its asymmetrical layout, the fin-stack of the NH-P1 is offset towards the upper edge of the motherboard when installed in standard orientation. This allows it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current µATX and ATX motherboards (see motherboards compatibility list).

100% RAM compatibility on LGA1851/LGA1700 and AM4/AM5

Due to its asymmetric design, the NH-P1 does not overhang the RAM slots on Intel LGA1851/LGA1700/LGA1200/LGA115x and AMD AM4/AM5 based motherboards, which ensures easy access to the modules and 100% compatibility with DIMMs that feature tall heat-spreaders.

SecuFirm2+™ Torx-based multi-socket mounting system

Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Torx-based, the professional SecuFirm2+™ version with its included screwdriver provides even better handling and durability. Socket support includes Intel LGA1851, LGA1700 (since 2021), LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156) as well as AMD AM4 and AM5 (since 2019).

Compatibility with past and future sockets

Thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm™ ecosystem, the NH-P1 can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets, which makes the NH-P1 a safe long-term investment.

NT-H2 next-gen thermal compound

In high-end passive cooling, every degree counts. This is why the NH-P1 includes a tube of Noctua’s next-generation NT-H2 thermal compound that provides even better performance than the award-winning NT-H1, allowing you to achieve the best possible passive cooling results.

Soldered interface between heatpipes and fins

With many heatsinks, the fins are press-fitted to the heatpipes. Due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of copper and aluminium, this fit can loosen over years of thermal cycling, which may lead to reduced performance. By contrast, the NH-P1’s fins are soldered to the heatpipes in order to guarantee a superior thermal interface that doesn’t deteriorate even after many years of usage.

6-year manufacturer’s warranty

Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua CPU coolers, the NH-P1 is built to the highest standards and comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

See all 73 reviews for this product

Product Details

Notes and warnings

Caution: while the NH-P1 provides first-rate performance for a passive cooler, it is not suitable for overclocking or CPUs that create high heat loads.

Please note that the TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating or amount of heat dissipation that the cooler can handle not only depends on the chassis and various other factors such as ambient temperature or other components inside the system, but also generally varies from CPU model to CPU model. For this reason, we specify cooling performance using the Noctua Standardised Performance Rating (NSPR) instead of giving a general TDP specification. In addition, we refer to our CPU compatibility list where we indicate how well the cooler can be expected to work on a particular CPU in a fully optimised setup (see our setup guidelines).

Please also note that the NH-P1 strictly requires either a fanless PC case with good natural convection, an open benchtable-type setup or a PC case with fans in order to achieve its full performance. We offer a list of recommended cases for completely fanless systems using the NH-P1. If necessary, Noctua recommends adding a near-inaudible 120mm fan like the NF-A12x25 LS-PWM to the heatsink for improved performance headroom.

Cooler Specification

Socket compatibility

Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 and AMD AM5, AM4

(Current socket compatibility applies to all coolers purchased since Q4 2021. For older coolers, please refer to this chart.)

Height (without fan)

158 mm

Width (without fan)

154 mm

Depth (without fan)

152 mm

Weight (without fan)

1180 g

Material

Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

NSPR

42

Max. TDP

see NSPR

Fan compatibility

120x120x25

Scope of delivery

NH-P1 heatsink
SecuFirm2+™ multi-socket mounting system
NT-H2 high-grade thermal compound
NA-CW1 cleaning wipe
NM-SD1 Torx® T20 screwdriver
Fan clips for optional 120mm fan
Noctua Metal Case-Badge

Warranty

6 Years

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS (PDF)

FAQs

Motherboard Compatibility

Case Compatibility

CPU Compatibility

RAM COMPATIBILITY

Installation Manual (PDF)

Information Sheet (PDF)

Disclaimer:
We create and update our compatibility lists with the utmost care. Unfortunately, mainboard manufacturers tend to change certain components and heatsinks without pointing it out by using corresponding revision names. If you run into problems while installing our coolers on one of the mainboards listed as being compatible, please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at.

Please also keep in mind that other components such as narrow or small cases as well as memory modules with special (higher) heat-spreaders can cause compatibility-issues.

For use in systems from Dell, HP or Lenovo, please note this FAQ.

Can't find the motherboard you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at in order to obtain compatibility information for motherboards that aren't listed below.

Our case compatibility list helps you to quickly identify which PC cases offer sufficient clearance for which Noctua CPU coolers. The compatibility indication is based on the height of the coolers (including fans) as well as the maximum CPU cooler height specification given by the chassis manufacturer.

Caution: Please note that the fans of some tower coolers (especially larger models with 140mm fans, e.g. NH-D15 or NH-U14S TR4-SP3) may overhang the RAM slots and that this can cause compatibility issues if RAM modules taller than 32mm are used. While the fans can be moved upwards to increase RAM clearance, this will increase the total height of the cooler and thus requires additional clearance inside the chassis. As a rule of thumb, if the fan overhangs the RAM, the maximum CPU cooler height specification of the case must be at least the size of the fan plus the height of the RAM minus 7mm (accounting for the height of the socket and CPU). For example, if a cooler uses a 140mm fan that overhangs the RAM and 46mm tall RAM modules are used, the max. CPU cooler height specification should be at least 179mm (140+46-7=179). For further information and instructions on how to move up the fan for each cooler model, please click the height specification link.

Disclaimer: We create and update our compatibility lists with utmost care. However, case manufacturers sometimes change parts or details of their products without prior notice or explicitly indicating a revision. Therefore, Noctua cannot accept any liability, nor in any other way be held responsible, for the following compatibility information.

Can't find the case you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at in order to obtain compatibility information for cases that aren't listed above.

When modern CPUs use their turbo modes, they can (depending on the configuration of the UEFI BIOS) dissipate much more heat than indicated by the manufacturer’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) specification. Just like manual overclocking, this puts higher demands on the cooling solution. Our CPU compatibility list helps you to choose the cooler model that is best suited for a given CPU and your individual requirements as far as turbo and overclocking headroom are concerned. We classify our coolers according to the following categories:

best turbo/overclocking headroom

medium turbo/overclocking headroom

low turbo/overclocking headroom

compatible without turbo/overclocking headroom

compatible with certain restrictions (see comment)

incompatible (see comment)

For further information on CPUs exceeding their TDP ratings and how to configure the UEFI BIOS in order to avoid excessively high temperatures, please see this FAQ.

Please also see our general buying guide, motherboard compatibility list and FAQs for further help on how to select the best cooler for your configuration.

Can't find the CPU you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at in order to obtain compatibility information for CPUs that aren't listed here.

NF-A12x25 LS-PWM
120x120x25mm

Ultra-quiet 4-pin LS-PWM version, 1200/900rpm max.

Next-generation 120x25mm A-series design provides unprecedented quiet cooling performance, ideal for semi-passive setups or ultra-low-noise applications that require PWM control
NA-STPG1
Thermal Paste Guard and Cleaning Set for AMD AM5 CPUs

Pack contains 10 individually packed wipes
NM-i20xx Mounting-Kit
The NM-i20xx SecuFirm2™ Mounting-Kit makes Noctua CPU coolers compatible with Intel's LGA2011 and LGA2066 sockets.
NM-I3 Mounting-Kit
The NM-I3 SecuFirm2™ Mounting-Kit makes Noctua CPU coolers compatible with Intel's LGA775 & LGA1366 sockets.