Question 1

Does this fit an AM3+ motherboard?

Accepted Answer

Actually this WILL fit an AM3+ mobo IF you purchase the compatibility kit from Noctua.  However, if you're looking for a fan for an AM3+ then you're better off getting the one that is not AM4 specific.

Question 2

Whats the difference between the NH-U12S, NH-U12S SE-AM4, and NH-U12S TR4-SP3 ? they all look the same to me.

Accepted Answer

IIRC...the NHU12S and NHU12S SE AM4 are the same except the latter has the extra install kit for AMD Processor while the former only has the kit for Intel.

The NH-U12S TR4-SP3 is for AMDs Threadripper processor.

Question 3

Does it come with amd am4 mounting bracket? or do i have to contact Noctua?

Accepted Answer

This is the edition dedicated for the AM4 socket.

Question 4

How useful would it be to add the second optional fan?

Accepted Answer

can low temps a few c or helping your pc stay quiet.

for example, one fan might run 40c, two fans running lower rpm (quieter) can get the same temp. or run them the same speed as a single fan and drop to say 35c. same is said for liquid cooling, push or pull alone results in the same temp, but push and pull nets less temps. in my particular case, two amazing fans at a moderate speed beats four crappy fans maxed out.

i ran my u12s with two noctua 140mm ippc 3000rpm fans, my 1800x at 4ghz would run 30c idle, 50c gaming, and 70c stress. switching to a h115i liquid cooler using the same two noctua 140mm ippc 3000 fans, im 30 at idle, 40c gaming, and 50.25c stress. same db/volume level from air cooled. if i added 2 more to my liquid cooler for push pool, i might lose 2c or so in gaming and stress, but temps are so low there is no need.

Question 5

Will this cooler fit on an
ASUS Republic of Gamers Strix X570-I Gaming AM4 Mini-ITX Motherboard?

Accepted Answer

The Noctua NH-U12S SE-AM4 CPU Cooler is compatible with AMD Socket AM4, which includes the ASUS Republic of Gamers Strix X570-I Gaming AM4 Mini-ITX Motherboard.

Question 6

Will this cool an Ryzen 1800x without overclocking?

Accepted Answer

It should.  The 1800x has a TDP of 95W and the NH-U12S SE-AM4 is rated to handle a higher TDP of 105W.  According to Noctua they assume a well ventilated case and an ambient room temperature of under 25C (77F).  If you want to read Noctua's specification yourself, Google -- Noctua CPU coolers retail TDP Guidelines

Question 7

How well does this cooler perform for the Ryzen R7 1700X on both stock and overclock? Is it worth purchasing this cooler over the Hyper 212 Evo? Any information would be nice! Thank you!

Accepted Answer

I have not needed to over clock my 1700X yet but at stock clock the fan barely spins during normal work and hardly spins up during DOOM, Overwatch, and CoD BO3.  I'd imagine it'll keep your 1700X nice and cool if you decide to OC.  Personally, I got this fan over the Evo because I'm familiar with Noctua, their quality, and their customer service.  I think you'll be happy with either cooler on the 1700X.

Question 8

May I ask if you guys have an ETA for the NH-D15 with AM4 bracket?

Accepted Answer

It's out. Noctua NH-D15 SE-AM4 and Newegg has it NH-U14S and the NH-12 versions available with AM4. Or you could "buy" the AM4 bracket which is free from Noctua if you own a cooler already (buy you have to pay shipping).

Questions & Answers