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Le NH-L12 est un ventirad peu encombrant et silencieux spécifiquement conçu pour les petits boîtiers et les configurations HTPC. Le système de ventilation PWM, articulé autour du couple NF-F12 (120mm) / NF-B9 (92mm), permet au NH-L12 de tirer partie de la puissance maximale (mode dual) ou bien d’opter pour un encombrement ultra-compact de 66mm (ventilateur supérieur enlevé). Livré avec la célèbre pâte thermique NT-H1 et un kit de fixation multi-socket SecuFirm2™ de Noctua, le NH-L12 est un produit tout-en-un qui rassemble tout le nécessaire pour un refroidissement haut de gamme silencieux.
Le NH-L12 est un ventirad silencieux de taille réduite destiné aux boîtiers SFF (Small Form Factor) et aux environnements HTPC. S’il offre une performance de premier ordre dans sa catégorie, il n’est néanmoins pas indiqué pour l’overclocking et exige une certaine prudence avec les CPU dépassant une TDP (Thermal Design Power) de 95W. Merci de consulter le liste de compatibilité CPU et guide TDP afin de déterminer si votre CPU est compatible avec le NH-L12. |
Détails |
Montage en double ventilation 120/92mm
Grâce à un superbe système Noctua à double ventilation haut de gamme – un NF-F12 (120mm) couplé à un NF-B9 (92mm) - le NH-L12 repousse encore plus loin les limites de l'optimisation du refroidissement en termes d'encombrement, de silence et de performance.
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Un encombrement minimal grâce au montage mono-ventilateur 92mm
Afin de minimiser la hauteur totale (soit 66mm), le NH-L12 peut être équipé d'un seul ventilateur NF-B9 92mm. Configuré ainsi, le ventirad devient idéal pour les systèmes µATX ou Mini-ITX ainsi que pour les systèmes HTPC ultra silencieux.
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Le système de fixation multi-socket SecuFirm2™
Le système de fixation Noctua SecuFirm2™, spécifiquement conçu pour les passionnés d'informatique, autorise une large compatibilité avec les sockets du marché (LGA2011, LGA2066, LGA1366, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA775, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+) et répond aux attentes les plus exigeantes en termes de sécurité, performance et facilité de montage.
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Montage sans contre-plaque pour les Mini-ITX
Certaines cartes mères Mini-ITX pour Intel ne permettent pas l'installation d'une contre-plaque de fixation. Le NH-L12 est par conséquent livré avec une visserie spécifique à Intel qui permet de fixer le ventirad sans recourir à la contre-plaque du système SecuFirm2™ .
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Pâte thermique NT-H1
Largement plébiscitée, la NT-H1 de Noctua est une solution TIM de haute technicité qui combine résistance thermique minimum, facilité d'application et incroyable fiabilité.
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Notes and warnings
Le NH-L12 est un ventirad silencieux de taille réduite destiné aux boîtiers SFF (Small Form Factor) et aux environnements HTPC. S’il offre une performance de premier ordre dans sa catégorie, il n’est néanmoins pas indiqué pour l’overclocking et exige une certaine prudence avec les CPU dépassant une TDP (Thermal Design Power) de 95W. Merci de consulter le liste de compatibilité CPU et guide TDP afin de déterminer si votre CPU est compatible avec le NH-L12.
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Intel LGA2011-0 (Square ILM), LGA2011-3 Square ILM avec NM-IPS2, LGA1366, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA775 & AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ (backplate requis)
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Hauteur (ventilateur non compris)
66 mm
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Largeur (ventilateur non compris)
128 mm
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Profondeur (ventilateur non compris)
150 mm
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Poids (ventilateur non compris)
415 g
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Hauteur (ventilateur compris)
93 mm
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Largeur (ventilateur compris)
128 mm
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Profondeur (ventilateur compris)
150 mm
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Poids (ventilateur compris)
680 g
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Matériau
cuivre (fond et caloducs), aluminium (plaques de refroidissement), soudé & nickelé
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TDP max.
voir guide TDP
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Dimensions du ventilateur
120x120x25mm & 92x92x25mm
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Volume de livraison
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6 ans
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Modèle
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Type roulements
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Vitesse de rotation max. (+/-10%)
1500 / 1600 RPM
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Vitesse de rotation avec L.N.A. max. (+/-10%)
1200 / 1300 RPM
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Vitesse de rotation min. (PWM, +/-20%)
300 / 300 RPM
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93,4 / 64,3 m³/h
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74,3 / 52,6 m³/h
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Niveau sonore max.
22,4 / 17,6 dB(A)
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Niveau sonore avec L.N.A. max.
18,6 / 13,1 dB(A)
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Puissance consommée
0,6 / 0,96 W
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Tension
12 V
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MTTF
> 150.000 h
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NH-L12 test
The NH-L12 from Noctua was a little surprise for me. With all the caveats, provisos, a couple of quid pro quo, I felt the little guy wouldn’t hold up to the heat. It did, and for users that have a smaller/narrower case and not interested in the least to overclock then the NH-L12 would be rather perfect. Top it off with Noctua’s 6 year warranty and awesome build quality, the NH-L12 has win all over it. [...] The HTPC and SFF crowd stands to benefit the most from the NH-L12. The overall height is rather low at 3.7 inches with both fans installed. Removing the upper 120mm fan lowers that to 2.5 inches. Couple the small overall size with the quiet operation of the Noctua fans, makes it perfect for HTPCs or Small Form Factor builds where low noise is a goal.
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Verdict du test: "If you are in the market for a quality quiet low profile CPU cooler, then Noctua has you covered with the NH-L12." (Shane Higgins, LegitReviews.com)
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NH-L12 test
+ Hohe Kühlleistung mit zwei Lüftern
+ Hervorragende Hardwarequalität + Leise Serienbelüftung + Umfangreiche Ausstattung + Moderater Platzbedarf |
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Verdict du test: "Das beste Gesamtpaket aller Testkandidaten wird unserer Ansicht nach durch den Noctua NH-L12 verkörpert. Der erstklassig gefertigte Down-Blower überzeugt durch gute Kühlleistung in Verbindung mit einem bei Bedarf zurückhaltend leisen Betriebsgeräusch und ist dank 120-mm-Konzeption erheblich kompakter als die Kontrahenten von Phanteks oder Alpenföhn. Typische Kritikpunktkategorien wie die mangelnde Qualität der Serienlüfter, Komfortabstriche beim Montagesystem oder potentiell fehlende Ausstattungsmerkmale umschifft Noctua beim NH-L12 zielsicher, sodass wir in der Summe eine klare Kaufempfehlung für den knapp 50 Euro teuren Österreicher aussprechen können." (Martin Eckardt, ComputerBase.de)
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NH-L12 test
Noctua have been able to create a steady stream of high grade coolers over the years, and the NH-L12 is no exception to the rule.
We managed to maintain a substantial 4.7 GHz overclock via the NH-L12 without experiencing high temperatures that could affect the longevity of the CPU. This is quite remarkable for a compact, low-profile CPU cooler especially as compromises normally have to be made.
The impressive thermal performance of the cooler is rivaled by the excellent acoustic performance. Even with the fans running at full speed, the cooler is inaudible when it’s installed in a case. That said, both of the fans are PWM models, so most of the time they will be spinning much slower, emitting low levels of noise.
Noctua offer a 6 year warranty as standard which gives us peace of mind that the cooler will last a very long time indeed.
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Verdict du test: "[I]f you want to build an overclocked HTPC or small form factor PC, you need look no further. KitGuru says: Another excellent product from Noctua!" (Henry Butt, KitGuru.net)
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NH-L12 test
To my surprise this cooler worked exceptionally well, even at full system load. With the 2 fans on full speed the idle temperature was 31 and the load was 47, which is very impressive for such a small cooler. Even more impressive is when I took the top fan off to run the cooler in “low-profile” mode the temperature only went up 10 degrees (41 idle, 57 load).
This cooler is extremely small. You really should not have any issues fitting it inside your case or HTPC system. I installed the cooler on my ASUS P9X79 Pro motherboard without any issues at all. The heatsink is large enough that you can actually fit most memory that has smaller heatspreaders under it. Also if you are having height clearance issues you can take off the top fan for a very low-profile cooler that still provides great cooling.
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Verdict du test: "Right now the NH-L12 is selling for $71.99 at my favorite online retailer. At this price it is at the higher-end of air coolers, but in the end I do think that it is worth it if you are looking for a superior low profile CPU cooler that is very quiet in operation and can be mounted quite a few different ways." (Bob Buskirk, ThinkComputers.com)
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NH-L12 test
The stock run delivered a terrific result for a cooler of this size and design. 57 degrees might be a bit higher than normal, but look at how little of a cooler is doing this job. As for the overclocked run, I think the NH-L12 did a really admirable job handling over 125 watts of power being delivered to this 95 watt cooler. Yes, 80 degrees is warm, but considering the abuse level, I am pleased with these results. [...] Silence and performance are what we expect from anything Noctua and they prove that you don't need a humongous cooler in the build to get either of them. With a trend from most manufacturers showing that bigger is usually more quiet and usually performs better, the NH-L12 outdid the Enermax solution and the Enermax solution is a much larger cooler and isn't as easy to install as this is. [...] I can take this cooler off the test bench and slam it into some of the tiniest HTPC solutions, it doesn't interfere with the memory and even when abused well beyond its specified limits, it takes it well. Even if you don't need a cooler that can get under a 66mm height clearance issue, the NH-L12 has its place in almost any build, so it is well worth considering this for its silence and its ability to handle almost any CPU cooling situation.
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Verdict du test: "It has two silent fans. It is convertible. It fits in almost any situation. There is very little reason not to buy the underrated NH-L12 from Noctua, it's just too handy of a cooler not to have on hand." (Chad Sebring, TweakTown.com)
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NH-L12 test
Mit dem NH-L12 kann Noctua ein weiteres Mal einen hervorragenden Prozessor-Kühler präsentieren. Wer durch geringe Platzverhältnisse im PC-Gehäuse eingeschränkt ist, kann die Höhe des ohnehin schon sehr flachen Kühlers mittels der Demontage des oberen Lüfters nochmals um rund 25 Millimeter reduzieren. Vor allem für HTPCs dürfte dies interessant sein, da hier nicht das letzte Quäntchen Kühlleistung ausschlaggebend ist, sondern eher ein platzsparender und leiser Kühler.
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Verdict du test: "Wer einen Low-Profile-Kühler sucht und auf ein nahezu perfektes Gesamtpaket Wert legt, der wird kaum ein besseres Produkt am Markt finden." (Niklas Dietzek, PC-Max.de)
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NH-L12 test
We have seen a number of Noctua products in the past and on each occasion have been impressed by the build quality and design with more recent models excelling on both fronts. With the NH-L12 Noctua continue to impress and the cooler looks and feels high quality. Each of the components is soldered together well, the finish is exceptional and the fans fit perfectly to the heatsink. We also love the colour scheme that Noctua use, it looks great.
In terms of installation the product is essentially flawless. We can install the cooler in less than ten minutes from start to finish and at each step Noctua make the process easy, whether that is down to the clear instructions, perfectly fitting components or thoughtful design such as the holes in our heatsink fins to pass the screwdriver through. We also appreciate the extra thought taken to supply screws for mini-ITX boards and socket 2011, ensuring every consumer is catered for... something which is further enhanced by the low profile option.
For performance Noctua again excel, giving us low noise on the standard wires and adapters to lower it further if we wish. PWM compatibility is also present and the temperatures recorded on this heatsink are class leading.
That brings us to value where the great bundle of extras means we have everything needed, regardless of the system, and a 6-year warranty tops it off.
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Verdict du test: "Another great cooler from Noctua which offers high performance and low noise for those with a compact chassis." (Stuard Davidson, HardwareHeaven.com)
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NH-L12 test
First off, you need to understand what the Noctua NH-L12 is….and isn’t. The NH-L12 is a low profile, dual fan cooler made specifically for small case applications, most notably HTPC. It has the ability to run in a single fan mode that drops the height of the installed NH-L12 to a miniscule 66mm. It is not a behemoth made for overclocking. It is specifically meant to sit on lower wattage CPU/APUs in tight spaces and cool them effectively and efficiently in near silence, and do so in even the smallest and tightest of HTPC cases with a simple installation. This is what the NH-L12 was made to do, and it does it to perfection with room to spare.
Looking at the cooling characteristics, they are absolutely outstanding. In dual fan mode the NH-L12 actually manages easily outperform its much larger sibling the NH-C12P and is in a whole different (and much better) cooling class than the other low profile coolers we have tested. At stock CPU speeds the NH-L12 cooling results look like they came from a similarly priced full sized tower, and a good one at that.
Taking off the top fan and running the NH-L12 at 66mm in height, the cooling naturally took a hit, but remained impressive. Even under full load for extended periods, the CPU remained 14 degrees from its thermal danger zone at a cool 41 degrees.
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Verdict du test: "Put it all together, and we have what I feel is the finest low profile cooler to hit the market to date in the Noctua NH-L12. It is a stellar performer, beautifully built and engineered and simple to install. The NH-L12 stays dead quiet at all fan speeds, and even offers an LNA for those situations where even the minutest noise would be too much. Plus, it fits everywhere. In the world of HTPC/Low Profile cooling, the Noctua NH-L12 is king, and in my mind, it’s not even close." (George Cella, HiTechLegion.com)
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NH-L12 test
Ceny za każdy produkt tej firmy są wysokie jednak idzie za tymi cenami jakość wykonania, przemyślana konstrukcja, solidność. Te cechy maja odzwierciedlenie wszędzie, w każdym detalu, nawet w szczegółach związanych z opakowaniem, ze sposobem zaciśnięcia termokurczek. Jedynie do czego mogę się przyczepić to kolorystyka (jedni chwalą jak ja, drudzy ganią) oraz cena.
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Verdict du test: "Długo myślałem nad podsumowaniem jednak opiszę to krótko – Noctua to Noctua. Dobrze wydane pieniądze." (Arkadiusz Byś, PCElite.pl)
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NH-L12 test
This is my first encounter with a Noctua CPU cooler here at eTeknix and I can honestly say I am thoroughly impressed with the Noctua NH-L12. As always I’ll start off by revealing to you the price, if you don’t already know. The Noctua NH-L12 costs £43 from Scan, and between £40-50 more broadly from other retailers. Thus you can safely say this Noctua CPU cooler occupies a high end part segment of the market, priced similarly to other high performance CPU coolers. Being a Noctua product, it is widely available across Europe and North America as Noctua are a big brand in the world of computer cooling. At that price you are getting a unique , yet cost effective proposition. On the one hand you have a CPU cooler that is compact enough to fit into the smallest of systems of mini-ITX, micro-ATX and ATX form factors, and on the other you have a CPU cooler that is capable of running Ivy Bridge at 4.5GHz without breaking into a sweat. We agree if you consider other cooling solutions for the same price, the performance is below-par however this is a foolish way of looking at it since this cooler is specifically designed for small form factor systems where the height of your CPU cooler is an important consideration. You wouldn’t spend £6000 on an Nvidia Quadro GPU and complain it sucks at running games, so why make a similar mistake here?
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Verdict du test: "Acoustic performance was excellent, and we really can’t rave about how good it was. The Noctua NH-L12 was probably the quietest CPU cooler we have ever tested. Add to that the fact it looks the business, is extremely high quality, offers highly competitive performance for its unique form factor and is well priced. Awarding the Noctua NH-L12 is a tough one. It could have our innovation award for being such a unique product in the HTPC/SFF market. It could snatch the Bang For Buck award for being one of the best performing and best value HTPC cooling solutions on the market we have ever seen. Yet the Noctua NH-L12 ticks so many boxes that we feel it is more than deserving of our highest award, the Editor’s Choice award." (Ryan Martin, eTeknix.com)
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L'achat est possible via nos partenaires commerciaux locaux ou directement sur nos boutiques en ligne officielles Amazon et eBay :
- Instructions de montage & Feuille d'informations (PDF)
- FAQs
- MAINBOARD COMPATIBILITÉ
- RAM KOMPATIBILITÄT
- CASE COMPATIBILITY
- CPU COMPATIBILITY
FAQs
Which Noctua fan or CPU cooler should I buy? How to choose the right model?
Can I install a Noctua cooler in my system from Acer, Dell, HP or Lenovo?
Which sockets are supported or can be supported using upgrade kits?
How should I clean my Noctua cooler?
Can I upgrade my existing Noctua cooler to socket TR4 or SP3?
I’ve used all the NT-H1 thermal compound that came with the cooler, can you send me more?
Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with AMD AM4 (Ryzen)?
Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with Intel LGA2066?
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?
I'm experiencing fan speed issues with my motherboard from Supermicro, what can I do?
I get a CPU fan error using my Noctua PWM fan, is it faulty?
My Noctua PWM fan runs at a much higher minimum speed than advertised, what is wrong?
My Noctua PWM fan starts to spin when the PC boots but then stops, what is wrong?
I get a CPU fan error despite the fan is running!
My Intel CPU is running too hot although my heatsink supports the specified TDP, what's the problem?
Can I keep using the backplate / mounting system of my previous Noctua cooler for my new one?
Is the cooler compatible with the LGA1151 socket?
Does the package include a backplate for AMD AM2(+)/AM3(+)/FM1/FM2(+)?
Can the cooler be installed turned by 90° on AMD sockets?
I can't open the socket due to the mounting bars!
Why doesn't the supplied backplate fit my LGA2066 / LGA2011 motherboard?
Is the cooler compatible with AMD FM2+?
In which orientation should top-flow coolers (NH-C series, NH-L12) be installed?
Is the NH-L12 compatible with the LGA2011-3 socket?
Is it possible to install the supplied NF-F12 or other 120mm fans underneath the fin stack?
How to remove the base protection cover?
Does the mounting-system support LGA2011 based Xeon CPUs?
Quels ventirads Noctua sont compatibles avec le LGA1150 ?
Pourquoi le fond du refroidisseur Noctua n'est-il pas brillanté et poli ?
Should I take the cooler off before transporting my system?
Can I use Low-Noise Adaptors with y-cables / multiple fans?
The supplied y-cable is missing a wire at one of the two connectors, is it faulty?
Is it possible to use the cooler with vertical graphic cards?
How can I check whether my case is wide/high enough for the cooler?
How big is the NH-L12 and how much clearance does it provide?
Which Noctua fan or CPU cooler should I buy? How to choose the right model?
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.
What Thermal Design Power (TDP) is this cooler recommended for and how much Watt (W) of heat can it dissipate?
Which sockets are supported or can be supported using upgrade kits?
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.
Can I upgrade my existing Noctua cooler to socket TR4 or SP3?
I’ve used all the NT-H1 thermal compound that came with the cooler, can you send me more?
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
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 |
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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 |
I'm experiencing fan speed issues with my motherboard from Supermicro, what can I do?
The BIOS of many motherboard models from Supermicro expects a certain minimum fan speed (usually 600 or 700rpm), which is higher than the minimum fan speed that can be achieved with Noctua's PWM fan models. The BIOS may interpret the low minimum RPM of Noctua fans as a fan error and thus try to run the fan at 100% for a short period before going back to automatic control. This can result in oscillating fan speeds and fan speed warnings in the BIOS or the fan management console.
Unfortunately there is usually no option to set a lower minimum value in the BIOS that would suit the low minimum speed of Noctua PWM fans. The issue can thus only be resolved by either disabling automatic fan speed control in BIOS, which will cause the fans to run at a constant speed, by using 3rd party tools like IPMItool or IPMIutil, or by requesting a modified BIOS file from Supermicro, which takes the minimum fan speed of Noctua fans into account (charges might apply). Please note that any modifications performed with 3rd party tools are done at your own risk and that Noctua can not be held responsible for any possible issues.
I get a CPU fan error using my Noctua PWM fan, is it faulty?
My Noctua PWM fan runs at a much higher minimum speed than advertised, what is wrong?
- Many mainboards do not go below 40%, 50% or even 60% PWM duty cycle on case fan headers. Please refer to your mainboard manual to verify whether the fan header actually goes down to 20% duty cycle. If that's not the case, in some cases you can use the fan speed control software supplied with your mainboard to overcome these limitations and reduce the fan speed even further. However, 3rd party tools like SpeedFan offer greater flexibility and better options to work around the limitations imposed by the mainboard vendors.
- Some mainboards feature 4-pin fan headers that actually don‘t use a PWM signal on Pin 4 to control the fan speed but rather reduce the voltage on Pin 2 (like a standard 3-pin fan header). As the fan speed at minimum voltage is usually higher than the speed at 20% PWM duty cycle, the fan can not reach as low minimum speeds under voltage control as under PWM control. Please refer to your mainboard manual to check whether or not your mainboard has 4-pin fan headers that control the fan speed by reducing voltage on Pin 2 rather than by changing the PWM duty cycle on Pin 4:
Note that mainboard manufacturers use different terms to indicate that Pin 4 is not being used for PWM control (e.g. “+5V”, “VCC” or “NC”), but if one of these terms is used, you can be sure that the fan header does not support PWM. If Pin 4 is described as “Speed Control” or “PWM” or the like, you can be sure that the fan header supports PWM.
Unfortunately, the description of Pin 2 is not always a clear indication as some manufacturers use terms such as “Fan PWR” or “Power” for both types of fan headers. However, if Pin 2 is described as “Speed Control”, you can also be sure that the fan header does not support PWM based speed control. If Pin 2 is described as “+12V”, this is a clear indication that the fan header supports PWM.
Please also note that in some cases, the descriptions of the pin layouts in the mainboard manuals may not be correct and some models actually allow you to switch the fan headers from voltage control mode to PWM control mode in the BIOS even though the pin descriptions do not indicate PWM support. We thus recommend to look for these options in the BIOS before taking other measures. In case of doubt, please contact your mainboard manufacturer.
If your mainboard features other 4-pin fan headers that use PWM for speed control, you can run multiple fans from these headers using Y-split cables. Make sure not to exceed the specified maximum power draw of the fan headers (usually 10-12W) though.
My Noctua PWM fan starts to spin when the PC boots but then stops, what is wrong?

Note that mainboard manufacturers use different terms to indicate that Pin 4 is not being used for PWM control (e.g. “+5V”, “VCC” or “NC”), but if one of these terms is used, you can be sure that the fan header does not support PWM. If Pin 4 is described as “Speed Control” or “PWM” or the like, you can be sure that the fan header supports PWM.
Unfortunately, the description of Pin 2 is not always a clear indication as some manufacturers use terms such as “Fan PWR” or “Power” for both types of fan headers. However, if Pin 2 is described as “Speed Control”, you can also be sure that the fan header does not support PWM based speed control. If Pin 2 is described as “+12V”, this is a clear indication that the fan header supports PWM.
Please also note that in some cases, the descriptions of the pin layouts in the mainboard manuals may not be correct and some models actually allow you to switch the fan headers from voltage control mode to PWM control mode in the BIOS even though the pin descriptions do not indicate PWM support. We thus recommend to look for these options in the BIOS before taking other measures. In case of doubt, please contact your mainboard manufacturer.
To resolve the issue, you can:
Choose a higher fan speed profile in the BIOS (e.g. „normal“ instead of „silent“, etc.) or deactivate automatic fan speed control and use a Low-Noise Adaptor instead.
Use the mainboard‘s fan speed control software or 3rd party tools like Speedfan to regulate the fan speed. Unlike BIOS based fan speed control, the supplied software usually checks whether the fan has stopped and increases voltage accordingly or at least offer more options to set up the fan properly.
If your mainboard features other 4-pin fan headers that use PWM for speed control, you can run multiple fans from these headers using Y-split cables. Make sure not to exceed the specified maximum power draw of the fan headers (usually 10-12W) though.
I get a CPU fan error despite the fan is running!
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.
My Intel CPU is running too hot although my heatsink supports the specified TDP, what's the problem?
Current processors from Intel, especially the unlocked models with the suffixes C, K, X or XE (e.g. Core i7-8700K, Core i9-7900X oder Core i9-9900K) can dissipate noticeably more heat than indicated by the TDP specification.
While many motherboard models stick to the recommended power levels and clock speeds settings from Intel, there are models where the UEFI BIOS is configured in such a way that:
- the TDP limits are extended or disabled.
- the motherboard applies automatic overclocking by default, e.g. by raising the supply voltage of the CPU and using higher Turbo-Mode multipliers.
Depending on the load scenario and CPU configuration settings, the actual power draw can be 1.5-3 times as high the stated TDP value. This can lead to temperature issues, especially when using smaller coolers, compact cases or cases with poor airflow, when some applications create very high loads, e.g. Prime95 with AVX2 support, 3D-rendering or simulation software.
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. You might also want to limit the TDP to either the specified value by Intel or a value that is 5-10W below the value previously read out from the CPU. This can be done in BIOS by setting the “Long Term Duration Power” manually instead of “Auto”.
Furthermore, 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.
The option to set an AVX-offset value is usually available for the following CPU generations:
- LGA1151:7th, 8th and 9th generation (Kaby Lake, Coffee Lake)
- LGA2011-3: 6th generation (Broadwell-E)
- LGA2066: 7th and 8th generation (Skylake-X)
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 most 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.
Please also note that CPUs that use thermal paste instead of soldering between the DIE and the heatspreader generally run hotter. Due to the thermal bottleneck created by the thermal paste, temperatures can be high even at the specified TDP.
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.
Can I keep using the backplate / mounting system of my previous Noctua cooler for my new one?
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.
Is the cooler compatible with the LGA1151 socket?
Does the package include a backplate for AMD AM2(+)/AM3(+)/FM1/FM2(+)?

Can the cooler be installed turned by 90° on AMD sockets?
I can't open the socket due to the mounting bars!


Why doesn't the supplied backplate fit my LGA2066 / LGA2011 motherboard?
Is the cooler compatible with AMD FM2+?
In which orientation should top-flow coolers (NH-C series, NH-L12) be installed?

Is the NH-L12 compatible with the LGA2011-3 socket?
Is it possible to install the supplied NF-F12 or other 120mm fans underneath the fin stack?
How to remove the base protection cover?
The base of Noctua CPU coolers is made from hard-wearing nickel plated copper, so there's nothing to worry about if you buy a Noctua cooler from second hand or if your cooler didn't come with a protection cover. Please proceed with the installation as explained in the manual.
You can simply remove the cover as shown below:

Does the mounting-system support LGA2011 based Xeon CPUs?

How can I check whether my AMD mainboard has a standard AMD backplate that’s compatible with the SecuFirm2™ mounting system and how should I proceed with the installation?
In order to proceed with the installation of your Noctua cooler, please remove the four screws and the retention module but keep the backplate in place so that you can see the screw threads from the top side of the motherboard (see third picture below). You can then proceed with the installation of the SecuFirm2™ mounting kit as described in the manual (see fourth picture below).




Quels ventirads Noctua sont compatibles avec le LGA1150 ?
Les ventirads suivants peuvent devenir compatibles avec le LGA1150 via l’utilisation du kit NM-i115x et bénéficient de l’offre de gratuité Noctua pour le kit : NH-C12P, NH-U12, NH-U12F, NH-U12P, NH-U12P SE1366, NH-U9, NH-U9F, NH-U9B.
Les ventirads suivants peuvent devenir compatibles avec LGA1150 via l’utilisation du kit NM-i115x mais ne bénéficient pas de l’offre de gratuité Noctua pour le kit : DX-Series Xeon coolers, NH-D14 SE2011.
Les ventirads suivants ne sont pas, pour des raisons mécaniques, compatibles avec le kit NM-i115x et ne peuvent jouir d’une compatibilité avec le LGA1150: Série DO, ventirads pour AMD Opteron et NH-L9a.
Pourquoi le fond du refroidisseur Noctua n'est-il pas brillanté et poli ?
Should I take the cooler off before transporting my system?
Can I use Low-Noise Adaptors with y-cables / multiple fans?
Yes, Low-Noise Adaptors (L.N.A.s) can be used with y-cables, but please make sure to use one L.N.A. per fan and to place the L.N.A.s between the y-cable and the fans as shown below. Never use one L.N.A. for two (or more fans) by placing it between the mainboard and the y-cable!
The supplied y-cable is missing a wire at one of the two connectors, is it faulty?
Is it possible to use the cooler with vertical graphic cards?
How can I check whether my case is wide/high enough for the cooler?
Is it a problem that the CPU heatspreader is not covered completely by the heatsinkbase on LGA2011-3?
How big is the NH-L12 and how much clearance does it provide?

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