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We have admired Noctua for many years now, their build quality and uncompromising levels of consistency have helped push them on their path to becoming the enthusiasts first choice for performance cooling solutions. We have reviewed all of their range now over the last year, and we have saved the NH-U12P Special Edition SE2 for today.
In the CPU cooler sector, no one creates a bundle quite like Noctua. The Special Edition SE2 package contains individually wrapped, clearly labelled platform specific components and separated installation manuals. There is also a tube of NT H1 high grade thermal paste and an extra NF P12 120mm fan with this bundle.
While the appearance of the Noctua fans split opinion, we use them daily in Kitguru system builds, for a specific reason. They deliver class leading performance while generating minimal noise – quality fans will ensure that your lovely new system build won't sound like an Apache helicopter. This is an area that Thermaltake need to improve, the fans bundled with the Frio cooler are really only useful at their lowest setting.
While the NH D14 is still the ultimate choice for high end coolers, the NH U12P slots perfectly into the Noctua range, offering stellar cooling performance with a much lower cost overhead. While many retailers sell the NH D14 for almost £70, the NH U12P SE2 can be picked up for around £55 inc vat. Sure, it isn't a minor investment, but you are guaranteed a product that will last a very long time. For added peace of mind Noctua back this product up with a 6 year warranty.
Pros:
- Cooler is built to exacting standards.
- Cooling performance is great.
- Two high quality fans ensure great airflow.
- Noctua NT H1 thermal paste included
- Bundle is as good as it gets
Cons:
- It is still costly for most people.
Kitguru says: Noctua have one of the most impressive ranges of coolers on the market.
Only problem I see is the pricing, while you can get the coolers at the prices you mention, the D14 is as cheap as £63 and the U12P SE2 as expensive as £57.
It becomes a tougher sell thanks to the UK pricing of D14 atm.
Why do you have the heatsink pictured with a Gigabyte P67 mobo when the system specs show an Asus Rampage III Black Edition X58 mobo?
Sometimes we show installation on different slot configurations (especially as people want to see there no fitting problems with 1155), even though we tend to test on 1366 (to generate the most heat). Variety is the spice of life.
Good coolers. expensive mind you
Great coolers, my concern is the size. I prefer all in one coolers now from antec, corsair etc. they leave so much room free for an install, especially at memory slots.
REckon Noctua will make an all in one liquid cooler sometime?
Im quite happy with my Corsair H50, very quiet too 🙂
Awesome cooler, had mine for 6 months now. ive a 2600k with it at 4.8ghz. hits 67c under load 🙂
I’ve had this running for five years in my Fractal Design R4 Case and it’s never missed a beat. Fantastic cooler. It’s no longer on sale here and I’m now looking at Noctua NH-U14S for my new build.