In stock setup the Noctua NH-L12S is a solid performer, especially considering the Turbo frequency of 4.7Ghz under load. It’s going to give the Phanteks PH-TC12LS CPU Cooler a run for its money, for example. 75 Degrees from a stress test is very good for a 15mm fan, and at the limits of the comfortable CPU temperature window.
The sound performance is excellent, and from memory, it’s the quietest heatsink and fan combo we have tested, and not bad for an idle at 4.4Ghz
Noctua NH-L12S CPU Cooler Review
Package - 9
Performance - 8.5
Price - 8
Consumer Experience - 9
8.6
So, where do we stand with the Noctua NH-L12S CPU Cooler? We tend to keep a solid performer without going over the top for sound installed for all our tests until the next cooler comes along. This time it was the Cryorig H5 Universal, a good Cryorig offering. When we installed the NH-L12S and powered it on, there was a noticeable quiet in the air, it was not a perceptible sound coming from the fan unless you got up close.