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Noctua NH-L12S vs Noctua NH-U9S

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Product A: Noctua

NH-L12S

29 of 54 known

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B

Product B: Noctua

NH-U9S

29 of 54 known

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Only differences

ANoctua NH-L12S

BNoctua NH-U9S

General

6 of 12 differ

Series

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.

NH-U91Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026The text says the NH-U9S stems from Noctua's NH-U9 series.

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

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.

NH-U9S, NH-U9S chromax.black2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 15 October 2026Noctua gives no separate model codes. The model names are NH-U9S and NH-U9S chromax.black.

GTIN / EAN

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.

4716123315575, 90100180002522Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 15 October 2026EAN barcode 4716123315575 for the NH-U9S. The chromax.black EAN is on its own page.3Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9s-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026EAN barcode 9010018000252 for the NH-U9S chromax.black. Assmann's product PDF carries the same EAN.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn.inet.se/pdf/6308879_0.pdfRead 15 October 2026Noctua datasheet copy hosted by inet.se: EAN-No. 4716123315575 and UPC 842431012463.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315575Read 15 October 2026EAN 4716123315575.7Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/9010018000252Read 15 October 2026EAN 9010018000252.

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

Not available

12 November 20148Press articlepcper.com/2014/11/noctua-announces-three-new-92mm-cpu-coolers-with-pwm-fansRead 15 October 2026Noctua announced the NH-U9S on 12 November 2014 (Vienna press release).

Status

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

Available15Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00181734.htmlRead 15 October 2026Listed as in stock on the access date. LDLC first referenced the product on 19 Jan 2015.

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

$59.98Press articlepcper.com/2014/11/noctua-announces-three-new-92mm-cpu-coolers-with-pwm-fansRead 15 October 2026Noctua's suggested retail price for the NH-U9S is USD 59.90. Tax treatment is not stated.9Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-11Read 15 October 2026The same pricing section: USD 59.90.

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.

€49.92Maker 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.

€54.94Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn.inet.se/pdf/6308879_0.pdfRead 15 October 2026MSPR 54.90 EUR on the datasheet. Tax treatment is not stated.9Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-11Read 15 October 2026Pricing section: manufacturer suggested retail price NH-U9S EUR 54.90 / USD 59.90. HEXUS prints the same figures from the press release. 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

Not available

Brown, Black3Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9s-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026The text calls it an all-black version with a black coated heatsink, black fan, 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.

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

Air1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Air cooler: a heatsink with one NF-A9 fan.

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

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.

Single tower13Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u9s-chromax-black-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review of the chromax.black: a single-tower compact cooler with 92 mm sizing.

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 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.

Nickel-plated copper1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Material: copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints and nickel plating. Guru3D and Relaxedtech state the base is nickel-plated copper.10Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-4Read 15 October 2026Review text: an all copper nickel plated base tied to five heatpipes.12Reviewrelaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nh-u9s/1Read 15 October 2026The nickel plated copper base plate measures 40 x 38 mm and is 4.5 mm thick.

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

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.

Included1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery: NT-H1 high-grade 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, 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.

AM5, AM4, LGA1954, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Copy of Noctua's spec table: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 and AMD AM5, AM4, valid for coolers purchased since Q4 2021. Older tables and the datasheet copies (Assmann, inet.se) list LGA2011, AM3 and others with a backplate, which are not in the current table. LGA1954 comes from the Club386 source.2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156 and AMD AM5, AM4.15Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00181734.htmlRead 15 October 2026Processor support lists AMD AM4 and AM5 and Intel 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700 and 1851.16Press articleclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Article of 2025-11-27 quoting Noctua's FAQ: all Noctua CPU coolers compatible with LGA1851 and LGA1700 are also compatible with Intel's LGA1954, and no additional mounting parts are needed. The NH-U9S 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

58Press articlepcper.com/2014/11/noctua-announces-three-new-92mm-cpu-coolers-with-pwm-fansRead 15 October 2026The NH-U9S has an asymmetrical design with 5 heatpipes.10Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-4Read 15 October 2026The base is tied to five heatpipes.12Reviewrelaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nh-u9s/1Read 15 October 2026Five heatpipes of 6 mm.

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

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

6mm12Reviewrelaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nh-u9s/1Read 15 October 2026Review of the NH-U9S: the NH-U9B SE2 had four 6mm heatpipes while the NH-U9S has five 6mm heatpipes.13Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u9s-chromax-black-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026The chromax.black has 5x 6 mm copper heat pipes, the same heatsink as the brown model.

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

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.

No10Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-4Read 15 October 2026The base is a plated copper plate tied to the heatpipes. No direct-touch pipes are described. Relaxedtech measures the base plate at 4.5 mm thick.12Reviewrelaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nh-u9s/1Read 15 October 2026The review describes a separate copper base plate with soldered joints, and no direct-touch pipes.

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-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.

BNoctua NH-U9S

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
NF-A9 PWM	92	1	400	2,000	46.4	2.28	22.8	SSO or SSO2	4-pin PWM

Source1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Fan specification: Noctua NF-A9 PWM, SSO2 bearing, max 2000 RPM (+/-10%), 1550 RPM with the L.N.A., min 400 RPM at 20% PWM (+/-20%), 78.9 m3/h, 22.8 dB(A) (16.3 dB(A) with the L.N.A.). The standalone NF-A9 PWM listing at QuietPC prints a 450 RPM minimum, and the cooler table's 400 RPM is stored. The page has no static pressure, see QuietPC and the datasheet. The max values are for one fan without the L.N.A.2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 15 October 2026Fan table: Noctua NF-A9 PWM, SSO2, 2000 RPM, 400 RPM min, 46.4 CFM (36.8 CFM with the L.N.A.), 22.8 dB(A), RGB No. The page has no static pressure.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn.inet.se/pdf/6308879_0.pdfRead 15 October 2026Fan specifications: NF-A9 PWM, 4-pin PWM, SSO2 bearing, max static pressure 2.28 mmH2O (1.53 with the L.N.A.), 78.9 m3/h, 22.8 dB(A). This is an older copy of the datasheet. Its socket list and its 97 mm depth with fan differ from the current table.5Retailer pagequietpc.com/nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Standalone NF-A9 PWM table: static pressure 2.28 mm H2O (1.53 with the L.N.A.), the fan supplied with the NH-U9S. It also prints a 450 RPM minimum.

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.

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

No2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 15 October 2026Fan 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.

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

None2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 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.

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.

No13Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u9s-chromax-black-cooler-reviewRead 15 October 2026The NF-A9 PWM fan uses a 4-pin PWM connector. No USB cable or software is mentioned for the cooler.

Measured

1 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.

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.

ANoctua 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.

BNoctua NH-U9S

Test CPU	Load	Fan setting	CPU temperature (°C)
Intel Core i7-4790K	wPrime 1000M, two full runs, CPU at default settings, peak package temperature	1 fan, default	66
Intel Core i7-4790K	wPrime 1000M, three full runs, all cores at 4.6 GHz and 1.3 V, peak package temperature	1 fan, default	78

Source11Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-8Read 15 October 2026Guru3D review, values from the text and bar charts of pages 8 and 9. Core i7-4790K on a Z97 board, room temperature about 21 C. Load is wPrime 1000M and the value is the hottest package temperature after the last run. At default settings the NH-U9S reached 66 C and at 4600 MHz and 1.3 V it reached 78 C. The chart also shows 63 C and 75 C with an optional second fan, which is not stored. CPU power and the thermal paste are not stated. Guru3D measures noise at 75 cm and its load chart shows 35 dBA, but the page does not say which CPU state it covers, so no noise value is stored.

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.

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.

Width95Height125Depth95mm(3.7 × 4.9 × 3.7 in)1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Spec table, with fan: height 125 mm, width 95 mm, depth 95 mm. The older Noctua datasheet copy at inet.se prints 97 mm depth with fan. Noctua's text says the NH-U9S does not overhang the RAM slots on current Intel and most AMD boards, so it has no RAM height limit and ram_clearance_mm is left out. A footnote says some AMD boards violate AMD's keep-out zone, so only RAM up to 30 mm fits on these boards.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315575Read 15 October 2026Height, width, depth with fan: 125, 95, 95 mm.10Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-4Read 15 October 2026The review says 125(H) x 95(W) x 95(D) mm with the fan included.

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.

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.

Width95Height125Depth68mm(3.7 × 4.9 × 2.7 in)1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Spec table, without fan: height 125 mm, width 95 mm, depth 68 mm.2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 15 October 2026Spec table, without fan: 125 x 95 x 68 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.

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

618g(1.4 lb)1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Weight (with fan) 618 g.6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315575Read 15 October 2026Weight (with fan): 618 g, without fan 524 g.10Reviewguru3d.com/review/noctua-nh-d9l-and-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-review/page-4Read 15 October 2026The review says 618 g including the fan.12Reviewrelaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nh-u9s/1Read 15 October 2026618 g with one fan installed.15Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00181734.htmlRead 15 October 2026Weight 618 g.

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

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

524g(1.2 lb)2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u9sRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Weight (without fan) 524 g.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn.inet.se/pdf/6308879_0.pdfRead 15 October 2026Weight / Weight with NF-A9 PWM: 524 g / 618 g.12Reviewrelaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nh-u9s/1Read 15 October 2026524 g without the fan and 618 g with one fan.

In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

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.

NH-U9S heatsink, NF-A9 PWM premium fan, NA-RC7 Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, SecuFirm2 Mounting Kit, Fan-clips for second NF-A9, Noctua Metal Case-Badge1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery: NF-A9 PWM premium fan, NA-RC7 Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, SecuFirm2 Mounting Kit, Fan-clips for second NF-A9 and Noctua Metal Case-Badge. The heatsink itself is listed in the datasheet copy at inet.se.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn.inet.se/pdf/6308879_0.pdfRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery: NH-U9S heatsink, NF-A9 PWM premium fan, Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, SecuFirm2 Mounting Kit and an installation kit for a second NF-A9 fan (optional).6Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/4716123315575Read 15 October 2026Package contents of the NH-U9S: NF-A9 PWM premium fan, Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, SecuFirm2 Mounting Kit, Fan-clips for second NF-A9 and Noctua Metal Case-Badge.7Retailer pageassmann.com/product-pdf/aat/9010018000252Read 15 October 2026Package contents of the chromax.black: Black NH-U9S heatsink, NF-A9 PWM chromax.black premium fan, NA-RC7 Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, Black SecuFirm2 mounting kit, Black fan-clips for second NF-A9 and Noctua Metal Case-Badge.

Links

Not compared

Product page

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.

noctua.at/en/nh-u9s17Maker product pagenoctua.at/en/nh-u9sRead 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 and distributor copies of Noctua's spec table and datasheet, press coverage of the launch and reviews.

Spec sheet

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.

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

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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.

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.

6years1Retailer pagecomputerlounge.co.nz/products/noctua-nh-u9s-cpu-cooler-w-nf-a9-pwmRead 15 October 2026Specification table: Warranty 6 Years. QuietPC prints 72 months.

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