Installation

Thanks to Noctua's SecuFirm 2, installing the NH-U12S is a breeze on LGA2011. Start off by screwing in the LGA2011 posts. These will support the mounting arms.


At this stage, slide the mounting arms on, but keep in mind that you have a couple orientation options for the cooler.


Once the desired orientation is chosen, fasten the thumbscrews to tighten down the mounting arms.


Users will want to apply the thermal paste at this stage of the install—before tightening down the NH-U12S heatsink. Alternate sides as you tighten the heatsink down to ensure even pressure is applied.


It is now finally time to mount the fan before plugging it into the CPU fan header.

Describing the installation of the Noctua NH-U12s to Intel's LGA2011 platform as easy would be an understatement. The single-tower design along with no requisite to get a screwdriver down in between the aluminum cooling fins makes this the easiest cooler I have ever installed. I would rate it a 10 on a scale of 1 (hardest) to 10 (easiest).