CPU coolers / Compare

Noctua NH-D15 vs Noctua NH-U12A

A

Product A: Noctua

NH-D15

31 of 54 known

Change Noctua NH-D15

Compare the Noctua NH-U12A with

Search CPU coolers

B

Product B: Noctua

NH-U12A

29 of 54 known

Change Noctua NH-U12A

Compare the Noctua NH-D15 with

Search CPU coolers

All 54 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ANoctua NH-D15

BNoctua NH-U12A

General

6 of 12 differ

Series

Not available

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.

NH-D15, NH-D15 chromax.black4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 20265Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 2026

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

4716123315360, 90100180001845Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 2026EAN barcode 9010018000184 for the NH-D15 chromax.black.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 2026Distributor data sheet NOC-NH-D15, EAN 4716123315360.8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026GTIN 9010018000184, model number NH-D15 CH.BK.

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.

8 April 20141Press releasebigbruin.com/forum/about35957.htmlRead 14 October 2026Vienna, April 8th 2014.3Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Noctua-NH-D15-CPU-Kuehler-angekuendigt-1116705Read 14 October 2026News of 08.04.2014: Noctua announced the NH-D15 in a press release.

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

Available4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026QuietPC lists the NH-D15 for sale with the product page on the access date.8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Scan lists the chromax.black edition as in stock on the access date.

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.

Noctua NH-D15 G212Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/noctua-nh-d15-g2-reviewRead 23 October 2026Tom's Hardware's review calls the NH-D15 G2 the successor of the NH-D15.13Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/cooling/noctua-nh-d15-g2-reviewRead 23 October 2026PC Gamer's review calls the NH-D15 G2 a long-awaited successor to the NH-D15.14Press articleheise.de/en/news/Noctua-s-best-CPU-cooler-gets-a-successor-after-10-years-9788774.htmlRead 23 October 2026Heise reports that the NH-D15 G2 replaces the previous NH-D15.

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.

From $99.91Press releasebigbruin.com/forum/about35957.htmlRead 14 October 20262Press articlefuturelooks.com/noctua-nh-d15-reclaim-cpu-cooling-crownRead 14 October 20263Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Noctua-NH-D15-CPU-Kuehler-angekuendigt-1116705Read 14 October 20265Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 20266Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 20267Retailer pageeshop.comfeel.cz/noctua-chladic-cpu-intel-amd-nh-d15-115x-2011-amd-am2-am3-fm2Read 14 October 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. 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.

From €89.91Press releasebigbruin.com/forum/about35957.htmlRead 14 October 20262Press articlefuturelooks.com/noctua-nh-d15-reclaim-cpu-cooling-crownRead 14 October 20263Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Noctua-NH-D15-CPU-Kuehler-angekuendigt-1116705Read 14 October 20265Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 20266Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 20267Retailer pageeshop.comfeel.cz/noctua-chladic-cpu-intel-amd-nh-d15-115x-2011-amd-am2-am3-fm2Read 14 October 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.

US, EU1Press releasebigbruin.com/forum/about35957.htmlRead 14 October 2026USD and EUR suggested retail prices.

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Brown, Black4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 20265Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 20267Retailer pageeshop.comfeel.cz/noctua-chladic-cpu-intel-amd-nh-d15-115x-2011-amd-am2-am3-fm2Read 14 October 2026The listing title calls the standard model brown/silver (hnědá/stříbrná).8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Fan colour black for the chromax.black edition.

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.

Air4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026

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.

Dual tower1Press releasebigbruin.com/forum/about35957.htmlRead 14 October 2026Elite-class dual tower cooler with the fin stack widened from 140 to 150 mm.8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Cooler form factor: dual tower.

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.

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.

Nickel-plated copper4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026Material: copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints and nickel plating.8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Cooler features: nickel-plated copper base and nickel-plated copper heatpipes.10Reviewocinside.de/review/noctua_nh_d15/2Read 14 October 2026Technical data according to the manufacturer, August 2014 review: material bottom nickel coated copper.

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.

Included1Press releasebigbruin.com/forum/about35957.htmlRead 14 October 2026Noctua's proven NT-H1 thermal compound is in the package.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 2026

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

Compatibility

2 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, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11504Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026Specification table (a copy of Noctua's): Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156 and AMD AM5, AM4. The table omits LGA2011 and LGA2066, which other copies list, so those two are not stored. LGA1366 and LGA775 need the optional NM-I3 kit and are not stored.5Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 20268Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Socket compatibility 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 1851, AM4 and AM5.9Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00280162.htmlRead 14 October 2026Chromax.black text: compatible with Intel LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA1200, LGA1700 and AMD AM4, AM5 with the SecuFirm2 system included in the box.

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.

32mm4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026Text: 64 mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks in single fan mode. In dual fan mode use standard height RAM up to 32 mm. The front fan can be moved up in cases with more than 165 mm cooler clearance. 32 mm is stored because the field assumes all included fans in their standard position.8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Notes 64 mm clearance in single fan mode and standard height RAM up to 32 mm in dual fan mode.

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

68Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Heatpipes: 6.10Reviewocinside.de/review/noctua_nh_d15/2Read 14 October 2026Heatpipes 6 x 6 mm.11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 2026Technical specifications: 6 heatpipes of 6 mm.

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.

6mm10Reviewocinside.de/review/noctua_nh_d15/2Read 14 October 2026Heatpipes 6 x 6 mm.11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 2026

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.

No8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026A base plate carries the heat pipes (nickel-plated copper base), and the pipes are soldered to the fins.10Reviewocinside.de/review/noctua_nh_d15/2Read 14 October 2026The review shows a base plate under the tower and notes that Noctua did not polish the radiator bottom.

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

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.

ANoctua NH-D15

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
NF-A15 PWM	140	2	300	1,500	82.5	2.08	24.6	SSO or SSO2	4-pin PWM

Source4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026Fan model two Noctua NF-A15, SSO2 bearing, 1500 RPM (1200 RPM with L.N.A.), minimum 300 RPM (PWM, +/-20%), max airflow 82.5 CFM, max noise 24.6 dB(A). No static pressure is listed. The Noctua table prints the airflow as 140.2 m3/h.5Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 20266Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 2026Copy of Noctua's fan table: model 2x Noctua NF-A15 PWM, SSO2 bearing, 1500 RPM, 1200 RPM with L.N.A., minimum 300 RPM, 140.2 m3/h (82.5 CFM when converted at 1 m3/h = 0.5886 CFM), 24.6 dB(A).7Retailer pageeshop.comfeel.cz/noctua-chladic-cpu-intel-amd-nh-d15-115x-2011-amd-am2-am3-fm2Read 14 October 2026Copy of Noctua's fan table with the airflow printed as 140,2 m3/h and the noise as 24,6 dB(A).8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Chromax.black edition: 2 x 140 mm PWM fans, SSO2 bearing, 1500 rpm, 82.5 CFM, max air pressure 2.08 mm H2O, 24.6 dBA. The standard model's copies list no pressure. Its speed, airflow and noise match, so 2.08 is used for both. Scan also prints a 225 W max TDP, which Noctua's table does not, so it is not stored.

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.

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

1 of 7 differ

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

No4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026Specification table: RGB No. The table lists no screen.

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.

None4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026

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

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.

Gold11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 2026Report NCCLR00074 for the Noctua NH-D15, tested on 3 and 4 July 2024. THETA Gold, Air, rated at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X with the Default mount. It was evaluated under protocol revision 1.8, before Revision 2.0. The report shows no THETA level and no results for Intel LGA1851, so no LGA1851 value is stored. The report does not say which colour edition it tested. Noctua gives the same heatsink and fan figures for both.

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.

10,04211Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 2026Overall Performance 10,042 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.

32.3dB(A)11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 202632.3 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (1466 and 1463 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.

ANoctua NH-D15

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	183.3	20 dB(A)	20	95.3
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	185.6	25 dB(A)	25	95.3
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	186	30 dB(A)	30	95.3
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	188.5	100%	32.3	95.3

Source11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol (https://cybenetics.com/data/Cybenetics%20Cooling%20Solutions%20Test%20Protocol_en.pdf), 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.

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

4 of 4 differ

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.

Width150Height165Depth161mm(5.9 × 6.5 × 6.3 in)4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026Height with fan 165 mm, width with fan 150 mm, depth with fan 161 mm.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 20268Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Total dimensions 150 x 165 x 161 mm (WxHxD).11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 2026Length 161 mm, width 150 mm, height 165 mm, which are the dimensions with fans.

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.

Width150Height160Depth135mm(5.9 × 6.3 × 5.3 in)5Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15-ch-bkRead 14 October 2026Height without fan 160 mm, width 150 mm, depth 135 mm. The standard model's QuietPC and Comfeel copies print 165 mm for the height without fan, while the Assmann sheet and Scan copy say 160 mm, so 160 mm is stored.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 2026Height without fan 160 mm, width 150 mm, depth 135 mm.8Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Heatsink dimensions 150 x 160 x 135 mm (WxHxD).

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.

1,320g(2.9 lb)4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026Weight with fans 1320 g. Weight without fan 1000 g.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 20267Retailer pageeshop.comfeel.cz/noctua-chladic-cpu-intel-amd-nh-d15-115x-2011-amd-am2-am3-fm2Read 14 October 20268Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-cpu-cooler-intel-amd-dual-nh-a15-fans-300-1500rpm-825cfm-airflow-246db-4Read 14 October 2026Weight 1320 g.10Reviewocinside.de/review/noctua_nh_d15/2Read 14 October 2026Weight about 1320 grams with fans, about 1000 grams without.11Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/74Read 14 October 2026Weight 1320 g.

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.

1,000g(2.2 lb)4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 20266Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315360Read 14 October 20267Retailer pageeshop.comfeel.cz/noctua-chladic-cpu-intel-amd-nh-d15-115x-2011-amd-am2-am3-fm2Read 14 October 202610Reviewocinside.de/review/noctua_nh_d15/2Read 14 October 2026

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

In the box

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

Not available

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

Not available

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

Not available

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

0 of 1 differ

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.

6years1Press releasebigbruin.com/forum/about35957.htmlRead 14 October 2026Full 6 years manufacturer's warranty. The release names no market.4Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-d15Read 14 October 2026

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.