- Review -

12.03.2013 techPowerUp.com

The Noctua NH-L12 is a great product that many will overlook or misunderstand. While its performance does not lead the pack, it does offer a small size and versatility. It is the smallest cooler I have reviewed thus far in terms of height and weight and offers backplate-less mounting for mini-ITX systems. The build quality is, as is usual with Noctua products, simply fantastic. Then there is, of course, the six-year warranty during which Noctua will send users updated mounting hardware for new sockets with proof of purchase. This makes buying a Noctua product cost more up front, but you get a lot in return, which many users may overlook. The Noctua NH-L12 really is a cooler that is meant for CPUs with lower TDPs. It offers good cooling while providing a nearly silent experience. The NH-L12 is a good fit for today's mainstream processors, like the Intel i5 and i3 series, or similar products. Seeing its value may not be easy, but look no further if you are looking for a nearly silent cooler of exceptional build quality that supports all sockets.

"Overall, the Noctua NH-L12 is an exceptional cooler when used for the right purpose. It offers a silent option that performs well on systems with processors of the AMD FX 4000 and 6000 series or Intel's i3 and i5 line-up. It is also backed by fantastic support and has a low-profile option for truly small systems, which makes the Noctua NH-L12 a great option if you are in need of a small and quiet cooler of the best possible quality." (Raymond Lemar, techPowerUp.com)