CPU coolers / Compare

ARCTIC Freezer 36-S vs Noctua NH-L12S

A

Product A: ARCTIC

Freezer 36-S

31 of 54 known

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B

Product B: Noctua

NH-L12S

29 of 54 known

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Only differences

AARCTIC Freezer 36-S

BNoctua NH-L12S

General

7 of 12 differ

Series

Not available

NH-L121Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026The text calls the NH-L12S the successor to the NH-L12 and the model of the NH-L12 line. The family name NH-L12 is stored.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

ACFRE00194A, ACFRE00196A, ACFRE00198A, ACFRE00199A1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 20265Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 20266Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/e3/d8/1d/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_A-RGB_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

NH-L12S1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Noctua gives no separate model code. The model name is NH-L12S.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdfRead 15 October 2026Product name Noctua NH-L12S.

GTIN / EAN

4895265000966, 840033403634, 4895265000980, 840033403658, 4895265001000, 840033403672, 4895265001017, 8400334036891Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 20265Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Shipping information: ACFRE00194A EAN 4895265000966, UPC 840033403634. ACFRE00196A EAN 4895265000980, UPC 840033403658.6Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/e3/d8/1d/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_A-RGB_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Shipping information: ACFRE00198A EAN 4895265001000, UPC 840033403672. ACFRE00199A EAN 4895265001017, UPC 840033403689.

9010018000054, 8415011000551Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026EAN barcode 9010018000054 in the spec table copied from Noctua.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdfRead 15 October 2026Logistic data: EAN 9010018000054 and UPC 841501100055.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

May 20269Press articleclub386.com/arctic-freezer-36-s-launchRead 14 October 2026Launch coverage on 26 and 27 May 2026. Only the month is stored.

Not available

Status

Available1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026The arctic.de store shows an MSRP and an Add to shopping cart button on the access date.

Available1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 202626 in stock on the access date.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

From €28.991Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S/ACFRE00194ARead 14 October 20263Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-A-RGB-Black/ACFRE00198ARead 14 October 20264Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-A-RGB-White/ACFRE00199ARead 14 October 20265Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 20266Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/e3/d8/1d/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_A-RGB_EN.pdfRead 14 October 20268Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36-s-a-rgbRead 14 October 20269Press articleclub386.com/arctic-freezer-36-s-launchRead 14 October 2026

€49.92Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdfRead 15 October 2026Logistic data: MSPR 49.90 EUR. The sheet gives no country and no tax note. Noctua's suggested prices include VAT in EU shops, but the sheet does not say so.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

EU, US1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026The store sells in EUR incl. VAT. US prices appear in the launch coverage and in Tom's Hardware.9Press articleclub386.com/arctic-freezer-36-s-launchRead 14 October 2026Prices in USD and EUR.

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Standard, Black, White1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026The colour selector on the product pages offers Standard and Black for the non-RGB model. The A-RGB pages offer Black and White.2Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S/ACFRE00194ARead 14 October 20264Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-A-RGB-White/ACFRE00199ARead 14 October 20269Press articleclub386.com/arctic-freezer-36-s-launchRead 14 October 2026

Not available

Cooler typeiAir is a heatsink with fans that sits on the CPU. AIO liquid is a sealed all-in-one liquid cooler with a pump block, tubes and a radiator.

Air1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026Multi Compatible Tower CPU Cooler.

Air1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Low-profile air cooler with one slim 120 mm fan.

Air cooler layoutiAir coolers only. Top-flow covers low-profile coolers whose fan blows down onto the board.

Single tower9Press articleclub386.com/arctic-freezer-36-s-launchRead 14 October 2026Single-tower, four 6 mm direct-touch heatpipes, one 120 mm P12 Pro fan.

Top-flow1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026The text calls the NH-L12 line low-profile 120mm top-flow coolers. The fan can blow upwards or downwards.8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/noctua-nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026The fan sits under the fins from the factory and moves the air upwards. It can also go on top. Lazer3D confirms the fan pushes air up through the heatsink as delivered.

Rated TDP (claimed)iThe heat load the maker says the cooler handles. Makers do not share one test method, so this is not a measured result. A maker's maximum heat dissipation power counts. Check the maker's CPU compatibility page too.

Not available

Not available

Base materialiThe surface that touches the CPU: the heatsink base or the AIO cold plate. Plating counts, so nickel-plated copper is not copper. Direct-touch heat pipes are the contact surface, so they count as copper unless plating is stated. The direct-contact heat pipes field records the design.

Copper1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026The page says the heatpipes sit directly on the CPU. The heatpipes are copper and the Cybenetics report lists the block material as copper.11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/117Read 14 October 2026Technical specifications of the report: block material copper.

Nickel-plated copper1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Material: copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints and nickel plating. EnosTech and Basic Tutorials describe the base and pipes as nickel-plated copper.6Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-l12s-lower-profile-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026The base and the heat pipes are copper with a nickel coating.8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/noctua-nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Nickel-plated copper contact surface.

Thermal pasteiPre-applied means paste is already on the base or cold plate. Included means a separate tube or syringe in the box.

Included5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026TIM MX-7 (0.8 g). It is a tube in the box, not pre-applied, per the packaging content image.9Press articleclub386.com/arctic-freezer-36-s-launchRead 14 October 2026Comes bundled with MX-7 thermal paste.

Included1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Noctua NT-H1 thermal compound in the accessories.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdfRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery: 1x NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound.

Compatibility

3 of 3 differ

CPU socketsiSockets the maker lists as supported in its spec table, compatibility list or guide, written as cpu_socket writes them, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851. List each socket on its own, so LGA115x becomes LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156. When the maker names the sockets of such a family, list only the ones it names. A socket that needs a separately sold or requested mounting kit is left out. A new socket that the maker lists with no extra kit counts. LGA2011-v3 and 2011(V3) are written LGA2011-3. Threadripper sockets use AMD's names, so TR4 is written sTR4 and TR5 is written sTR5. sTRX4 and sWRX8 are sockets of their own.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA17001Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700, AMD AM5 and AM4.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 20267Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36-sRead 14 October 2026Select your CPU socket: AMD AM5 and AM4, Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700.

AM5, AM4, LGA1954, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156 and AMD AM5, AM4. The product text also names LGA2011, LGA2066 and older AMD sockets. The text is from the launch and the current spec table omits them, so they are not stored. The installation method is a backplate that needs motherboard removal.9Press articleclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Article quoting Noctua's FAQ: all Noctua CPU coolers compatible with LGA1851 and LGA1700 also support Intel's LGA1954, and no additional mounting parts are needed. The NH-L12S is listed for LGA1851 and LGA1700, so LGA1954 is stored. The article warns that low-profile coolers with a backplate mount may differ, but Noctua's statement covers all its coolers.

RAM height clearanceiAir coolers only. The tallest memory module that fits under the cooler with all included fans in their standard position. When the maker gives different values per socket, store the lowest and name the others in the source note. A heatsink that does not reach over the memory slots has no height limit, so the field is left out and the maker's statement goes in the source note.

Not available

35mm1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Text: with the fan installed on top of the fins, modules up to 48 mm fit, against 35 mm in low-profile mode (fan underneath the fins). The fan sits underneath as delivered, so 35 mm is stored. The launch data sheet says 45 mm for the fan-on-top mode.5Reviewfunkykit.com/reviews/cooling/noctua-nh-l12s-cpu-cooler-review/2Read 15 October 2026The reviewer had to move the fan on top to fit tall modules, so the low-profile mode limits the module height. Maker text on page 1: 48 mm with the fan on top against 35 mm in low-profile mode.7Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/cooling/noctua-nh-l12s-reviewRead 15 October 2026RAM clearance 48 mm with the fan mounted on top and 35 mm with the fan mounted inside.

Offset mountingiThe included mount can shift the base or cold plate off the socket centre, for example toward the AM5 hotspot. An asymmetric heatsink on a centred base does not count.

Not available

Yes8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/noctua-nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026The AMD brackets have two holes each, one for central mounting and one for offset mounting. On AM5 the -7 mm position is advised for the best result.

Heatsink

1 of 3 differ

Heat pipesiAir coolers only. Number of heat pipes. A U-shaped pipe with two ends in the fins counts as one. A T-shaped pipe with three ends, such as Cooler Master's 3DHP, also counts as one. The maker's count wins over a review or Cybenetics count.

45Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Heat pipes: 4 x 6 mm copper, Direct Touch. Heatsink 54 x 0.4 mm aluminium fins.

46Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-l12s-lower-profile-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 20264 heat pipes.7Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/cooling/noctua-nh-l12s-reviewRead 15 October 2026Four heatpipes.8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/noctua-nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Four heatpipes run from a nickel-plated copper contact surface to the fins.

Heat pipe diameteriAir coolers only. Outer diameter, such as 6 or 8.

6mm1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026Heatsink: copper heatpipes 6 mm diameter, 54 aluminium fins of 0.4 mm. The page text says Direct Touch heatpipes sit directly on the CPU IHS.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

6mm6Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-l12s-lower-profile-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Four heat pipes, each of 6 mm thickness.

Direct-contact heat pipesiAir coolers only. The heat pipes touch the CPU directly instead of sitting in a solid base plate.

Yes1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 20265Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 202610Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/arctic-freezer-36-s-reviewRead 14 October 2026Four direct-touch copper heatpipes, slightly staggered.

No6Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-l12s-lower-profile-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026The base is a copper block of 33 x 37 mm. The heat pipes are soldered to the base above the baseplate.

Liquid cooling

None of 7 known

Radiator sizeiAIO coolers only. The nominal size class from the fan positions, such as 240, 280, 360 or 420.

Not available

Not available

Radiator dimensionsiRadiator without fans. Length runs along the row of fans. Width runs across it. Thickness is the depth the airflow passes through, such as 27 or 38.

Not available

Not available

Radiator material

Not available

Not available

Tube lengthiLength of each tube between the pump block and the radiator, as published. When the two tubes differ, the shorter is stored and the other goes in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Max pump speediHighest rated pump speed. When the maker gives a range, this is its top.

Not available

Not available

Pump power connectoriHow the pump gets power. A pump wired through a supplied hub or cable uses the plug at the motherboard or PSU end. A pump powered from SATA with a separate 3-pin speed lead is SATA power.

Not available

Not available

VRM faniA small fan on the pump block that blows over the motherboard voltage regulators.

Not available

Not available

Fans

1 of 2 differ

Included fansiFans in the box that cool the heatsink or radiator, one row per fan model. A VRM fan on the pump block is left out. Speed, airflow, pressure and noise are the maker's figures for one fan at full speed, in the fastest mode and without a low-noise adapter. When a range is published, the top of the range is stored. Count is the number of rotors, so a unified frame with three 120 mm rotors counts 3 with size 120. Min speed is the lowest speed while spinning. A zero RPM stop is not stored. FDB and S-FDB are fluid dynamic. HDB is hydrodynamic. Cooler Master's Loop Dynamic Bearing is loop dynamic. If the maker gives airflow only in m³/h, convert with 1 m³/h = 0.5886 CFM, round to one decimal and say so in the source note. Connector is the fan's power lead. A separate lighting lead is not counted, and a maker cable or adapter in the box that ends in a 4-pin PWM plug counts as 4-pin PWM, even when the fan's own lead is proprietary. For an air cooler with one fan, the maker's noise figure for the cooler is the fan noise. A figure the maker does not label per fan or in total counts as per fan. When a maker table prints noise for the whole cooler with no per-fan label and the maker's own data sheet for the same fan gives a figure, the fan data sheet figure is stored.

AARCTIC Freezer 36-S

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Bearing	Connector
P12 Pro	120	1	600	3,000	77	6.9	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026Fan: P12 Pro, 600 to 3000 rpm PWM, 0 rpm below 5 percent, fluid dynamic bearing, 77 cfm and 6.9 mmH2O, 4-pin PWM connector. The page gives no fan noise figure.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Fan specifications: P12 Pro 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 600 to 3000 rpm PWM controlled (0 rpm below 5 percent PWM), fluid dynamic bearing, 0.33 A at 12 V DC, 4-pin fan plug. Airflow and pressure come from the product page.

BNoctua NH-L12S

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
NF-A12x15 PWM	120	1	450	1,850	55.4	1.53	23.9	SSO or SSO2	4-pin PWM

Source1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Fan table: NF-A12x15 PWM, SSO bearing, 1850 RPM max (+/-10%), 1400 RPM with the L.N.A., 450 RPM min (PWM), 55.4 CFM, 23.9 dB(A), 16.8 dB(A) with the L.N.A. Max values are for the fan without the L.N.A. Static pressure is not on this page, see the Noctua data sheets.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdfRead 15 October 2026NF-A12x15 PWM table: 1850 RPM, 94.2 m3/h, 23.9 dB(A), 1.53 mmH2O without the adaptor. With the L.N.A.: 1400 RPM, 70.8 m3/h, 16.8 dB(A), 0.90 mmH2O. 94.2 m3/h is 55.4 CFM.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/c/e/908bf63bad9d1599f184bd6bcd48a977c989.pdfRead 15 October 2026Noctua's NF-A12x15 PWM data sheet: 120 x 120 x 15 mm, SSO2 bearing, 4-pin connector, 1850 RPM (+/-10%), 94.2 m3/h, 23.9 dB(A) and 1.53 mmH2O without the adaptor. Minimum PWM speed 450 RPM is on the NH-L12S spec table.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

1=CalculatedFrom Included fans

1=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

0 of 7 differ

RGB lightingiLighting on the fans, the heatsink or the pump block.

No3Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-A-RGB-Black/ACFRE00198ARead 14 October 2026RGB Specifications: 12 LEDs, 0.4 A at 5 V DC, type A-RGB, 3-pin A-RGB connector plus 3-pin plug. The A-RGB rows store ARGB 5 V as the lighting standard.6Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/e3/d8/1d/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_A-RGB_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026RGB Specifications: 12 x A-RGB Gen 2 LED, 0.4 A at 5 V DC, cable 200 mm plus 80 mm daisy chain, 3-pin A-RGB plug and socket.

No1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026The spec table and the accessory list show no lighting. The fan is the plain NF-A12x15.

Lighting standardiThe named lighting connection. ARGB lighting alone does not prove a 5 V header. Proprietary means the maker's own hub or cable system.

Not available

Not available

Built-in screeniA screen on the pump block or the heatsink. LCD and OLED screens show images. A segment readout shows digits only, such as the CPU temperature.

None5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026The drawing and features show no screen.

None1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists no screen.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

Not available

Not available

Screen resolution

Not available

Not available

SoftwareiThe maker's software for lighting, the screen or the pump. Software that works with the cooler out of the box. Software that needs a separately sold controller is left out.

Not available

Not available

Needs a USB headeriThe cooler needs an internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard for software control, sensors or the screen. A wireless receiver that plugs into any USB port does not count.

No5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026The only cable is the 4-pin fan plug and the packaging content lists no USB cable.

No6Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-l12s-lower-profile-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Installation: connect the fan's 4-pin power connector to the CPU fan header or any fan header. No USB cable or software is part of the cooler.

Measured

4 of 6 differ

Cybenetics THETA, AMD AM5iThe THETA level for this cooler's class on the Cybenetics AMD AM5 platform with a Ryzen 9 7900X. It is rated at 30 dB(A) normalized noise, or at 25 dB(A) for a cooler that cannot reach 30 dB(A). No level means tested without a level. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

Silver11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/117Read 14 October 2026Report ACCLR00117 for the Freezer 36-S, tested 15 to 18 April 2026 with the Default mount. It lists one P12 Pro fan, 4 heatpipes of 6 mm, 685 g, so it matches the non-RGB model. The maker states the same heatsink and fan for the A-RGB editions. THETA Silver, Air, rated at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X. Evaluated under protocol revision 1.8, before Revision 2.0. The report shows no results for Intel LGA1851 (No THETA level), so no LGA1851 value is stored.

Not available

Cybenetics THETA, Intel LGA1851iThe same rating on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform with a Core Ultra 9 285K. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

Not available

Not available

Overall performance at 30 dB(A), AM5 (measured)iThe Cybenetics Overall Performance score at 30 dB(A) normalized noise on the AMD AM5 platform. It is average CPU power times average CPU frequency divided by average CPU temperature. Higher is better. A cooler rated only at 25 dB(A) has no value here.

9,81411Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/117Read 14 October 2026Overall Performance 9,814 at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X (PBO enabled, per the protocol).

Not available

Overall performance at 30 dB(A), LGA1851 (measured)iThe same score on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform. Scores from the two platforms are not comparable with each other.

Not available

Not available

Noise at 100% fan setting (Cybenetics)iThe Cybenetics noise at the 100% fan setting, measured 1 m from the cooler in a hemi-anechoic chamber, with the pump of an AIO at full speed. Other reviewers' noise goes in the thermal test rows.

39.3dB(A)11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/117Read 14 October 202639.3 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (3100 rpm). Hemi-anechoic chamber with a 6 dB(A) noise floor, Bruel & Kjaer 2270 sound analyser, microphone 1 m from the cooler per the protocol.

Not available

Thermal tests (measured)iReviewer results, one row per test condition. Rows compare only when the test CPU, load, power and noise level match. The source note names the reviewer, ambient temperature, case or open bench, and thermal paste. Test CPU is the CPU name only, such as AMD Ryzen 9 7900X. The power limit and mode go in the load. Above ambient is stored only when the reviewer publishes it, never computed from the ambient.

AARCTIC Freezer 36-S

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)	Above ambient (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	175.8	20 dB(A)	20	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	177.2	25 dB(A)	25	95.2	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	182.2	30 dB(A)	30	95.2	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	184.2	35 dB(A)	35	95.2	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	184.9	100%	39.3	95.2	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench R23 multi-core, PBO enabled	245.1	Maximum fan speed	47.4	Not available	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench R23 multi-core, motherboard default power limit of about 200 W	200	Default motherboard fan curve	Not available	76.5	54.3
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench R23 multi-core at a 150 W power limit with an RTX 4070 Ti Super drawing 295 W in FurMark	150	Default motherboard fan curve	42.4	Not available	43.8

Source10Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/arctic-freezer-36-s-reviewRead 14 October 2026Tom's Hardware, Albert Thomas, review of 26 May 2026. AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on an MSI X870E Carbon WiFi in a Tryx FLOVA F50 closed case with a Noctua NF-A12 G2 intake fan, 22 C ambient, noise from a Pyle PSP25 sound meter. Paste is not stated. Values read from charts and text: 245.1 W average with PBO and 47.4 dBA at maximum fan speed, 54.3 C above ambient (76.5 C) at the stock 200 W limit, and 43.8 C above ambient with 42.4 dBA at 150 W with the GPU loaded. Distance of the noise measurement is not stated.11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/117Read 14 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol, revision 1.8 procedure: ambient held at 25 C and 30% humidity in a climate chamber, open Cooler Master Test Bench, Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus, Prime95 Small FFTs for 20 minutes per noise level, at least two sessions averaged. Fans were set to reach each normalized noise level at 1 m, or 100%. CPU power is measured at the EPS connectors. The protocol states Arctic MX-4 paste for all tests. The CPU sits at its 95 C limit in all rows. The report publishes no temperature above ambient and has no 40 dB(A) row.

BNoctua NH-L12S

Test CPU	Load	Fan setting	CPU temperature (°C)	Above ambient (°C)
Intel Core i7-14700K	3DMark Steel Nomad stress test, open bench with no case fans, maximum temperature	Not available	92	Not available
Intel Core i7-14700K	Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, open bench with no case fans, maximum temperature	Not available	86	Not available
Intel Core i7-14700K	Cinebench R23, open bench with no case fans, thermal throttling at the limit (x264 also reached 100 C)	Not available	100	Not available
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X	Gaming, Fractal Design Terra case with one extra 120 mm fan, maximum temperature	Not available	76	Not available
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X	Handbrake and Cinebench R24, Fractal Design Terra case with one extra 120 mm fan, maximum temperature	Not available	79	Not available
Intel Core i7-7700K	Asus RealBench 2.44, 60 minutes, fixed 4.2 GHz at 1.16 V, average core temperature (RealTemp) over ambient	100%	Not available	41.85
Intel Core i7-7700K	Asus RealBench 2.44, 60 minutes, overclocked to 4.7 GHz at 1.22 V, average core temperature (RealTemp) over ambient, highest of three runs	100%	Not available	53.15

Source6Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-l12s-lower-profile-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026EnosTech, review of 2017-11-06. Core i7-7700K on an Asus Z170-P, Noctua NT-H1 paste on every cooler, the fan at 100% (1850 RPM). Asus RealBench 2.44 stress runs of 60 minutes, RealTemp 3.70 for the core temperatures. The charts show deltas with the ambient subtracted, and the ambient is not stated. At 4.2 GHz (1.16 V) the maximum was 41.85 and at 4.7 GHz (1.22 V) 53.15, the highest average of three runs. The text also says 24 dBA at full speed, which is the maker figure, so no noise is stored.7Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/cooling/noctua-nh-l12s-reviewRead 15 October 2026PC Gamer review of 2025-02-04. The Core i7-14700K (up to 253 W) on the usual open Intel bench with no case fans: a 92 C maximum in the 3DMark Steel Nomad stress test, 86 C in Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, and 100 C with thermal throttling in x264 and Cinebench R23. The Ryzen 7 9700X (65 W) on an Asus ROG Strix X870-I Gaming WiFi in a Fractal Design Terra with one extra 120 mm fan: a 76 C maximum while gaming and 79 C in Handbrake and Cinebench R24. The paste, fan setting, ambient and noise are not stated. The 9700X build had the fan flipped, with 35 mm RAM room. The fan position on the 14700K bench is not stated.

Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiAir coolers only. The cooler with its included fans in the standard position, without the mounting kit. Height runs from the bottom of the base to the top. Depth runs along the airflow, fans included. Width runs across the fins. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160.

Width126Height156Depth88mm(5 × 6.1 × 3.5 in)1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026General specifications: 126 (L) x 88 (W) x 156 (H) mm. The spec sheet drawing shows 126 mm across the fan face and 88 mm along the airflow with the fan, so width is 126 and depth is 88. The maker lists no heatsink-only size.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Drawing: front view 156 mm high and 126 mm wide, side view 88 mm, top view 126 mm by 77 mm.

Width128Height70Depth146mm(5 × 2.8 × 5.7 in)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Height (with fan) 70 mm, width 128 mm, depth 146 mm. The 70 mm is the low-profile mode with the fan underneath the fins. With the fan on top the launch data sheet gives 87 mm and the text 85 to 95 mm depending on the fan.

Heatsink dimensionsiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans, as the maker lists it. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160. A heatsink depth that equals the depth with fans includes the fan, so that axis is not stored.

Not available

Width128Height70Depth146mm(5 × 2.8 × 5.7 in)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Height (without fan) 70 mm, width 128 mm, depth 146 mm. The fan sits inside the fin stack footprint, so the sizes with and without it are equal.

WeightiAn air cooler with its included fans. An AIO cooler as one unit with pump block, tubes, radiator and fans. Mounting hardware is left out when the maker states it separately. When one maker figure may include the mounting kit, such as a press release net weight above the product page figure, the product page figure is stored. An RGB edition can weigh a little more or less, so it is per variant.

685g(1.5 lb)1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026General specifications: 685 g. Packaging weight 0.99 kg.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Weight 685 g. Gross weight 990 g.6Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/e3/d8/1d/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_A-RGB_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Weight 685 g, the same as the non-RGB sheet, so the A-RGB rows need no weight.

520g(1.1 lb)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Weight (with fan) 520 g.

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

Not available

390g(13.8 oz)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Weight (without fan) 390 g.

In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

Freezer 36-S Heatsink x1, P12 Pro x1, MX-7 (0.8 g) x1, Fan Clips x2, CPU Contact Frame x1 (Intel), T20 Driver x1 (Intel), Shoulder Screws x4 (Intel), Mounting Module x2 (AMD), Screws x4 (AMD)7Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36-sRead 14 October 2026Packaging Content image: heatsink, P12 Pro fan, MX-7 (0.8 g), 2 fan clips. Intel: CPU contact frame, T20 driver, 4 shoulder screws. AMD: 2 mounting modules, 4 screws.8Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36-s-a-rgbRead 14 October 2026Packaging Content image for the A-RGB editions: the same parts, with a P12 Pro A-RGB fan in place of the P12 Pro.

1x NF-A12x15 PWM premium fan, Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, SecuFirm2 mounting kit, Noctua metal case-badge, Screwdriver1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Accessories: 1x NF-A12x15 PWM premium fan, Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, SecuFirm2 mounting kit, Noctua metal case-badge. EnosTech and Basic Tutorials add the screwdriver.6Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-l12s-lower-profile-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Accessories: Noctua metal badge, 1x screwdriver, NT-H1, Low-Noise Adapter NA-RC7, AMD and Intel mounting parts.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.arctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196A1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 2026

noctua.at/en/nh-l12s4Maker product pagenoctua.at/en/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Noctua's product page. The page was not opened. It is stored as the product link only. No value comes from it.

Spec sheet

www.arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdf5Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdfRead 15 October 2026Noctua's data sheet for the NH-L12S, hosted by Geizhals. It is an older revision: sockets end at LGA2066, LGA2011 and AM4, and the RAM text says 45 mm.

Manual

support.arctic.de/freezer-36-s7Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36-sRead 14 October 2026ARCTIC support manual for the Freezer 36-S, with a separate page for the A-RGB editions.

Not available

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

6years1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-S-Black/ACFRE00196ARead 14 October 20265Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/65/ea/24/1777885824/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36-S_EN.pdfRead 14 October 20269Press articleclub386.com/arctic-freezer-36-s-launchRead 14 October 202610Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/arctic-freezer-36-s-reviewRead 14 October 2026

6years1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-l12sRead 15 October 2026Noctua spec table copy: Warranty 72 months, and the text says a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty. No market is named.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)gzhls.at/blob/ldb/9/b/e/2/d8a64da155a929a006aa5665b6e2c5792b08.pdfRead 15 October 2026Warranty 6 Years.

Both are also in the API. Back to all CPU coolers.