Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black – The legend back in black

Conclusion and evaluation

The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag.

Key features of the cooler

Except for the matte black finish, the U12A chromax.black does not differ in any way from its original version. The basis of the cooler is still a large copper base with a nickel-plated surface, which is the only area of the cooler that is not black. Seven thick copper heatpipes emerge from the base and intersect a dense bundle of aluminum fins. The connection of the heatpipes and fins is soldered, which should ensure better heat transfer as well as long-term reliability of the connection.

The design of the cooler is asymmetrical, so there is no physical conflict with the DIMM slots for operating memory on motherboards with Intel LGA 115x/1200/1700 or AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. Due to the thickness of the heatsink, the cooler is also equipped with a pair of high-end NF-A12x25 fans in chromax style. However, if you’ve been following my reviews for a while, then you can probably guess that I plan to test the necessity of a second fan. So in the results you will find two sets of tests, the first with the factory version of the cooler and the second without the rear fan.

The main advantage of the U12A chromax.black is its relatively compact dimensions with a total height of 158 mm, which should ensure compatibility with most common cases on the market. The cooler is sized as a replacement for large coolers with 140mm fans for builds where these large coolers usually do not fit. I even managed to personally install this cooler in my favorite SFF case Cooler Master NR200P, although according to the specifications this case only supports coolers up to 155 mm in height (admittedly, I had to remove the side frame for fans/HDD, but that doesn’t matter too much).

   

   

In the cooler’s accessories, we find everything we have been used to from Noctua for years. Mounting kits for all current CPU sockets except TR4/sTRX4 are complemented by a fan splitter and two adapters to reduce their maximum speed. In addition, you will find a tube of NT-H2 thermal paste in the package, which will last you for several applications and of course detailed instructions for installing the cooler. There is also a typical steel screwdriver and a metal sticker with the manufacturer’s logo.

   

The time-tested and user-friendly SecuFirm2 mounting system is now slightly modified to allow installation of the cooler on the LGA 1700 socket, which differs slightly from the LGA 115x/1200 in the spacing of the mounting holes (75 × 75 mm versus 78 × 78 mm). Therefore, the supplied metal backplate no longer has the spikes fixed, but you choose their spacing when installing according to the socket. However, it is still a very simple and reliable mounting system. Installing the cooler is a matter of a few moments and you should not encounter any difficulties.

Cooler and fan parameters

In the table below you can easily compare all current Noctua tower coolers using 120mm fans. You can see that the main differences are in the depth of the coolers and, unsurprisingly, the reduced height of the D12L.

The NF-A12x25 PWM fans are among the absolute top of the market, which is unfortunately also reflected in their price and thus also in the overall price of the coolers that use them. It is already a bit noisier at maximum speed, but at 50–60 % of maximum speed it is a very quiet fan that you will be virtually unaware of, while still offering high airflow and sufficient static pressure.

The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag.

Measurement methodology

As a test processor and heat generator, I am now using an Intel Core i7-11700K on the Asus TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WiFi motherboard. The entire build is mounted on a Streacom BC1 frame with no fans to provide airflow. Acoustic shielding (acoustic foam on OSB boards) is installed around the test setup to eliminate ambient noise.

   

The Voltcraft SL-100 calibrated noise meter is placed perpendicular to the cooler in a fixed position relative to the motherboard at a distance of approximately 35 cm from the processor socket. Stress tests are performed using Prime95 with a duration of 30–35 minutes. The coolers are tested at three standardized noise levels (36, 39 and 42 dBA) and finally at maximum speed. The tests are run in two sets according to the heat output of the processor.

The first set of tests is at 125 W, the PL1 processor’s enforced limit. The second set of power draw is then about 205–210 W (4500 MHz at 1.285 V). However, this second level represents a very high concentration of heat per mm² due to the small size of the chip itself. Thus, not all coolers can be expected to pass this set of tests at all noise levels. At the end of the test, the highest temperature achieved is always recorded.

All data regarding CPU temperatures and heat output are obtained from the HWiNFO64 application. The measured values are then corrected against the room temperature as the resulting Delta T value. Any higher value means a processor temperature over 95–100 °C and a risk of thermal throttling. Therefore, if the cooler does not pass the load with a Delta T value below 75 °C, such a test is marked as a failure.

The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag.

Results – 36 dBA

The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag.

Results – 39 dBA

The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag.

Results – 42 dBA

The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag.

Results – maximum speed

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The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag.

Conclusion and evaluation

It is safe to say that the Noctua NH-U12A cooler delivers on its promise. That is, to offer high cooling effectiveness that matches high-end coolers without having to use an oversized heatsink and/or large fans. There is absolutely nothing to complain about the build quality, and it is practically unnecessary to go over the qualities of the A12x25 fans used. There is nothing major missing in the accessories and the six-year warranty is already a standard for Noctua coolers.

Out of curiosity, I also tested the cooler without the rear fan, which resulted in a slight increase in temperatures, but the difference was not dramatic. So de facto, when you get this cooler you get an extra high-end fan that you can use elsewhere in the build.

The only real problem with this cooler is its really high price. The production of A12x25 fans from LCP is unfortunately not cheap and two of these fans make practically more than half of the total price of this cooler. Somewhat paradoxically, the U12A is matched by the recently released D12L cooler from the same manufacturer, which also offers a height of under 150 millimeters for compact builds. However, the U12A never aspired to be the winner in the “good price/performance ratio” category. However, it is clearly a top-notch cooler that offers high cooling effectiveness and excellent build quality.

English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš

• Contents
• Key features
• Measurement methodology
• Results – 36 dBA
• Results – 39 dBA
• Results – 42 dBA
• Results – maximum speed
• Conclusion and evaluation