Question 1

For AMD FX 8350, is it easy to install? 
Do you have to take out the back plate?

Accepted Answer

Yes the Noctua NH-U12S is wasy to install; you do not have to take out the back plate to install the cooler you use it. Only issues that you might have is the cpu cutout in your case big enough to access the back plate, if you are installing it into a preexisting system. If you are building you can install it before you put the motherboard in the case and it is a easy install.

Question 2

Can I replace the fan on the heat sink with a different fan? If so how? And which fans do you recommend. I would prefer a black or a white fan.

Accepted Answer

You certainly should be able to replace the fan provided.  The fan that comes with the heat sink is a 120mm fan with sound dampeners (the brown rubber on the corners) to help reduce the sound that it would make without them while touching the bare fins of the metal heatsink.  If you are replacing them with fans that are not by Noctua, look for ones that have rubber on the corners to dampen the sound.  Any 120mm fan should work as a replacement.  If you can see the metal piece that attaches the fan to the heatsink, you can take that off of the fan and use that to reattach another fan.  4 of those pieces are included so that you can attach two fans to the heatsink one on each side.

Question 3

How is this compared to the NH-D14 anyone know?

Accepted Answer

I currently have the NH-U12S and love it. My cpu runs very cool and super quiet. I've used basic heat sinks throughout my life and was a little skeptical of the investment but it is well worth it. This is an amazing company. But to answer your question, The NH-D14 will give you an even colder cpu. But if you are not doing some serious overclocking or have a cpu that naturally runs hot then I don't believe it is really worth the extra money and case space. If you want a healthy medium I'd suggest the NH-U14S. I kinda wish I had the U14S now, I thought it would take up too much space but it rarely takes any more space. Irregardless of what you choose. I highly recommend Noctua products.

Question 4

corsair carbide series 400R case, Asus p8z77-v-lx mother board socket 1155, processor I5 3570k. I have attempted to measure if this cooler will fit. Problem is I don't have the motherboard yet.
Any one else using this combination?

Accepted Answer

That case is massive. I've got the same case, CPU, and a z87 mono and the cooler easily fits with room to spare. The fan comes with a few mounting configurations as well. Running the reduced fan speed controller keeps me cool and quiet. Highly recommend.

Question 5

Should I buy this, or buy a hyper 212 evo and put a Noctua fan on it?
Because if I got this heatsink, I would replace the fan that came with it with a black industrial Noctua fan.

Accepted Answer

I would recommend purchasing the Noctua NH-U12S. The mounting hardware is better than the 212 and the pre-applied thermal paste on the Noctua just makes a nice added touch. On a side note, this heatsink can be mounted numerous ways and depending on your case and cooling needs you might not even really see the fan unless you look hard. Just something to consider if the color bothers you.

Question 6

I have a Rosewill destroyer case with a Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 motherboard. Will this thing fit?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to measure the distance from your socket to the inside of your case panel. If it's 158mm (6.2") or more than you should be good to go. The cooler can be oriented different ways and is built to be compatible with RAM so it should fit your mobo fine. You won't be disappointed with the quality, quietness and performance.

Question 7

Will this cooler be enough for Skylake-X i9-7900x?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of a CPU air cooler relies on a case with good airflow.  For the 7900x and this cooler, I suggest (1) don't overclock, (2) case with great airflow and (3) adding a 2nd Noctua NF-F12 fan for push+pull.

Having said all that, if I was building this computer, I'd either get a larger Noctua fan or processor with a lower TDP.  You are right on the edge.

Question 8

is this "short enuf to fit most modern mid-/high-end tower case" or "short enough to fit most modern mid-/high-end tower cases"?

Accepted Answer

I can not adequately express to you how monstrous this thing is.  It "should" fit in most full atx towers.    I had a small issue with it resting too close to the FOSR2 fan unit on a GTX 980, so I would compare your motherboard schematic to the fan dimensions to make sure this fan will not only fit in your tower but will allow EVERYTHING ELSE to fit in your tower with it.  That being said I have been extremely pleased with this product.

Question 9

Bought this Noctua NH-U12S in November 2015 - 6 months ago.  Fan has started "ticking" - I would have thought the fan was hitting the mount or radiator fins, at a guess, but after taking it out it seems more like something internal to the hub.  After "manipulating" it and reinstalling, the ticking has stopped.  Has anyone had this problem?  If the ticking comes back, is there a permanent fix?  Or should I simply get it replaced?

Accepted Answer

I have 3 of these and I have never experienced such a thing. Noctua's warranty is 2nd to none so there's always a replacement option. Check to make sure the blade ends aren't coming in contact with the heatsink ever so slightly. I had a similar problem with a different fan type and a readjustment fixed the problem. If it's the hub, contact Noctua.

Question 10

use stock AMD cooler or replace with Noctua NH-U12S using G.Skill ram?

Accepted Answer

For casual use stock fan is fine, however if your main use will be for more intensive use I.E. gaming etc, by all means use this fane or 1 similar. I game and have this fan installed and its has been a solid performer through 2 upgrades.

Questions & Answers