Noctua Unveils Sleek Chromax.black NH-D12L CPU Cooler, Standing at 145mm Tall

Noctua has released the NH-D12L chromax.black, an all-black version of the NH-D12L CPU cooler with a shorter 145mm height, ideal for slim cases and server racks.

Compact size makes it ideal for smaller cases and 4U server racks
Offers similar performance to taller counterparts
100% RAM compatibility ensures no clearance issues with tall heatspreaders

Noctua, the CPU cooler manufacturer, has launched its latest offering, the NH-D12L chromax.black. This new cooler is essentially a sleek, all-black version of the existing NH-D12L model. What sets it apart is its shorter height of 145mm, making it an ideal choice for slimmer cases and 4U server racks.

The NH-D12L, which made its debut in 2022, is essentially a compact version of the NH-U12A, which stands at 158mm tall. While many cases can accommodate the taller NH-U12A, there are plenty that cannot, especially when it comes to small form factor cases. The NH-D12L fills this gap by offering similar performance to its taller counterpart but in a more compact form factor. However, it is worth noting that the NH-D12L features a single 120mm NF-A12x25 fan, compared to the NH-U12A’s two fans. Additionally, the NH-D12L has five heatpipes as opposed to the NH-U12A’s seven. These differences mean that the NH-D12L falls slightly behind in terms of cooling capacity.

In terms of design, the chromax.black variant is almost identical to the original NH-D12L but features Noctua’s popular black aesthetic. It offers the same level of performance and supports AMD’s AM4 and AM5 sockets, as well as Intel’s LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 for upcoming Arrow Lake CPUs. Despite its compact size, the NH-D12L boasts “100% RAM compatibility,” ensuring that it can accommodate sticks with tall heatspreaders that often pose clearance issues with air Coolers.

The NH-D12L chromax.black comes bundled with Noctua’s standard accessories, including a screwdriver, NH-T1 thermal paste, and a four-pin low-noise adapter for the NF-A12x25 fan. Additionally, the 120mm fan is attached to the cooler using a bracket, eliminating the need for screws and allowing for toolless installation and removal.

Priced at $99/€109, the NH-D12L falls into the higher end of the market, alongside larger high-end air coolers like Corsair’s A115 and 240mm to 360mm AIO liquid coolers. However, its compact size and compatibility give it a significant advantage. While many of its competitors measure 160mm or taller, the NH-D12L stands at just 145mm. In certain cases, even a 15mm difference can make a substantial impact.

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Background Information

About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

About Corsair: Corsair, founded in 1994, is a manufacturer of high-performance gaming and enthusiast PC components and peripherals. The company specializes in producing top-tier gaming keyboards, mice, headsets, as well as computer cases, power supplies, and memory modules. Corsair has earned a strong reputation in the industry for its commitment to quality and innovation, catering to gamers and PC enthusiasts worldwide.

About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

About Noctua: Noctua is an Austrian company founded in 2005, specializing in premium PC cooling and cooling-related components. They are highly regarded for their high-performance, low-noise cooling solutions, including CPU coolers, fans, and thermal paste. Noctua is known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and providing efficient and silent cooling solutions for PC enthusiasts and professionals

Technology Explained

AM4: The AM4 socket is a type of processor socket used in the computer industry. It is the latest socket from AMD and is used for their Ryzen, Athlon, and A-Series processors. It is designed to be compatible with the latest technologies, such as DDR4 memory, PCIe 3.0, and USB 3.1. It also supports the latest AMD Ryzen CPUs, which offer improved performance and power efficiency. The AM4 socket is used in a variety of desktop and laptop computers, and is becoming increasingly popular in the gaming and enthusiast markets. It is also used in many commercial and industrial applications, such as servers, workstations, and embedded systems. The AM4 socket is a versatile and powerful platform that can be used to build powerful and efficient computers.

AM5: Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) is a zero insertion force flip-chip land grid array (LGA) CPU socket designed by Advanced Micro Devices, that is used for AMD Ryzen microprocessors starting with the Zen 4 microarchitecture. AM5 replaces the Socket AM4 and is AMD's first LGA socket designed for mainstream, non-enthusiast CPUs.

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.