CPU coolers / Compare

DeepCool AK500 G2 vs Noctua NH-U12A

A

Product A: DeepCool

AK500 G2

28 of 54 known

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B

Product B: Noctua

NH-U12A

29 of 54 known

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Only differences

ADeepCool AK500 G2

BNoctua NH-U12A

General

7 of 12 differ

Series

AK G25Press releaseglobal.deepcool.com/company/pressroom/newsrelease/2025/22352.shtmlRead 15 October 2026The release names the family AK G2 with 4, 5 and 6 heat pipe models. The release gives no prices.

NH-U121Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026The text calls it the 5th generation of Noctua's NH-U12 series.

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

R-AK500G2-BKNNMN-GJD, R-AK500G2-WHNNMN-GJD1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Black: P/N R-AK500G2-BKNNMN-GJD. The white page 21987 gives R-AK500G2-WHNNMN-GJD. The AK500 G2 DIGITAL NYX is a separate model with a screen and its own page.2Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-WH-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21987.shtmlRead 15 October 2026White: P/N R-AK500G2-WHNNMN-GJD.6Press articlegdm.or.jp/pressrelease/2025/1121/612865Read 15 October 2026AK500 G2 R-AK500G2-BKNNMN-GJD and AK500 G2 WH R-AK500G2-WHNNMN-GJD.

NH-U12A, NH-U12A chromax.black1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Noctua gives no separate model codes. The model names are NH-U12A and NH-U12A chromax.black.

GTIN / EAN

6933412729556, 69334127295631Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Black EAN 6933412729556. The white page gives EAN 6933412729563.2Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-WH-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21987.shtmlRead 15 October 2026White EAN 6933412729563.

9010018000160, 90100180002451Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026EAN barcode 9010018000160 for the NH-U12A. The chromax.black EAN is on its own page.2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12a-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026EAN barcode 9010018000245 for the NH-U12A chromax.black.

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

4 November 20255Press releaseglobal.deepcool.com/company/pressroom/newsrelease/2025/22352.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Press release dated November 4, 2025 for the AK G2 series.7Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/matthew-wilson/deepcool-debuts-2nd-gen-ak-and-ak-digital-cpu-coolersRead 15 October 2026Article of November 4, 2025.

19 March 20193Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Noctua presented the NH-U12A on 2019-03-19.

Status

Available11Retailer pageb2b.100mega.com/en/332811-deepcool-ak500-g2-bilyRead 15 October 2026The white AK500 G2 (R-AK500G2-WHNNMN-GJD, EAN 6933412729563) is listed as in stock at a Czech distributor on the access date. JB Hi-Fi lists the white model with delivery available and a 36 months manufacturer's warranty.12Retailer pagejbhifi.com.au/products/deepcool-ak500-g2-wood-grain-top-cpu-cooler-white-r-ak500g2-whnnmn-gjdRead 15 October 2026On sale at JB Hi-Fi with delivery available on the access date. The spec table copies DeepCool's figures, including 1354 g.

Available1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 202623 in stock for the NH-U12A and 51 in stock for the chromax.black 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

$99.93Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Suggested retail price listed as EUR/USD 99.90. Tax treatment is not stated.4Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-offers-chromax-line-nf-a12x25-fannh-u12a-cooler-and-heatsink-coversRead 15 October 2026Suggested retail price table: NH-U12A chromax.black 119.90, listed as EUR/USD. The chromax.black is stored in its variant row.

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.

€49.997Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/matthew-wilson/deepcool-debuts-2nd-gen-ak-and-ak-digital-cpu-coolersRead 15 October 2026The standard AK G2 models in black and white are priced at EUR 49.99 for the AK500 G2. Funkykit reports the same EUR 49.99 for the AK500 G2 (WH). The price includes VAT. The DeepCool release gives no prices.8Press articlefunkykit.com/news/deepcool-also-introduces-new-ak-g2-cpu-air-coolersRead 15 October 2026MSRP AK500 G2 (WH) EUR 49.99.9Press articleen.overclocking.com/ak-g2-deepcool-cpu-cooler-with-woodRead 15 October 2026EUR 49.99 for the AK500 G2, EU availability on January 6, 2026.

€99.93Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Suggested retail price listed as EUR/USD 99.90, the same number for both currencies. Whether VAT is included is not stated.4Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-offers-chromax-line-nf-a12x25-fannh-u12a-cooler-and-heatsink-coversRead 15 October 2026The same 119.90 EUR/USD for the chromax.black. Whether VAT is included is not stated.

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

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black, White1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Black on this page. White on the AK500 G2 WH page 21987 with an identical spec table.2Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-WH-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21987.shtmlRead 15 October 2026White edition with the same technical spec table.

Brown, Black2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12a-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026The text calls it an all-black version, with a black coated heatsink, black fans, black fan clips and black mounting parts.

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 pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Air cooler with one 120 mm fan.

Air1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Air cooler: a heatsink with two fans.

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

Single tower1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Overview: a single-tower heat sink layout.

Single tower1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Single tower with an asymmetric design.

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.

260W3Maker product pagedeepcool.com/ProductCompatibilityS_New/Default.aspxRead 15 October 2026Thermal Design Power (TDP) and CPU Socket Compatibility List: AK500 G2 BK 260 W, and the same for AK500 G2 WH.6Press articlegdm.or.jp/pressrelease/2025/1121/612865Read 15 October 2026Text for the AK500 G2: supports a TDP of up to 260 W.

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 pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Overview: precision-machined copper base. The page does not mention plating.6Press articlegdm.or.jp/pressrelease/2025/1121/612865Read 15 October 2026Precision-machined copper base plate.

Nickel-plated copper1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Material: copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints and nickel plating. APH Networks, EnosTech and Tech4Gamers state that the base itself is nickel plated.7Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/2Read 15 October 2026The base is electroplated with nickel over copper for a silver finish. The heatpipes are soldered to the fins and the joints at the base are soldered.8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 2026The complete assembly is nickel plated. The base is a mirror-finish nickel-plated copper plate of 43.5 x 43.5 mm.9Reviewtech4gamers.com/noctua-nh-u12a-reviewRead 15 October 2026The nickel-coated copper cold plate has a glossy mirror finish and measures about 43.5 x 43.5 mm.

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

Included4Owner's manualdeepcool.com/download/pdf/AK500_G2_Series.pdfRead 15 October 2026Parts page: a paste syringe (I) x1. The Intel and AMD installation pages show the paste squeezed onto the CPU, so none is pre-applied.

Included1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery: NT-H1 thermal compound, a tube in the box.

Compatibility

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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, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Application for Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X and AMD AM5/AM4. The maker writes the family as LGA115X and names no members, so it is stored as LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156 by the sockets help.3Maker product pagedeepcool.com/ProductCompatibilityS_New/Default.aspxRead 15 October 2026The AK500 G2 row marks LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200 and LGA115X, and AM5 and AM4. It marks no LGA20XX, TR4 or TRX4.4Owner's manualdeepcool.com/download/pdf/AK500_G2_Series.pdfRead 15 October 2026Contents page and installation pages: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X and AMD AM5/AM4.

AM5, AM4, LGA1954, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156 and AMD AM5, AM4. LGA2011 and LGA2066 appear in older copies of the table (APH Networks) and in the RAM text, but not in this table, so they are not stored. LGA1954 comes from the Club386 source.10Press articleclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Article of 2025-11-27 quoting Noctua's FAQ: all Noctua CPU coolers compatible with LGA1700 and LGA1851 also support Intel's LGA1954, and no additional mounting parts are needed. The NH-U12A is listed for LGA1851 and LGA1700, so LGA1954 is stored.

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

Not available

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.

No5Press releaseglobal.deepcool.com/company/pressroom/newsrelease/2025/22352.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Exclusive to the AK620 G2, the offset mounting solution enhances RAM clearance. The key features list says offset mounting solution (*For AK620 G2 only). So the AK500 G2 has none.

Not available

Heatsink

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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.

51Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Heatpipe: Ø6 mm x 5 pcs. The overview text says five copper heat pipes. The white page repeats an AK400 G2 sentence about four direct touch pipes, which is a copy error.6Press articlegdm.or.jp/pressrelease/2025/1121/612865Read 15 October 2026Five heat pipes of 6 mm diameter (phi 6 mm x 5).

71Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026The text says seven heatpipes.3Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Seven heatpipes in a redesigned layout.8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 20267 copper heat pipes and 50 aluminium fins.

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

6mm1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Heatpipe: Ø6 mm x 5 pcs.6Press articlegdm.or.jp/pressrelease/2025/1121/612865Read 15 October 2026Five heat pipes of 6 mm diameter (phi 6 mm x 5).

6mm8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 20267x 6 mm copper heat pipes.9Reviewtech4gamers.com/noctua-nh-u12a-reviewRead 15 October 2026Seven 6 mm nickel-plated heat pipes, black coated on the chromax.black.

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

No1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Overview: precision-machined copper base and five copper heat pipes. The pipes sit in a base, which the Japanese distributor release and Overclocking.com also say. The AK400 G2 is the model called direct touch.6Press articlegdm.or.jp/pressrelease/2025/1121/612865Read 15 October 2026The AK400 G2 is described as direct touch. The AK500 G2 has a precision-machined copper base plate, so its pipes do not touch the CPU directly.9Press articleen.overclocking.com/ak-g2-deepcool-cpu-cooler-with-woodRead 15 October 2026The AK500 G2 has a copper base with five heatpipes, while the AK400's four heatpipes are in direct contact with the CPU.

No7Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/2Read 15 October 2026The base is a separate plated copper plate with soldered joints. No direct-touch pipes are described.9Reviewtech4gamers.com/noctua-nh-u12a-reviewRead 15 October 2026The copper cold plate is in indirect contact with the heat pipes. No thermal paste is pre-applied.

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

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Fans

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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.

ADeepCool AK500 G2

Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
120	1	2,200	63.4	3.33	31.45	Hydraulic	4-pin PWM

Source1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Technical spec: fan 120 x 120 x 25 mm, speed 2200 +/-10% rpm (max), airflow 63.4 CFM, air pressure 3.33 mmAq (read as mmH2O), noise <= 31.45 dB(A), 4-pin PWM, hydro bearing (the text says hydraulic bearing), 12 VDC 0.25 A, 3 W. One fan. The page gives no fan model name, so no model is stored. The 31.45 dB(A) is labelled Fan Noise and is a ceiling. The overview says 0-RPM startup and stop below 5% PWM. The minimum speed is not stated.

BNoctua NH-U12A

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
NF-A12x25 PWM	120	2	450	2,000	60.1	2.34	22.6	SSO or SSO2	4-pin PWM

Source1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 20262x Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM, SSO2 bearing, 2000 RPM max (+/-10%), 1700 RPM with the L.N.A., 450 RPM min (PWM, +/-20%), 22.6 dB(A) max, 18.8 dB(A) with the L.N.A. This page prints 60.0 CFM, but Noctua's own table gives 102.1 m3/h (APH Networks copy), which converts to 60.1 CFM with 0.5886, so 60.1 is stored. Static pressure is not on this page, see EnosTech. The max values are for one fan without the L.N.A.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026Fan list: NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black, SSO2, 2000 RPM, 450 RPM min, 102.1 m3/h, 22.6 dB(A), 12 V.8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review of 2021-11-01: NF-A12x25 PWM fans with 2000 +/-10% RPM, 1700 RPM with the L.N.A., 450 RPM minimum, maximum static pressure 2.34 mmH2O (1.65 with the L.N.A.), 102.1 m3/h, 22.6 dBA, SSO2 bearing, 4-pin PWM connector.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

1=CalculatedFrom Included fans

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

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

No10Review1side0.net/2026/01/deepcool-ak-assassin-series-air-coolers-reviewRead 15 October 2026The AK500 G2 with wood-grain top cover is called a distinctive, non-RGB design. The review's spec table for this model is garbled and is not used for any value.

No1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Spec table: RGB No.

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.

None9Press articleen.overclocking.com/ak-g2-deepcool-cpu-cooler-with-woodRead 15 October 2026The standard G2 heatsinks have no display and no software support, unlike the Nyx range.

None1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists no screen or lighting.

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.

Not available

No6Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/3Read 15 October 2026The fans were connected to the motherboard 4-pin CPU fan header. No USB cable or software is mentioned for the cooler.

Measured

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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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

ADeepCool AK500 G2

Not available

BNoctua NH-U12A

Test CPU	Load	Fan setting	CPU temperature (°C)
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X	Prime95 in-place large FFTs, maximum worker threads, at least 10 minutes, stock settings, two fans	2 fans on the CPU fan header	61
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X	Prime95 in-place large FFTs, maximum worker threads, at least 10 minutes, stock settings, one fan	1 fan on the CPU fan header	64

Source6Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/3Read 15 October 2026APH Networks review of the chromax.black. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X on an ASUS Prime X470-Pro in a Thermaltake Core P6 TG Snow, room temperature about 22 C, the stock thermal paste of each cooler, fans on the motherboard's 4-pin CPU fan header. Prime95 in-place large FFTs with the maximum number of worker threads for at least ten minutes or until stable. Temperatures are the maximum core value in HWiNFO. With both fans the maximum was 61 C and with one fan 64 C. CPU power and noise are not published (noise is a 0 to 10 rating). The reviewer says the chromax.black and the NH-U12A idle at nearly the same temperature.

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.

Width129Height159Depth117mm(5.1 × 6.3 × 4.6 in)1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Product Dimensions 129 x 117 x 159 mm (L x W x H), read as width 129, depth 117, height 159 by the DeepCool rule in the dimensions help.

Width125Height158Depth112mm(4.9 × 6.2 × 4.4 in)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026With fans: height 158 mm, width 125 mm, depth 112 mm.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026158 x 125 x 112 mm with fans, 125 x 158 x 58 mm without.

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.

Width127Height153Depth89mm(5 × 6 × 3.5 in)1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Heatsink Dimensions 127 x 89 x 153 mm (L x W x H), read as width 127, depth 89, height 153. The depth differs from the 117 mm with fan, so all three axes are stored.

Width125Height158Depth58mm(4.9 × 6.2 × 2.3 in)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Without fan: height 158 mm, width 125 mm, depth 58 mm.

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.

1,354g(3 lb)1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Net Weight 1354 g. The DIGITAL NYX page states 1362 g for its own model.2Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-WH-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21987.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Net Weight 1354 g, same as the black page.

1,220g(2.7 lb)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 20261220 g with fans.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 20261220 g with fans, 760 g without.

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

Not available

760g(1.7 lb)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026760 g without fans.

In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

120 mm fan x1, Fan clips x2, Intel backplate x1, Intel standoffs x4, Intel mounting brackets x2, AMD standoffs x4, AMD mounting brackets x2, Mounting nuts x4, Thermal paste syringe x1, Hex key x1, Alternative top cover x1, Matrix-style decal1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Gallery image 05 shows the parts: hex key, thermal paste syringe, two brackets, a black matrix-pattern top cover, four tall standoffs, four short standoffs, four round nuts, two flat brackets and a cross-shaped backplate. The manual's parts page lists them by letter and quantity only: fan x1, backplate x1, standoffs x4 and x4, brackets x2 and x2, nuts x4, paste syringe x1, fan clips x2, hex key x1. The Intel pages use the backplate, the first standoffs and the first brackets. The AMD pages use the second standoffs and brackets. The names are descriptive, since no maker text names the parts. The matrix-style decal comes from the AK G2 press release.4Owner's manualdeepcool.com/download/pdf/AK500_G2_Series.pdfRead 15 October 2026Parts page for Intel and AMD: fan x1, backplate x1, standoffs x4, standoffs x4, brackets x2, brackets x2, nuts x4, paste syringe x1, fan clips x2, hex key x1.5Press releaseglobal.deepcool.com/company/pressroom/newsrelease/2025/22352.shtmlRead 15 October 2026The AK G2 series includes a matrix-style decal.

2x NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fan, 2x Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A), 4-pin PWM y-cable, SecuFirm2 mounting system for Intel and AMD, NT-H1 thermal compound, Noctua Metal Case-Badge1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery of the NH-U12A. The page also says the mounting kit is SecuFirm2. The page text says a 100% RAM fit on LGA115x and AM4, and that on LGA2066 the rear fan overhangs the RAM slots, with modules up to 42 mm fitting. No RAM height is given for AM5, LGA1700 or LGA1851, so ram_clearance_mm is left out.2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12a-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026The page's scope of delivery is the same as for the brown model. The black items are named in the APH Networks list.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery of the chromax.black: black NH-U12A heatsink, 2x NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black premium fan, 2x NA-RC14 Low-Noise Adaptor, NA-YC1 4-pin PWM y-cable, NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, black SecuFirm2 mounting kit and Noctua Metal Case-Badge. Used for the chromax.black row.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.deepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtml1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 2026

noctua.at/en/nh-u12a11Maker product pagenoctua.at/en/nh-u12aRead 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 values come from retailer copies of the Noctua spec table, press coverage of the launch and reviews.

Spec sheet

Not available

Not available

Manual

www.deepcool.com/download/pdf/AK500_G2_Series.pdf4Owner's manualdeepcool.com/download/pdf/AK500_G2_Series.pdfRead 15 October 2026AK500 G2 Series wood grain top cover manual, 16 pages, drawings only (read with OCR). It covers the AK500 G2 and AK500 G2 WH.

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.

3years1Maker product pagedeepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/AK500-G2-Wood-Grain-Top-Cover-CPU-Cooler/2025/21986.shtmlRead 15 October 20263 Years Limited Warranty Coverage. The page names no market.5Press releaseglobal.deepcool.com/company/pressroom/newsrelease/2025/22352.shtmlRead 15 October 2026Three-year warranty.

6years3Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026The story names a 6-year manufacturer's warranty. The page names no market. A retailer table prints 60 months, but the maker's text and the other sources say six years.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026Spec list copied from the maker's website: Warranty 6 Years.

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