The Noctua NH-U12P CPU heatsink performs excellently, and it does so with a very quiet fan. The design and construction are top-notch as one would expect from Noctua. Installation was easy with all the included hardware, and users of Xeons and older Socket 939 systems can get free mounting hardware for their motherboards by requesting the kits from Noctua. This move keeps the cost of the NH-U12P down for consumers, although it may be a slight inconvenience. I loved how the NH-U12P can support two fans and how users can swap out the included NF-P12 fan for another one if they so choose. The fan can even be moved up or down as needed when installing to help clear any surrounding components that might be in the way. Speaking of compatibility, the NH-U12P is more compatible than the older NH-U12F due to its slightly higher bottom fin.

The major obstacle for the NH-U12P is the higher price tag. At around $65 USD, it has a premium price tag, although it is about the same price as other high-performance heatsinks when the cost of a fan is added to them. And even though the NH-U12P is more compatible then previous versions, its large size may still cause some space issues. Thankfully, its versatile mounting system allows for mounting horizontally or vertically.

Overall I highly recommend the Noctua NH-U12P to anyone in the market for a very quiet high-performance CPU heatsink.