• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

Noctua Presents NH-U12A Premium Class 120mm CPU Cooler

btarunr

Editor & Senior Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 9, 2007
Messages
47,230 (7.55/day)
Location
Hyderabad, India
System Name RBMK-1000
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Motherboard ASUS ROG Strix B450-E Gaming
Cooling DeepCool Gammax L240 V2
Memory 2x 8GB G.Skill Sniper X
Video Card(s) Palit GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER GameRock
Storage Western Digital Black NVMe 512GB
Display(s) BenQ 1440p 60 Hz 27-inch
Case Corsair Carbide 100R
Audio Device(s) ASUS SupremeFX S1220A
Power Supply Cooler Master MWE Gold 650W
Mouse ASUS ROG Strix Impact
Keyboard Gamdias Hermes E2
Software Windows 11 Pro
Noctua today presented its new NH-U12A premium-quality quiet CPU cooler. The NH-U12A is the latest, 5th generation of Noctua's award-winning U12 series of 120mm size coolers. Conceived to push the envelope of the 120mm form factor, it combines two of Noctua's flagship model NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fans with a completely redesigned heatsink featuring 7 heatpipes and an increased fin surface area for superior heat dissipation. This way, the NH-U12A can rival the performance of many 140mm sized coolers while offering 120mm class case and PCIe compatibility.

"The original NH-U12 was the very first product we introduced back in 2005 and the U12 series has been at the core of our product line-up ever since," explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "Today, we're proud to continue this successful legacy by introducing the 5th generation that provides even better quiet cooling performance, which enables it to compete with much larger units while offering superior compatibility. In a nutshell, the NH-U12A is an ideal choice for customers who are looking for a cutting-edge cooler that's hassle-free to integrate in most setups."



First introduced in 2005, Noctua's NH-U12 series has won more than 600 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines. The NH-U12A is the latest addition to this prestigious series that has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality quiet 120mm coolers. Thanks to its completely revised, thoroughly optimised 7 heatpipe layout, 37% more fin surface area (as compared to the NH-U12S) and a dual fan push/pull configuration that uses the new, state-of-the-art NF-A12x25 fans, the NH-U12A pushes the performance envelope in the 120mm class and can actually match or even outperform many 140mm sized coolers.

At the same time, the NH-U12A offers significant advantages in RAM, case and PCIe compatibility when compared to larger 140mm class coolers: Due to its asymmetric design, it does not overhang the RAM slots on Intel LGA115x and AMD AM4 based motherboards, which ensures easy access and 100% compatibility with modules that have tall heat-spreaders. As far as case compatibility is concerned, the 158mm tall cooler is short enough to fit most modern mid- or high-end tower cases. Measuring 125mm wide (including fan and fan clips), the NH-U12A stays clear of the top PCIe slot on most standard ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards, ensuring optimum compatibility with multi-GPU setups.



Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, Noctua's proven NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty, the NH-U12A is a deluxe choice that combines top-tier performance with excellent compatibility and outstanding quietness of operation.

Price and Availability
The manufacturer's suggested retail price is EUR/USD 99.90.

For more information, visit the product page.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site
 
Joined
Jun 15, 2016
Messages
1,042 (0.34/day)
Location
Pristina
System Name My PC
Processor 4670K@4.4GHz
Motherboard Gryphon Z87
Cooling CM 212
Memory 2x8GB+2x4GB @2400GHz
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon RX 580 GTS Black Edition 1425MHz OC+, 8GB
Storage Intel 530 SSD 480GB + Intel 510 SSD 120GB + 2x500GB hdd raid 1
Display(s) HP envy 32 1440p
Case CM Mastercase 5
Audio Device(s) Sbz ZXR
Power Supply Antec 620W
Mouse G502
Keyboard G910
Software Win 10 pro
Still have old one in X5650 rig working flawlessly.
 
Joined
Apr 6, 2011
Messages
703 (0.14/day)
Location
Pensacola, FL, USA, Earth
OK... I don't sell/use this brand so my question is genuine: why is this $100? o_O
 
Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
5,541 (1.02/day)
Location
Gougeland (NZ)
System Name Cumquat 2021
Processor AMD RyZen R7 7800X3D
Motherboard Asus Strix X670E - E Gaming WIFI
Cooling Deep Cool LT720 + CM MasterGel Pro TP + Lian Li Uni Fan V2
Memory 32GB GSkill Trident Z5 Neo 6000
Video Card(s) Sapphire Nitro+ OC RX6800 16GB DDR6 2270Cclk / 2010Mclk
Storage 1x Adata SX8200PRO NVMe 1TB gen3 x4 1X Samsung 980 Pro NVMe Gen 4 x4 1TB, 12TB of HDD Storage
Display(s) AOC 24G2 IPS 144Hz FreeSync Premium 1920x1080p
Case Lian Li O11D XL ROG edition
Audio Device(s) RX6800 via HDMI + Pioneer VSX-531 amp Technics 100W 5.1 Speaker set
Power Supply EVGA 1000W G5 Gold
Mouse Logitech G502 Proteus Core Wired
Keyboard Logitech G915 Wireless
Software Windows 11 X64 PRO (build 23H2)
Benchmark Scores it sucks even more less now ;)
those fans look just like Gentle Typhoons or EK Vardar fans with a differnet spray paint coat
 
Joined
Oct 22, 2014
Messages
14,084 (3.82/day)
Location
Sunshine Coast
System Name H7 Flow 2024
Processor AMD 5800X3D
Motherboard Asus X570 Tough Gaming
Cooling Custom liquid
Memory 32 GB DDR4
Video Card(s) Intel ARC A750
Storage Crucial P5 Plus 2TB.
Display(s) AOC 24" Freesync 1m.s. 75Hz
Mouse Lenovo
Keyboard Eweadn Mechanical
Software W11 Pro 64 bit
I suspect following this they will release an upgraded TR4 cooler also.
 
Joined
Jul 28, 2007
Messages
94 (0.01/day)
Location
Portugal
Processor AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Motherboard MSi MPG X570 Gaming Plus
Cooling Noctua NH-D14
Memory G.Skill DDR4-3600 Trident Z CL 16
Video Card(s) MSi GTX 1080 Gaming X 8GB
Storage Crucial P1 500GB M.2 NVMe
Display(s) Acer Predator XB1 IPS 165Hz G-Sync
Case Lian-Li PC-A10B
Audio Device(s) Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro Series
Power Supply Seasonic Focus+ Gold 750W
Mouse Zowie EC1-A
Keyboard G.Skill KM780 MX (MX brown)
OK... I don't sell/use this brand so my question is genuine: why is this $100? o_O

Because the other U12S one was about 65$ (1x F12 fan) and if you wanted do add a second fan, you would get about 90$. Plus you get all the improvements made to this U12A one + two new kickass A12 fans.

Why are they expensive though? Because of what it said on the text above... that is confirmed by reviews: you get a freaking massive premium build quality bundle.
- the cooler is top quality and performs great + good mb compatibility
- the retention system is awesome and easy to mount + you get future Noctua retention/brackets (free or charge) everytime Intel or AMD decides to change their sockets
- you get an L shaped screwdriver that will basically be your PC tool of choice
- the fans are top quality + silent as f... + reliable as hell
- the thermal paste is also top + you get a good amount for years to come
- 6 years warranty (not that you'll need it, but it's there)

Basically, specially with this highly compatible "120mm" size, you'll have a cooler that will last you for more than 10 yrs or hardware changes, and it will do it flawlessly.
I compare it with a good power supply. Get a good solid one (paying for what you get) and you'll have a PSU "for life".
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fx
Joined
Mar 4, 2015
Messages
261 (0.07/day)
Whatever happened to the all black versions of their coolers which they revealed ages ago?? They are soooo reluctant to move away from the sickly beige!
 
Joined
Jun 1, 2011
Messages
4,588 (0.93/day)
Location
in a van down by the river
Processor faster at instructions than yours
Motherboard more nurturing than yours
Cooling frostier than yours
Memory superior scheduling & haphazardly entry than yours
Video Card(s) better rasterization than yours
Storage more ample than yours
Display(s) increased pixels than yours
Case fancier than yours
Audio Device(s) further audible than yours
Power Supply additional amps x volts than yours
Mouse without as much gnawing as yours
Keyboard less clicky than yours
VR HMD not as odd looking as yours
Software extra mushier than yours
Benchmark Scores up yours
@crazyeyesreaper

If Noctua sends this over for review, test it with one fan also to see what us U12S owners are missing out on. My guess is the heatsink is too thin for a second fan to make much of a difference.

Whatever happened to the all black versions of their coolers which they revealed ages ago?? They are soooo reluctant to move away from the sickly beige!

They are waiting to release all black versions alongside Half Life 3...
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2010
Messages
1,641 (0.30/day)
Location
Azalea City
System Name Main
Processor Ryzen 5950x
Motherboard B550 PG Velocita
Cooling Water
Memory Ballistix
Video Card(s) RX 6900XT
Storage T-FORCE CARDEA A440 PRO
Display(s) MAG401QR
Case QUBE 500
Audio Device(s) Logitech Z623
Power Supply LEADEX V 1KW
Mouse Cooler Master MM710
Keyboard Huntsman Elite
Software 11 Pro
Benchmark Scores https://hwbot.org/user/damric/
For $100 they could pick a better color than doodoo brown.
 
Joined
Mar 11, 2019
Messages
201 (0.10/day)
Location
over the HoRYZEN
System Name Not an Intel Piece of Shite
Processor Superior AMD Glorious Master Race 2700SEX
Motherboard Glorious low cost Awesome Motherboard 4
Cooling A piece of metal that cools the amazing Ryzen CPU
Memory SAMMY BEEE DAI BABEH
Video Card(s) Turding
Storage irelevant
Display(s) monitor
Case It's red because AMD = red and AMD = awesome
Power Supply 1000W,. but not needed as Glorious RYZEN CPU is extremely afficient unlike that recylced 14nm++ Junk
Mouse *gets cat*
Keyboard RUHGUBUH!
Software Not Linux
Benchmark Scores Higher than Intel shite
I have the normal one and it's great. i was considring the D14 or 15 which is the same price as this? But this being more compact appeals to me more than having a small aircraft carrier worth of metal hanging off my mobo lol
 
Joined
Jun 25, 2014
Messages
164 (0.04/day)
System Name Ryzen shine, Mr Freeman
Processor 5900X
Motherboard ASUS X570 Dark Hero
Cooling Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 ARGB
Memory 32GB TridentZ Neo 3600 CL14
Video Card(s) 3080TI FE with Alphacool Eiswolf AIO
Storage 2TB 970 EVO PLUS, 1TB 980
Display(s) LG OLED 55CX
Case O11D XL Black
Audio Device(s) Xonar Essence STU, Mackie MR5+MR10S, HD598
Power Supply Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
Mouse GPW
Keyboard G815
That is surely one of the best coolers in this size.

I just wish they would make this type of fan in 8 and 9cm also, so that smaller cases also have good options.
 

crazyeyesreaper

Not a Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 25, 2009
Messages
9,816 (1.72/day)
Location
04578
System Name Old reliable
Processor Intel 8700K @ 4.8 GHz
Motherboard MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon AC
Cooling Custom Water
Memory 32 GB Crucial Ballistix 3666 MHz
Video Card(s) MSI RTX 3080 10GB Suprim X
Storage 3x SSDs 2x HDDs
Display(s) ASUS VG27AQL1A x2 2560x1440 8bit IPS
Case Thermaltake Core P3 TG
Audio Device(s) Samson Meteor Mic / Generic 2.1 / KRK KNS 6400 headset
Power Supply Zalman EBT-1000
Mouse Mionix NAOS 7000
Keyboard Mionix
@crazyeyesreaper

If Noctua sends this over for review, test it with one fan also to see what us U12S owners are missing out on. My guess is the heatsink is too thin for a second fan to make much of a difference.



They are waiting to release all black versions alongside Half Life 3...
Already in discussions to get one for review.
 
Joined
Mar 31, 2014
Messages
1,533 (0.39/day)
Location
Grunn
System Name Indis the Fair (cursed edition)
Processor 11900k 5.1/4.9 undervolted.
Motherboard MSI Z590 Unify-X
Cooling Heatkiller VI Pro, VPP755 V.3, XSPC TX360 slim radiator, 3xA12x25, 4x Arctic P14 case fans
Memory G.Skill Ripjaws V 2x16GB 4000 16-19-19 (b-die@3600 14-14-14 1.45v)
Video Card(s) EVGA 2080 Super Hybrid (T30-120 fan)
Storage 970EVO 1TB, 660p 1TB, WD Blue 3D 1TB, Sandisk Ultra 3D 2TB
Display(s) BenQ XL2546K, Dell P2417H
Case FD Define 7
Audio Device(s) DT770 Pro, Topping A50, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Røde VXLR+, Modmic 5
Power Supply Seasonic 860w Platinum
Mouse Razer Viper Mini, Odin Infinity mousepad
Keyboard GMMK Fullsize v2 (Boba U4Ts)
Software Win10 x64/Win7 x64/Ubuntu
lol half of that pricetag is the fans :roll::roll::roll:

I wonder if that second fan is actually doing very much in terms of performance...
 
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
2,207 (0.80/day)
Looking/waiting to see if 7 heatpipe appear on the rest of their range of heatsink with 140mm fans.
 
Joined
Jan 5, 2006
Messages
18,584 (2.69/day)
System Name AlderLake
Processor Intel i7 12700K P-Cores @ 5Ghz
Motherboard Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master
Cooling Noctua NH-U12A 2 fans + Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme + 5 case fans
Memory 32GB DDR5 Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 6000MT/s CL36
Video Card(s) MSI RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
Storage Samsung 980 Pro 1TB + 970 Evo 500GB + 850 Pro 512GB + 860 Evo 1TB x2
Display(s) 23.8" Dell S2417DG 165Hz G-Sync 1440p
Case Be quiet! Silent Base 600 - Window
Audio Device(s) Panasonic SA-PMX94 / Realtek onboard + B&O speaker system / Harman Kardon Go + Play / Logitech G533
Power Supply Seasonic Focus Plus Gold 750W
Mouse Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Laser wireless
Keyboard RAPOO E9270P Black 5GHz wireless
Software Windows 11
Benchmark Scores Cinebench R23 (Single Core) 1936 @ stock Cinebench R23 (Multi Core) 23006 @ stock
I'm currently using a U12S however I ditched the 120mm fan for a 140mm pwm fan.

Waiting for reviews on this one.
 
Joined
Feb 13, 2014
Messages
496 (0.13/day)
Location
Cyprus
Processor 13700KF - 5.7GHZ
Motherboard Z690 UNIFY-X
Cooling ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 (NF-A12x25)
Memory 2x16 G.SKILL M-DIE (7200-34-44-44-28)
Video Card(s) XFX MERC 7900XT
Storage 1TB KINGSTON KC3000
Display(s) FI32Q
Case LIAN LI O11 DYNAMIC EVO
Audio Device(s) HD599
Power Supply RMX1000
Mouse PULSAR V2H
Keyboard KEYCHRON V3 (DUROCK T1 + MT3 GODSPEED R2)
Software Windows 11
Benchmark Scores Superposition 4k optimized - 20652
But why is this dual fan? If the fans are so good and the heatsink is so thin shouldn't it be more beneficial to just make the heatsink thicker and have only 1 fan in the middle or just plain thicker hitsink with the fan infront?

This fan is supposedly perfect with pressure and airflow, should be able to handle that heatsink easily.
 
Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
5,541 (1.02/day)
Location
Gougeland (NZ)
System Name Cumquat 2021
Processor AMD RyZen R7 7800X3D
Motherboard Asus Strix X670E - E Gaming WIFI
Cooling Deep Cool LT720 + CM MasterGel Pro TP + Lian Li Uni Fan V2
Memory 32GB GSkill Trident Z5 Neo 6000
Video Card(s) Sapphire Nitro+ OC RX6800 16GB DDR6 2270Cclk / 2010Mclk
Storage 1x Adata SX8200PRO NVMe 1TB gen3 x4 1X Samsung 980 Pro NVMe Gen 4 x4 1TB, 12TB of HDD Storage
Display(s) AOC 24G2 IPS 144Hz FreeSync Premium 1920x1080p
Case Lian Li O11D XL ROG edition
Audio Device(s) RX6800 via HDMI + Pioneer VSX-531 amp Technics 100W 5.1 Speaker set
Power Supply EVGA 1000W G5 Gold
Mouse Logitech G502 Proteus Core Wired
Keyboard Logitech G915 Wireless
Software Windows 11 X64 PRO (build 23H2)
Benchmark Scores it sucks even more less now ;)
Hmmm premium class huh then why the use of cheap 6mm heat pipes instead of 8mm Metal Sintered Powder Wick or Metal Mesh Wick heat pipes instead

There is more going on than just looks.

like what exactly how do these perform any better or worse than the similarly designed Gentle Typhoon or Vadar fans
 

Ebo

Joined
May 9, 2013
Messages
778 (0.18/day)
Location
Nykoebing Mors, Denmark
System Name the little fart
Processor AMD Ryzen 2600X
Motherboard MSI x470 gaming plus
Cooling Noctua NH-C14S
Memory 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaw 2400Mhz DDR 4
Video Card(s) Sapphire RX Vega 56 Pulse
Storage 1 Crucial MX100 512GB SSD,1 Crucial MX500 2TB SSD, 1 1,5TB WD Black Caviar, 1 4TB WD RED HD
Display(s) IIyama XUB2792QSU IPS 2560x1440
Case White Lian-Li PC-011 Dynamic
Audio Device(s) Asus Xonar SE pci-e card
Power Supply Thermaltake DPS G 1050 watt Digital PSU
Mouse Steelseries Sensei
Keyboard Corsair K70
Software windows 10 64 pro bit
I have the older U12S and couldnt be happier, its quiet and gets the job done.
 
Joined
Mar 11, 2019
Messages
201 (0.10/day)
Location
over the HoRYZEN
System Name Not an Intel Piece of Shite
Processor Superior AMD Glorious Master Race 2700SEX
Motherboard Glorious low cost Awesome Motherboard 4
Cooling A piece of metal that cools the amazing Ryzen CPU
Memory SAMMY BEEE DAI BABEH
Video Card(s) Turding
Storage irelevant
Display(s) monitor
Case It's red because AMD = red and AMD = awesome
Power Supply 1000W,. but not needed as Glorious RYZEN CPU is extremely afficient unlike that recylced 14nm++ Junk
Mouse *gets cat*
Keyboard RUHGUBUH!
Software Not Linux
Benchmark Scores Higher than Intel shite
NH-U12S is £55 here. I guess this will be near 80 or 100 quid given rip-off britain... Kinda hard to swallow that price increase if its not massively better. I have push/pull on my U12S and it tames my 2700X very well, even with Ballz-to-the-Wallz PBO tweak to 4.1 GHz all core it stays below 80C which isn't bad considering it was taking 150W package power and this is a 120mm tower.

Also yes please release version with no fans or just one, and make it cheaper accordingly. I don't need those super expensive fans lol
 
Joined
Apr 30, 2012
Messages
3,881 (0.85/day)
In case people forgot.

Noctua is also coming out with "Next Gen" U14 & D15 with the new fans.

The current gen trio U12, U14 & D15 will be packaged in the Redux Line with fan for budget and the all black package for the Chromax line.
 
Joined
Mar 11, 2019
Messages
201 (0.10/day)
Location
over the HoRYZEN
System Name Not an Intel Piece of Shite
Processor Superior AMD Glorious Master Race 2700SEX
Motherboard Glorious low cost Awesome Motherboard 4
Cooling A piece of metal that cools the amazing Ryzen CPU
Memory SAMMY BEEE DAI BABEH
Video Card(s) Turding
Storage irelevant
Display(s) monitor
Case It's red because AMD = red and AMD = awesome
Power Supply 1000W,. but not needed as Glorious RYZEN CPU is extremely afficient unlike that recylced 14nm++ Junk
Mouse *gets cat*
Keyboard RUHGUBUH!
Software Not Linux
Benchmark Scores Higher than Intel shite
In case people forgot.

Noctua is also coming out with "Next Gen" U14 & D15 with the new fans.

The current gen trio U12, U14 & D15 will be packaged in the Redux Line with fan for budget and the all black package for the Chromax line.
Will the "Next gen" 14 and 15 have improved heatsink/more heatpipes like this does?
 
Top