- Review -

05.12.2013 OverclockersClub.com

In both the stock and overclocked idle tests, the Noctua NH-U12S was able to deliver temperatures consistent with the highest performing air coolers in this comparison field, which contains coolers costing much more. Looking at the load results, the NH-U12S does an excellent job of shedding the thermal load generated by the processor. At stock speeds it delivers cooling results on par with the best air coolers I have tested, including 140mm fans and dual-tower-equipped designs. When overclocked, its smaller size hinders performance slightly, but still outperforms all but three air-cooled heat sinks. These of course have multiple towers and a larger heat pipe matrix. When you take that into consideration, the NH-U12S performs above its weight class both stock and overclocked. Noctua continues to put together cooling solutions to meet the needs of the enthusiast market by leveraging the engineering behind the company to deliver an excellent product. That design excellence does come at a cost, but that cost is tempered by the long term cooling performance you get in return for your hard-earned dollar!

"When you get to the point of making a choice on your cooling solution, you really cannot go wrong with the NH-U12S. It has got enough technology built in to make your head spin, runs dead silent, looks great, fixes one of the greatest cooling challenges, and comes with a six-year warranty to make sure you are happy with your purchase in the long term. The NH-U12S does it all and does it well!" Frank Dimmick, OverclockersClub.com)