Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black
Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black Review & Specifications
The Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black by Noctua is a Air CPU cooler designed for compatibility with LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 2011, LGA 2066, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4 sockets.
This air cooler features a heatsink with a CPU contact base made of Copper, which is typically nickel-plated to prevent oxidation and ensure long-term durability while maintaining the superior thermal conductivity of the underlying copper. While some coolers use a solid nickel-plated copper base for maximum surface area and durability, others, usally lower to midrange coolers, utilize direct-touch heatpipes to transfer heat immediately from the CPU into the cooling system. It includes 2 fan(s), each sized at 120 mm. These fan(s) can reach up to 2000 RPM and operate at a noise level of 22.6 dBA, delivering a combined airflow of 60.0 CFM. The total height of the cooler is 158 mm . Please ensure your PC case supports this cooler’s height. You can verify compatibility using our PC Builder, which filters compatible cases based on CPU cooler dimensions. This cooler does not include RGB lighting, focusing instead on performance, reliability, and low acoustic output. The cooler is backed by a 6-year warranty, providing long-term reliability and manufacturer support.
Performance
Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is a high-end performance air CPU cooler suitable for CPUs with TDPs up to 200 W, offering a strong relative cooling performance score of 78.00%. It is recommended for mid-range to high-end gaming PCs and mid-range workstation builds where long-term reliability is important. As with all air coolers, this unit benefits from a simple, durable design with only one moving part — the fan — making it less prone to failure than liquid cooling systems. It also features substantial passive thermal mass, helping prevent CPU damage even if the fan stops working temporarily.
Cost-Effectiveness
The performance-per-price ratio of Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is 28.6%, which places it in the lower tier of value for air coolers. However, as a high-performance air cooler, it may still be a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts or overclockers who prioritize thermal performance over cost-efficiency.
General Information
| Manufacturer | Noctua |
|---|---|
| Cooler Name | Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black |
| Release Price | $100 |
| Current Price Amazon | $120 |
| Amazon Price Updated | 1 day, 7 hours ago. |
| Cooler Available | True |
Specification
| Cooler Type | Air |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 2011, LGA 2066, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4 |
| CPU Block | Copper |
| Fan Size / Number | 120 mm / 2 fan/s |
| Cooler Dimensions | 158 x 125 x 112 mm |
| Cooler Height | 158 mm |
| Warranty | 6 years |
Performance
| Fan Speed | 2000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Noise | 22.6 dBA |
| Airflow | 60.0 CFM |
| Relative Performance | 78.00% |
Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black Compared to CPU Coolers with Similar Performance
CPU Cooler Price / Performance Table
| CPU_Cooler (Desc) | Price (Desc) | Performance (Desc) | Perf/Price (Desc) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$88
|
↑
8.6%
|
80.0%
|
40.0%
|
|
|
$140
|
0.0%
|
79.0%
|
24.8%
|
|
|
$120
|
0.0%
|
78.0%
|
28.6%
|
|
|
$110
|
0.0%
|
78.0%
|
31.2%
|
|
|
$65
|
0.0%
|
78.0%
|
52.9%
|
|
|
$110
|
0.0%
|
77.0%
|
30.8%
|
|
|
$50
|
0.0%
|
76.0%
|
66.9%
|
|
|
$9
|
↓
-76.3%
|
76.0%
|
352.4%
|
|
|
$20
|
0.0%
|
75.0%
|
165.1%
|
CPU Cooler Comparison and Detail Specifications Table
| Specification | Perf Chart | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$88
↑
8.6%
|
$140
0.0%
|
$120
0.0%
|
$110
0.0%
|
$65
0.0%
|
$110
0.0%
|
$50
0.0%
|
$9
↓
-76.3%
|
$20
0.0%
|
| Cooling Type | Air | Air | Air | Air | Air | Air | Air | Air | Air |
| Radiator Size | 124×76×151 mm | 165 x 150 x 52 mm | 158 x 125 x 112 mm | 158 x 125 x 112 mm | 76 x 136 x 161 mm | 165 x 150 x 135 mm | 138 x 128 x 154 mm | 148 x 162 x 157.5 mm | 125 x 70.5 x 156.7 mm |
| Height | 151 mm | 165 mm | 158 mm | 158 mm | 161 mm | 165 mm | 154 mm | 162 mm | 157 mm |
| Fan Specs | 120 mm / 2200.0 rpm / 29.0 CFM | 140 mm / 1500.0 rpm / 82.5 CFM | 120 mm / 2000 rpm / 60.0 CFM | 120 mm / 2000.0 rpm / 60.0 CFM | 120 mm / 2100 rpm / 93.0 CFM | 140 mm / 1200 rpm / 82.5 CFM | 120 mm / 1500 rpm / 67.62 CFM | 135 mm / 2000 rpm / 84.0 CFM | 120 mm / 2000 rpm / 77.0 CFM |
| Noise Level | 32.5 dBA | 24.6 dBA | 22.6 dBA | 22.6 dBA | 30.0 dBA | 19.2 dBA | 28.6 dBA | 33.0 dBA | 29.0 dBA |
| Sockets |
AM5
|
sTR5, SP6
|
LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 2011, LGA 2066, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4
|
AM5, AM4, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, LGA 1954, LGA 1156, LGA 1155, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1200
|
LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, AM5, AM4,
|
LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, AM5, AM4,
|
LGA 2066, LGA 2011, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, AM5, AM4,
|
LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, AM5, AM4,
|
LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, AM5, AM4,
|
| Warranty | 2 years | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years | 1 years | 6 years | 2 years | 1 years | 2 years |
CPU Cooler Specification Table
| CPU_Cooler (Desc) | Cooler Type | Radiator Size | Height | Fan Size/Speed/Airflow | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 124×76×151 mm | 151 mm | 120 mm / 2200.0 rpm / 29.0 CFM | 32.5 dBA | |
| Air | 165 x 150 x 52 mm | 165 mm | 140 mm / 1500.0 rpm / 82.5 CFM | 24.6 dBA | |
| Air | 158 x 125 x 112 mm | 158 mm | 120 mm / 2000 rpm / 60.0 CFM | 22.6 dBA | |
| Air | 158 x 125 x 112 mm | 158 mm | 120 mm / 2000.0 rpm / 60.0 CFM | 22.6 dBA | |
| Air | 76 x 136 x 161 mm | 161 mm | 120 mm / 2100 rpm / 93.0 CFM | 30.0 dBA | |
| Air | 165 x 150 x 135 mm | 165 mm | 140 mm / 1200 rpm / 82.5 CFM | 19.2 dBA | |
| Air | 138 x 128 x 154 mm | 154 mm | 120 mm / 1500 rpm / 67.62 CFM | 28.6 dBA | |
| Air | 148 x 162 x 157.5 mm | 162 mm | 135 mm / 2000 rpm / 84.0 CFM | 33.0 dBA | |
| Air | 125 x 70.5 x 156.7 mm | 157 mm | 120 mm / 2000 rpm / 77.0 CFM | 29.0 dBA |
Additional CPU Cooler Information
Additional Information:
Low-Noise adapter included
Compatibility with past and future sockets with SecuFirm2 mounting system
100% RAM compatibility on LGA115x and AM4
Soldered interface between heatpipes and fins
Display:
Add Comment on Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black