CPU coolers / Compare

Noctua NH-U12A vs Noctua NH-U9S

A

Product A: Noctua

NH-U12A

29 of 54 known

Change Noctua NH-U12A

Compare the Noctua NH-U9S with

Search CPU coolers

B

Product B: Noctua

NH-U9S

29 of 54 known

Change Noctua NH-U9S

Compare the Noctua NH-U12A with

Search CPU coolers

All 54 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ANoctua NH-U12A

BNoctua NH-U9S

General

4 of 12 differ

Series

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

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-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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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-u12aRead 15 October 202623 in stock for the NH-U12A and 51 in stock for the chromax.black 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.

$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.

$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.

€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.

€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

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.

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-u12aRead 15 October 2026Air cooler: a heatsink with two fans.

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.

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

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-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.

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

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

0 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-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

2 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-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.

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.

2=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-u12aRead 15 October 2026Spec table: RGB No.

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-u12aRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists no screen or lighting.

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.

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.

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-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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

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.

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-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.

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

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.

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.

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.