Cooler is faster. Cooler is more stable. Cooler allows overclocking. Cooler is what everyone wants their CPU to be. With faster processors and high end graphics cards comes the associated higher temperatures and component degradation. We need a good CPU cooler to bring CPU temperatures back from the boiling point and help lower the ambient heat inside our computers. Will the Noctua NH-C12P CPU cooler deliver the goods?
Design and Installation
This CPU Cooler is built with the same basic characteristics of all heatsink and fan style CPU coolers. It has a large heatsink with a large fan mounted on top to disperse the heat drawn out of the processor by the heatsink. However, the design of the heatsink can make the difference between an effective CPU cooler and a paper weight.
The Noctua NH-C12P cooler uses a six heat-pipe design with a large 120mm fan pulling air up through the heatsink and away from the CPU. The cooling fins are widely spaced and provide optimal heat dissipation for the six heat-pipes even at fan speeds of 800-900 RPM. The orientation of the fan allows for cases with side vents to have the heat exhausted right out of the case. If you have a case with a side vent over the CPU, this is an excellent choice for your CPU cooler. The fan spins at 1300 RPM and produces 19.8 dB(A) acoustical noise. When using the Ultra Low Noise Adapter (U.L.N.A.), the fan spins at 900 RPM and produces 12.6 dB(A) acoustical noise.
The heatsink is made from copper and aluminum and weighs 550 grams. It is 91mm high x 152mm wide x 126mm deep and utilizes a single 120mm fan. The C-Type design allows air to flow under the CPU cooler as well so there is constantly cool air being pulled up through the heatsink. This also allows maximum compatibility with many different motherboard designs. The fan itself is the excellent Noctua NF-P12 which we reviewed here not too long ago. The SSO-bearing combined with the notched fan blade design allows for an exceptionally quiet fan while still pulling 92.3 m³/h of air through the heatsink. The cooler also comes with an Ultra Low Noise Adapter (U.L.N.A.) to make it even quieter. The airflow does drop to 63.4 m³/h when using the U.L.N.A.
Noctua NH-C12P Box
Noctua NH-C12P Contents
Noctua NH-C12P Installed
The mounting system that Noctua designed is one of the best available. They use a system called SecuFirm multi-socket mounting system. The system provides excellent contact pressure and is easy to install without damaging the processor. It is a simple system that secures the heatsink with screws and springs tightened through the motherboard to a metal brace on the back of the motherboard.
