Noctua NH-U12A Premium Dual fan air cooler

Pushing the Limits: NH-U12A CPU Cooler

The NH-U12A CPU cooler represents the latest advancement in Noctua’s highly acclaimed NH-U12 series. With its 120mm size and premium-quality construction, it sets new standards for quiet and efficient cooling. Designed to maximize performance within the constraints of the 120mm form factor, the NH-U12A combines two flagship NF-A12x25 PWM fans with a redesigned heatsink featuring 7 heatpipes and an increased fin surface area. This innovative design allows the NH-U12A to rival the performance of many larger 140mm coolers while maintaining compatibility with 120mm class case and PCIe configurations.

Award-Winning Legacy:

Noctua’s NH-U12 series has earned over 600 awards and recommendations from renowned hardware websites and magazines since its introduction in 2005. The NH-U12A continues this legacy, delivering premium-quality quiet cooling in a compact 120mm form.

140mm Performance in a 120mm Size:

Through a meticulously optimized layout of 7 heatpipes, an increased fin surface area (37% more than the NH-U12S), and a dual fan push/pull configuration with the state-of-the-art NF-A12x25 fans, the NH-U12A pushes the boundaries of 120mm cooling. It achieves performance levels that can match or even surpass many larger 140mm coolers.

RAM Compatibility and Case Friendly:

The NH-U12A’s asymmetric design ensures 100% compatibility with tall heat-spreaders on Intel LGA115x and AMD AM4 motherboards, allowing easy access to RAM modules. On LGA2066, the rear fan slightly overhangs the left-hand side RAM slots, accommodating RAM modules up to 42mm in height (with CPU cooler clearance of more than 158mm). For taller memory modules, the rear fan can be adjusted upwards.

Excellent Case and PCIe Compatibility:

Standing at 158mm tall and measuring 125mm wide (including fan and fan clips), the NH-U12A fits most modern mid- or high-end tower cases. It also avoids interfering with the top PCIe slot on standard ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards, ensuring compatibility with multi-GPU setups.

Dual NF-A12 120mm Fans:

The NH-U12A utilizes the NF-A12x25, an elite-class 120mm fan that incorporates Noctua’s latest advancements in aerodynamic engineering. Its inclusion in a push/pull dual fan configuration is a key factor in the NH-U12A’s exceptional performance and low noise levels.

Precision Control with PWM Support:

The NF-A12 120mm fans supplied with the NH-U12A support PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for automatic speed control through the motherboard. This enables full performance under heavy load and near-silent operation during idle periods. For even quieter operation, low-noise adaptors are provided, reducing the maximum fan speed from 2000 to 1700rpm.

Secure and Easy Installation:

Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system ensures a straightforward installation process with perfect contact pressure on Intel LGA115x, LGA20xx, and AMD AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM2(+), and FM1 sockets. The NH-U12A is engineered for long-term stability and endurance, even under heavy usage.

Future-Proof Compatibility:

With Noctua’s SecuFirm ecosystem, the NH-U12A can be made compatible with older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the provided NM-I3 mounting kit. Noctua also offers upgrade kits for future sockets, making the NH-U12A a safe investment for long-term usage.