Successor to the award-winning NH-L12, the NH-L12S is a compact low-profile CPU cooler that combines excellent compatibility, surprising efficiency and remarkable flexibility. Thanks to its NF-A12x15 PWM, slim 120mm fan, the NH-L12S provides even better quiet cooling performance than the previous model with its 92mm fan. At the same time, the NH-L12S is highly versatile: with the fan installed on top of the fins, the cooler is compatible with RAM modules of up to 45mm in height. With the fan installed underneath the fins, the total height of the cooler is only 70mm, making it suitable for use in many HTPC and Small Form Factor cases. Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s proven NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-L12S is a premium-quality low-profile solution for the highest demands.
The NH-L12S is a low-profile quiet cooler designed for use in Small Form Factor cases and HTPC environments. While it provides first-rate performance in its class, it is not suitable for overclocking and should be used with care on CPUs with more than 95W TDP (Thermal Design Power). Please consult our TDP guidelines to find out whether the NH-L12S is recommended for your CPU.
Based on the award-winning NH-L12
Having received more than 200 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines, the NH-L12 has become an established reference for low-profile 120mm top-flow coolers. Equipped with the new NF-A12x15 fan, the new S-version provides more flexibility and improved performance in low-profile mode.
Low-profile mode
Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed underneath the fin stack, the NH-L12S stands only 70mm tall. The fan can be installed blowing upwards or blowing downwards in order to match the airflow direction inside the case.
High-clearance mode
Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed on top, the NH-L12S provides extended clearance underneath the fin stack. This way, it is fully compatible with chipset coolers and RAM modules with heat-spreaders of up to 45mm in height.
NF-A12x15 slim 120mm premium fan
Featuring sophisticated aerodynamic optimisations such as Flow Acceleration Channels, the NF-A12x15 is a premium-grade slim 120mm fan. Its outstanding efficiency allows the NH-L12S to provide even better performance than the previous model with its 92mm fan.
PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor
The NF-A12x15 premium fan supplied with the NH-L12S supports PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the motherboard. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 1850 to 1400rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptor for even quieter operation.
120x25mm fan support
The fan clips supplied with the NH-L12S work not only with the slim NF-A12x15 fan but also with 25mm thick 120mm fans. Users who have extra room inside their cases can thus boost the cooler’s performance by using a standard 120x25mm fan on top (increases total height to 95mm).
SecuFirm2 mounting system
Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and ease of use. Supporting Intel LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA2011 (LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3), LGA2066 and AMD (AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, FM1, FM2, FM2+), the SecuFirm2 mounting included with the NH-L12S guarantees perfect contact pressure and maximum convenience on all current sockets.
Compatibility with past and future sockets
Complying with the open SecuFirm standard, the NH-C14S can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided by Noctua free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets.
NT-H1 thermal compound
Noctua's much-acclaimed NT-H1 is a pro-grade TIM solution that provides minimum thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and outstanding reliability. Chosen again and again by overclockers and enthusiast users worldwide, it has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality thermal compounds.
6-year manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A12x15 features an MTBF rating of more than 150,000 hours and the entire NH-L12S package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty. More information: Power | Power supply | 1.56 W |  | Voltage | 12 V | Weight & dimensions | Width | 128 mm | | Depth | 87 mm | | Height | 146 mm | | Weight | 520 g | | Fan dimensions (W x D x H) | 120 x 15 x 120 mm | | Heatsink weight | 390 g | | Package width | 142 mm | | Package depth | 146 mm | | Package height | 185 mm | | Package weight | 1178 g | Design | Product colour | Beige, Nickel | | Material | Aluminium, Copper, Nickel | | Number of fans | 1 fan(s) | | Fins material | Aluminium | | Fan connector | 4-pin | Logistics data | Harmonized System (HS) code | 84733080 | | Master (outer) case width | 308 mm | | Master (outer) case height | 400 mm | Other features | Heatsink dimensions (W x D x H) | 128 x 70 x 146 mm | Packaging content | Low-noise adaptor (LNA) | Yes | Performance | Suitable location | Processor | | Type | Cooler | | Fan diameter | 120 mm | | Supported processor sockets | LGA 1150 (Socket H3), LGA 1151 (Socket H4), LGA 1155 (Socket H2), LGA 1156 (Socket H), LGA 2011 (Socket R), LGA 2011-v3 (Socket R), LGA 2066, Socket AM2, Socket AM2+, Socket AM3, Socket AM3+, Socket AM4, Socket FM1, Socket FM2, Socket FM2+ | | Compatible processor series | AMD A, Intel® Celeron®, Intel® Pentium® | | Rotational speed (min) | 450 RPM | | Rotational speed (max) | 1850 RPM | | Rotational speed with LNA (max) | 1400 RPM | | Noise level (high speed) | 23.9 dB | | Noise level with LNA (max) | 16.8 dB | | Airflow | 94.2 m³/h | | Airflow with LNA (max) | 70.8 m³/h | | Maximum air pressure | 1.53 mmH2O | | Pulse-width modulation (PWM) support | Yes | | Bearing type | Self-Stabilising Oil-pressure Bearing (SSO) | | Mean time between failures (MTBF) | 150000 h |
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