The NH-U12S is the latest 12cm model of Noctua's classic U-series single tower CPU coolers, which have received more than 400 awards and recommendations from the international press. The S-version's 45mm slim shape guarantees 100% compatibility with tall RAM modules and at the same time, its fine-tuned design and the class-leading NF-F12 FocusedFlow™ fan with PWM support for fully automatic speed control allow it to further improve its predecessor's renowned quiet cooling performance. Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua's proven NT-H1 thermal compound and full 6 years manufacturer's warranty, the NH-U12S is a complete premium quality solution that combines outstanding performance, quiet operation and excellent compatibility.
Pros: Easy to install if you've installed an aftermarket cooler before. Noise? At load this is as loud as my stock Intel OEM CPU cooling fan at idle. Very quiet if you're looking for as little sound as possible. Smaller than I imagined it would be. Includes additional bracket & noise isolation pieces for a second fan if you so choose. I don't OC, and the cooling with the single included fan is sufficient for my needs (push configuration to the back of my case & it's exhaust fan).
Cons: Fan isn't the prettiest color, but I don't have a window so it doesn't bother me. Fan has a directional arrow only on one side, so you need to hunt for it. Power cable is relatively short. Pay attention to the metal brackets that hold the fan to the cooler. It was late at night and I was tired, so I didn't realize that I wasn't putting the bracket onto the cooler correctly until about 5 minutes of cursing had subsided. Instructions say to put the cooling compound onto the heatsink, but the picture indicates putting it onto the CPU (put it on the CPU).
Overall Review: I was unhappy with the oem cooler at load in terms of temp & noise, so decided to try this guy out. Required me to take the mobo out of my Fractal Design Define Mini case. There is a cutout in the motherboard tray, but it's about 2 mm to small to put the cooler backplate on without removing the board. Instructions say to do the traditional dot of the included thermal cooling compound. Tried that and the Arctic Silver vertical line method to see if it'd make a difference, but it didn't. Temps were about the same either way, so use whichever method you prefer. BTW, they include a ton of thermal compound. CPU - Intel Core i7-3770 Temperatures - CPUID Hardware Monitor Pro (degrees Fahrenheit averaged out after running BOINC for 30 minutes). Feel free to convert to Celsius if you're so inclined. I live in the US, so F puts things in better perspective to me. OEM Cooling Fan: Idle Temp - 96.8 F Package (36 C) (individual cores 93.2, 87.8, 84.2, 93.2) Load Temp - 171.2 Package (77.3 C) (individual cores 171.2, 171.2, 165, 168.6) This Fan: Idle Temp - 88.0 F Package (31.1 C) (individual cores 83.1, 81.5, 81.0, 85.9) Load Temp - 135.6 Package (57.5 C) (individual cores 134.1, 135.7, 128.3, 130.3) CPU - Intel Core i7-3770 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.9GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I73770 CPU Cooler - Noctua NH-U12S 120x120x25 ( NF-F12 PWM) SSO2-Bearing GPU - Onboard Intel HD 4000 Motherboard - ASUS P8H77-M PRO LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard RAM - 2 x Crucial Ballistix sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT8G3D1609DS1S00 HDD - Primary - Intel 520 Series Cherryville SSDSC2CW240A3K5 2.5" 240GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) HDD - Secondary - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive BDRW - LG WH10LS30 10X Blu-ray Burner Case - Fractal Design Define Mini Black Micro ATX Silent PC Computer Case w/ USB 3.0 support and 2 x 120mm Fractal Design Silent Fans Power Supply - Seasonic SS-560KM Active PFC F3, 560W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91, 80Plus Gold Certified, Modular Power Supply