heading
Thanks to the 4 Dual-Heat-Pipes, 38 aluminium cooling fins with a total surface area of more than 5000cm² and soldered joints for optimal heat-transfer, the Noctua NH-U12 achieves superior cooling performance with a 120mm fan of your choice - no matter whether used for super-silent or ultra-high-performance cooling!
4 Dual-Heatpipes for optimal heat absorption
The 4 u-shaped Dual-Heat-Pipes have a huge contact area with the copper base to efficiently absorb the CPU's heat. They form 8 risers to spread the heat throughout the fins.
38 aluminium cooling fins for optimal heat dissipation
Thanks to a surface area of more than 5000cm², the cooling fins dissipate the heat extremely fast. Both the choice of aluminium and the fins' shape and spacing allow for outstanding cooling performance even with silent fans.
Soldered joints for optimal heat-transfer
Unlike many other coolers, whose heatpipes are stuck to the base and the fins, the Noctua NH-U12 possesses high-grade soldered joints to ensure optimal heat transfer.
Screwless fan-mount including anti-vibration strips
The choice of fan is all yours: 120mm fans provide excellent results regardless of whether silence or performance is your primary concern. Attaching the fan with the steel clips is a child's play and doesn't even require a screwdriver. The supplied anti-vibration strips minimize vibrations transmitted to the cooler and hence allows for extra quietness.
Universal fit for socket 478, LGA, K8, easy installation, thermal paste
The NH-U12 fits Intel socket 478 and LGA 775 as well as AMD K8. The mounting mechanism using a backplate and spring-loaded screws is as easy as it is secure thanks to the detailed step-by-step installation guide. In addition to the mounting hardware, the package contains a syringe of high-grade thermal paste.

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Intel Socket 478 & LGA 775, AMD K8
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Height (without fan)
155 mm
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Width (without fan)
124 mm
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Depth (without fan)
70 mm
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Height (with fan)
155 mm
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Width (with fan)
124 mm
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Depth (with fan)
95 mm
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Material
Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints
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Application
P4 all frequencies, AMD all frequencies
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NH-U12 Review
Noctua, "havayla soğutmada bir numarayız" diye ortaya
çıktı, görünüşe göre iddialarında
çok haksız da değiller. Gerçekten bir numara oldukları
tartışılır, çünkü bu ürünlerden sonra
piyasaya çıkan Titan Amanda gibi bazı soğutucular, Peltier
yardımıyla soğutma çizgisini daha da düşürmeyi
başardılar. Öte yandan, Noctua NH-U9 ve U12'nin hiç bir
rakibinden büyük farkla geride kalmayacağı da açık.
Soğutucular bekleme durumunda işlemciyi oda sıcaklığına
kadar düşürebiliyorlar, yük altındaysa sıcaklık
bizim test sistemi için 40 dereceyi geçmiyor. Sistemimizde eğer
Core 2 Duo gibi yeni nesil bir işlemci kullansaydık, herhalde en
ağır yükleme sırasında bile 35 derecenin altında
sıcaklıklar okuyacaktık.
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Test verdict: "Özetlemek gerekirse, havayla soğutma alanında piyasaya çok iyi
bir marka daha girmiş durumda. Özellikle Thermalright
müşterileri, bu yeni ve iddialı markayı da görmeden karar
vermemeliler." (Levent Pekcan, DarkHardware.com)
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NH-U12 Review
Scheuen Sie den Aufwand nicht und haben sie genug Platz im Gehäuse, so erhalten Sie mit dem Noctua NH-U12 einen Kühlkörper, der sich je nach verbautem Lüfter auch für den leisen Wohnzimmer-PC oder für den übertakteten Spiele-Rechner eignet.
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Test verdict: "Das Top-Produkt aus unserem letzten Vergleich in PCGH 10/2006 hat nichts an Qualität eingebüßt;" (Henner Schröder, PC Games Hardware)
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NH-U12 Review
Gegen diese Werte darf nun jeder getestete Kühler antreten und den Anfang machte der Noctua NH-U 12 in verschiedenen Betriebsmodi (passiv, 1 Lüfter, 2 Lüfter). Auch ohne jeglichen direkten Luftzug konnte er uns mit seinen erreichten Temperaturen durchaus überzeugen, 69°C bei Last (0,713 K/W) und 50°C (0,513 K/W) wenn die CPU wenig zu tun hat. Wenn man nun aber einen neuen Core2Duo verwendet oder aber auch einen HTPC so lautlos betreiben möchte, wird man sicherlich sowieso noch genauer auf die zu kühlende Verlustleistung achten, wodurch die Werte noch ein wenig besser werden. Die besten Ergebnisse erzielten wir selbstverständlich, wenn auch nur mit knappen Vorsprung, mit zwei 120mm Lüftern, die bei uns von der Firma Coolink stammten. Da wir ein unterschiedliches Pärchen geliefert bekommen haben, SWiF Fan 1202/1201 liefen diese immer jeweils bei 1200 Umdrehungen. Zum einen haben wir sie 'durchziehend' montiert und konnten mit 50°C (0,521 K/W) bei Last und einer Idle Temperatur von 37°C (0,384 K/W) sehr gute Werte erzielen. Wenn die Ventilatoren gegeneinander pusteten, stieg auch die Temperatur um jeweils 1K an (0,532 K/W bei Last und 0,395 K/W im Ruhemodus). Wenn man auf das letzte Quäntchen an Leistung verzichten kann, reicht laut unserem Test ein Lüfter völlig aus: 52°C unter Prime95 (0,542 K/W) sowie weiterhin 38°C (0,395 K/W) wenn der PC nichts bis wenig rechnen musste, sind nach wie vor sehr gute Leistungswerte.
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Test verdict: "Für einen aktuelle Preis von ca. 49,99 EUR erhält man einen ausgereiften Kühlkörper für den es bereits ein Nachfolgermodell (NH-U12F) gibt. Zudem ist er für fast alle Sockeltypen einsetzbar und man kann ihn als Low-Noise Kühler (passiv) oder aber auch als High-End Produkt mit zwei 120mm Lüftern betreiben. In jedem Fall erreicht man bei geringerer Lautstärke bessere Kühlergebnisse als mit Intels-Boxed-Kühler." (René Schröter, Media-Planet.org)
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NH-U12 Review
I must say that I'm really pleased with the products from Noctua. For now I'll leave the U12 cooler with silent fan on our test system. It's actually working really well and that surely says something about the quality that is being offered here. Other then the sheer size of the product there's nothing negative to report here.
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Test verdict: "Good stuff for sure, highly recommended." (Hilbert Hagedoorn, Guru3D.com)
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NH-U12 Review
As you can see, the Noctua CPU-Coolers, especially the NH-U12, is performing really good, almost as good as the watercooling-kits we tested earlier.
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Test verdict: "Both units have proven themselves to be excellent products, especially the NH-U12." (Eran Badit, NGOHQ.com)
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NH-U12 Review
Dreadnought and his colleague Fergonar from ADSLzone.net have done an excellent Video-Review of the NH-U coolers - thanks for the great work! The video is in Spanish and 61MB in size.
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Test verdict: "En resumen: Estos disipadores me han dejado completamente anonadados con sus resultados. Silencio y prestaciones, todo en un mísmo paquete... Y parecía imposible!"
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NH-U12 Review
Une fois overclocké, le rad box nous fait un record avec 61°C (la limite d'un tel processeur étant de 65°C d'après AMD), quant à notre Noctua, il avale les watts pour dissiper un minimum de 52°C.
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Test verdict: "Noctua entre directement dans la cour des grands avec un radiateur d'une qualité exemplaire, une solidité des ailettes à toutes épreuves, rien à voir avec certaines autres marques qui se contente de mettre des ailettes aussi épaisse qu'une feuille d'aluminium.
Côté performances, elles sont à la hauteur de l'assemblage de ce produit, avec environs 45° à débourser, ça en fait le choix le plus intéressant du moment puisque pour toujours être comparé au xp90c, celui ci coute aussi 45°." (Anthony Alain, MaterielPC.net)
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NH-U12 Review
De l'emballage à la finition, Noctua a apporté une attention particulière afin de proposer deux produits de hautes qualité. Le NH-U9 et le NH-U12 sont sans reproche laissant une impression de satisfaction lors de leurs achats.
La mise en place ne pose pas de problème notable. Ils ont montré au cours de nos tests des capacités étonnantes, laissant derrière eux une des références en termes de performance sur le rapport refroidissement/silence. Je veux bien sur parler du CNPS 9500 LED de Zalmam. L'usage d'un ventilateur de 120 mm pour le NH-U12 apporte un confort agréable et un potentiel important en cas de besoin (Overcloking). |
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Test verdict: "Le constructeur Noctua frappe un grand coup avec ces deux radiateurs." (Jérôme Gianoli, GinjFo.com)
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NH-U12 Review
El Noctua NH-U12 mejora todavía más los registros de su hermano pequeño, el NH-U9, pero se deja en el camino el silencio, siendo apreciable el sonido de su ventilador aunque para nada molesto. Y cuando se le pone un ventilador de altas prestaciones como el Silverstone FM-121, realmente nos podemos dar cuenta de lo increible que es este disipador. Si eres fan del overclock (y tu caja lo permite), este disipador ha de estar el primero en tu lista de próximas compras. Realmente imprescindible.
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Test verdict: En resumen: Estos disipadores me han dejado completamente anonadados con sus resultados. Silencio y prestaciones, todo en un mísmo paquete... Y parecía imposible!
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NH-U12 Review
[W]hile the Hyper 6+ beat the stock cooler temps, the Noctua NH-U12 shattered them. A six degree difference in load temps is outstanding for an out of the box configuration.
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Test verdict: "The NH-U12 certainly wins this round..." (William McLaughlin, BleedinEdge.com)
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- INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS (PDF)
- FAQs
- MAINBOARD COMPATIBILITY
- CASE COMPATIBILITY
- CPU COMPATIBILITY
FAQs
Is it possible to mount fans with a greater height than 25mm?
Can I upgrade my existing Noctua cooler to socket TR4 or SP3?
How should I clean my Noctua cooler?
Can I install a Noctua cooler in my system from Acer, Dell, HP or Lenovo?
My case supports CPU coolers of up to XXXmm height, which model should I choose?
I have difficulties installing the cooler, can you help?
How much torque should be applied when tightening the screws of a Noctua CPU cooler?
Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with AMD AM4 (Ryzen)?
Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with Intel LGA2066?
Is it possible to run two fans at a time?
Should the fan be mounted sucking away from the heat-sink or blowing onto the heat-sink?
On which side of the heat-sink should the fan be installed?
How much space between mainboard and power supply is required when the NH-U12 is installed upright?
Is it possible to cool my CPU without a fan (passive) using Noctua coolers?
How to install the fan using the supplied steel clips?
Can I keep using the backplate / mounting system of my previous Noctua cooler for my new one?
Which Noctua fan or CPU cooler should I buy? How to choose the right model?
Is it possible to mount fans with a greater height than 25mm?

Can I upgrade my existing Noctua cooler to socket TR4 or SP3?
How should I clean my Noctua cooler?
Thermal paste residues: Whenever you take off the heatsink from the CPU, we recommend to clean the CPU as well as the base of the cooler before re-applying thermal paste and re-installing the cooler. You can either just wipe the base and the CPU clean with a dry, lint-free tissue or, for more thorough cleaning, use a lint-free tissue moistened with either a mild solution of washing-up liquid or isopropyl alcohol. Do not put the cooler or CPU under running water. Note that both the base of the heatsink and the CPU should be dry, free from residues of thermal compound and free from grease before re-applying thermal paste and re-installing the cooler.
What Thermal Design Power (TDP) is this cooler recommended for and how much Watt (W) of heat can it dissipate?
Can I install a Noctua cooler in my system from Acer, Dell, HP or Lenovo?
Systems from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands often use motherboards which differ slightly from the specifications issued by Intel and AMD. While those changes are usually subtle, they can lead to compatibility issues with coolers that were built to comply with these specifications.
Even in case the cooler is mechanically compatible and can be installed, other issues can occur, e.g. proprietary fan connectors, BIOS errors due to a low fan speed, shutdowns, etc. Some of these problems can be avoided with some technical knowledge, but especially BIOS related issues can often not be resolved.
Due to the large number of possible issues that cannot be resolved with different mounting parts alone, Noctua does not officially support systems from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands.
My case supports CPU coolers of up to XXXmm height, which model should I choose?
I have difficulties installing the cooler, can you help?
How much torque should be applied when tightening the screws of a Noctua CPU cooler?
Screw type | Max. torque |
---|---|
NM-SSC1 screws for fixing the fastening brackets to the base of the heatsink | 0.5 Nm |
NM-ITS1 thumb screws for fixing Intel mounting bars | 0.5 Nm |
NM-ALS1 screws for fixing AMD mounting bars | 0.6 Nm |
Spring-loaded screws for fixing the heatsink to the mounting bars | 0.6 Nm |
How can I determine if the motherboard’s UEFI BIOS is overclocking my processor by default and deactivate this automatic overclocking?
Most motherboard vendors allow their overclocking-enabled products (e.g. those with Intels X- or Z-series chipsets) to run the processor at increased clock speeds by default, without requiring any user action at all. Since TDP (Thermal Design Power) limits are usually also disabled by default, this leads to the CPU exceeding the rated TDP to a varying degree, depending on the used applications and their workloads. Due to the increased heat output of the CPU, you may see higher CPU temperatures than expected.
In order to find out if your motherboard is overclocking your processor by default, please enter the UEFI BIOS and select the “advanced” or “overclocking” menu. There you should be able to find options such as “MultiCore Enhancement” (options: enabled/disabled), “CPU Ratio Apply Mode” (options: all/per core) or similar. To disable the automatic overclocking, adjust the settings either to “disabled” or “per core” and make sure that the individual multipliers match the original specifications.
In doubt, please contact your motherboard vendor for detailed instructions on how to disable this feature.
Why is my Ryzen 3000 processor getting so hot? Why are Ryzen 3000 CPUs running hotter than previous generation Ryzen CPUs with the same TDP rating? Is there anything wrong with my cooler?
The latest Ryzen 3000 processors (except APU models) differ from previous Ryzen generations in that they are no longer based on a single, large chip but use a multi-chip approach with smaller chips instead. Depending on the exact model there can be one (6 and 8-core models) or two (12 and 16-core models) actual CPU-Dies (CCD) on the package. Each processor also uses an I/O-Die (IOD), which contains things like the memory controller, PCIe controller, connections to the motherboard chipset and other functions.

Because of this design change and the switch to a smaller 7nm manufacturing process, the heat distribution of the overall processor is much different from older 14nm and 12nm based single-chip Ryzen processors with a similar power draw.
Depending on the exact CPU model, its specified TDP value and possibly extended power limits (precision boost overdrive), a single CPU-die can create a heatload of up to 130W easily, whereas the I/O-die usually creates a heatload of about 10W. Due to the small size of the CPU-die, the heat density (W/mm²) of this chip is very high. For example, a 120W heatload at a chip-size of 74mm² results in a heat-density of 1.62W/mm², whereas the same heatload on an older Ryzen processor with a chip-size of 212mm² gives a heat-density of just 0.57W/mm².
This large difference in heat-density is the reason why newer Ryzen 3000 processors become much warmer at similar heatloads than their predecessors.
Furthermore, Ryzen 3000 CPUs are using the rated temperature headroom (up to 95°C) quite aggressively in order to reach higher boost clocks. As a result, it is absolutely no problem and not alarming if the processor runs into this temperature limit. The clock speed and supply voltage will be adjusted automatically by the processor itself in order to remain within AMD’s specifications and to prevent overheating.
Due to the higher heat density, higher thermal limits and more aggressive boost clock usage, it is perfectly normal that Ryzen 3000 CPUs are reaching higher temperatures than previous generation Ryzen CPUs with the same TDP rating. Higher CPU temperatures are normal for Ryzen 3000 processors and not a sign of that there is anything wrong with the CPU cooler.
Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with AMD AM4 (Ryzen)?
NH-D15 (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-D15 SE-AM4
NH-D15S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-U14S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-U12S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-U12S SE-AM4
NH-U9S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-D9L (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-C14S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-L12S
NH-L9x65 (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-L9x65 SE-AM4
NH-L9a-AM4
The following models can be made compatible with the AM4 socket free of charge using the NM-AM4 upgrade-kit:
NH-C12P
NH-C12P SE14
NH-C14
NH-C14S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-D14
NH-D14 SE2011
NH-D15 (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-D15S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-D9L (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-L12
NH-L9x65 (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-U12
NH-U12F
NH-U12P
NH-U12P SE1366
NH-U12P SE2
NH-U9
NH-U9B
NH-U9B SE2
NH-U9F
The following models can be made compatible with the AM4 socket free of charge using the NM-AM4-UxS upgrade-kit:
NH-U14S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-U12S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
NH-U9S (AM4 mounting included since 2019, only older coolers require upgrade kit)
The following models can be made compatible with the AM4 socket free of charge using the NM-AM4-L9aL9i upgrade-kit:
NH-L9a
NH-L9i
The following models can be made compatible with the AM4 socket using the NM-AM4 upgrade-kit but are not eligible for Noctua‘s free mounting offer, so users have to purchase the kit at local resellers:
NH-U12DO (Note that the A3 version is not compatible!)
NH-U12DX
NH-U12DX 1366
NH-U12DX i4
NH-U9DX i4
NH-U9DX 1366
NH-U9DO (Note that the A3 version is not compatible!)
The following models are not compatible with the AM4 socket and can not be upgraded:
NH-U14S TR4-SP3
NH-U12S TR4-SP3
NH-U9 TR4-SP3
NH-U12DO A3
NH-U9 DO A3
Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with Intel LGA2066?
Due to the heatsink mounting mechanism being identical on LGA2011 and LGA2066, Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems for LGA2011 also support Intel’s upcoming ‘Basin Falls’ X299 HEDT (High End Desktop) platform for ‘Skylake-X’ and ‘Kaby Lake-X’ processors. Most current Noctua coolers already include SecuFirm2™ mounting systems for LGA2011 and can thus be used on LGA2066 motherboards without any upgrades or modifications.
The following models include a mounting-kit for socket LGA2011/2066 and are thus compatible out of the box:
NH-C14S
NH-D14 SE2011
NH-D15
NH-D15S
NH-D9L
NH-L12
NH-L9x65
NH-U12S
NH-U12DX i4
NH-U14S
NH-U9DX i4
NH-U9S
The following models can be made compatible with the LGA2011/LGA2066 sockets free of charge using the NM-I2011 upgrade-kit:
NH-C12P
NH-C12P SE14
NH-C14
NH-D14
NH-D15 SE-AM4
NH-U12S SE-AM4
NH-L9x65 SE-AM4
NH-U12
NH-U12F
NH-U12P
NH-U12P SE1366
NH-U12P SE2
NH-U9
NH-U9B
NH-U9B SE2
NH-U9F
The following models can be made compatible with the LGA2011/LGA2066 sockets using the NM-I2011 upgrade-kit but are not eligible for Noctua‘s free mounting offer, so users have to purchase the kit at local resellers:
NH-U12DO (Note that the A3 version is not compatible!)
NH-U12DX
NH-U12DX 1366
NH-U9DX 1366
NH-U9DO (Note that the A3 version is not compatible!)
The following models are not compatible with the LGA2011/LGA2066 sockets and can not be upgraded:
NH-L9a
NH-L9i
NH-U12DO A3
NH-U9DO A3
Is it possible to run two fans at a time?
Should the fan be mounted sucking away from the heat-sink or blowing onto the heat-sink?

If you're using two fans, please install them so that one blows onto the heat-sink and the other sucks the air away from the other side.
On which side of the heat-sink should the fan be installed?

How much space between mainboard and power supply is required when the NH-U12 is installed upright?



Is it possible to cool my CPU without a fan (passive) using Noctua coolers?
How to install the fan using the supplied steel clips?

Then hook the endings of the clips into the mounting holes of the fan:

My unlocked Intel CPU is running too hot although my heatsink supports the specified TDP, what's the problem?
- the TDP limits are extended or disabled in the motherboards' BIOS.
- the motherboard applies automatic overclocking by default, e.g. by raising the supply voltage of the CPU and using higher Turbo-Mode multipliers.
- some software creates untypical loads, e.g. Prime95 with AVX2 support and a) and/or b) apply.
This can lead to temperature issues, especially when using smaller coolers or compact cases.
The actual power draw of the processor can be monitored with software provided by the motherboard vendor or with 3rd party tools like HWInfo or HWMonitor.
If you encounter temperature issues (>90°C) and notice a higher than specified power draw, please ensure that no automatic overclocking is applied and limit the TDP to the specified value by choosing appropriate BIOS settings.
For Kaby Lake CPUs, it may also help to lower the CPU clock speed for applications that heavily use the AVX instruction set, which can lead to higher loads and power draw. This option is usually referred to as “AVX offset” and makes it possible to lower the multiplier specifically for AVX based applications without reducing performance when using other instruction sets. Depending on the quality of the CPU and the programs being used, a reduction of 2-3 steps usually gives very good results.
Please contact your motherboard vendor for details if you have trouble finding the appropriate settings in the BIOS.
All our TDP recommendations are based on thorough testing with the default values specified by Intel using popular applications such as Asus Realbench and prime95. Please note, however, that prime95 creates a particularly high load that goes beyond typical application scenarios and this leads to elevated temperatures. We thus recommend using other programs such as Realbench for checking the stability and temperatures of the CPU in realistic scenarios.
Can I keep using the backplate / mounting system of my previous Noctua cooler for my new one?
Which Noctua fan or CPU cooler should I buy? How to choose the right model?
Do you have a question concerning one of our products? Please use this form to pose a question!