- Review -

17.05.2019 Hexus.net

We had a feeling the NH-U12A would perform well, but we didn't expect Noctua's 120mm solution to top the charts. Our overclocked Core i7-8700K has literally never been happier, and on LGA1151 at least, the NH-U12A proves that you can't judge a cooler on size alone. Heck, not only does it perform better than any of the liquid coolers on show, it's also quieter. You can't really hear it when the test platform is idle, and though the fans become noticeable under load, the resulting hum is smooth and far from off-putting. It's worth noting that adding the low-noise adapters resulted in only a one degree increase in temperature, while peak noise levels reduced to 34.4dB; not quite as muted as the be quiet! pair, but nonetheless impressive for a 120mm solution. Noctua continues to set the standard for air cooling and in the NH-U12A it has released not just one of the best compact solutions in its arsenal, but one of the best CPU coolers to date. Offering outstanding performance from a 120mm unit, this fifth-generation U12 Series offers ample clearance for memory and PCIe, exemplary build quality, and a pair of flagship fans whose fastidious design tells you everything you need to know about the Austrian company. Installation is as simple as ever, noise levels are kept down to a minimum, the bundle is comprehensive, and to top it all off there's a six-year warranty to help convince you that this is £90 well spent. Bottom line: if neither the colour scheme nor price tag are cause for concern, go ahead and buy an NH-U12A; you won't regret it.

"...not just one of the best compact solutions in its arsenal, but one of the best CPU coolers to date." (Parm Mann, Hexus.net)