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The 1700 was set to run at 3000MHz at 1.00V. A stress test of 30 minutes was run using the AIDA 64. Maximum CPU temperature was noted and delta temperature was calculated by subtracting the ambient temperature from the maximum CPU temperature. The build quality is very good, the aluminum fins are evenly finished on the edges and the soldering between the heatpipes and the baseplate is done very well.
AIDA64 was used for the stress test and the temperature monitoring. The Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste was used to test the cooler. AMD Ryzen Master was used to control the frequency and the voltages as the BIOS was not helpful in this regard. Testing Methodology The installation process is simple not only because the SecuFirm2™ mounting system has been refined among the years, but because there is easy access to the screws, due to the shape of the cooler. NF-A12x15 PWM premium fan, Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.), NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, SecuFirm2 mounting kit, Noctua metal case-badge We are thankful to the Noctua for giving us the opportunity to review their NH-L12S Low Profile CPU Cooler. That said, SFF coolers aren’t designed to handle the full power of CPUs like Intel’s i9-13900K or Ryzen 7950X, and when using one the CPU will likely reach TJMax (the maximum temperature before throttling occurs) in many workloads. So if I were to apply the same standards I use for standard cooler testing to SFF coolers, most of them would simply fail.You Are Looking for a Mirror-Like Finish on the Cooler Base: The Noctua NH-L12S features a base without a polished, mirror-like finish. If aesthetics are a priority, especially for visible components, this may not be the ideal choice. Final Thoughts You Prefer a Quiet Cooling Solution: With the bundled NF-A12x15 PWM fan featuring Noctua’s SSO2 bearings and Low-Noise Adaptor (LNA), this cooler offers effective cooling with minimal noise. Don’t Buy It If: Apply the thermal paste and place the heatsink on the mounting bars by aligning the spring loaded screws with the standoffs on the mounting bars. Use the supplied screw driver and secure the cooler to the mounting bars.
The NH-L12S is distinguished above all by its flexible installation: the fan can be installed above the cooling ribs. Then the cooler supports RAM modules with an overall height of up to 45mm. If, on the other hand, the fan is installed below the cooling fins, the total height is only 70mm. The housing can be so tiny, the NH-L12S fits almost everywhere and ensures sufficient cooling at low volume. You Require Compatibility with Tall RAM Modules: If your RAM modules are taller than 48mm, you may face clearance issues with this cooler. Consider other options if you have higher-profile RAM. Maximum noise level on the NF-A9x14 at the full speed is 25 dBA under full load. It was 12 dBA when idling. Should You Buy It? The idle temperature was 5.9°C on 3700MHz. Under stress test it was 42.9°C. These are delta temperatures. Under load, the temps were in 70s. Noise Current PC hardware is already very energy efficient. Each new generation usually promises higher performance, lower power draw with corresponding cooling requirements. This trend is leading to the growing popularity of compact PC builds. However, these rigs face little space for coolers. How big trade-offs need to be made with CPU cooling in these builds? Does a small cooler necessarily mean high temperatures and noise? Small but handyInside of the chassis, a view many will see every day, we can see the NF-A12x15 PWM fan mostly, with fins showing through its gaps. We see the pipes to the left, and they cleared the heat sink with ease, leaving room to connect the 8-pin EPS cable. To the right, we can see the smallest bit of the pipe tips, and the memory is also partially visible. Test System Setup, Thermal Tests, and Noise Results Chad's CPU Cooler Test System Specifications The fan has a 4 pin PWM power connect. The length of the cable is approximately 200mm. There are additional metal clips provided with the cooler. In case you are thinking of push/pull setup, consider buying one set in advance. Clearance issues should be considered in the build, with RAM support up to 48mm and a cautionary note regarding cooler direction beyond that height. In terms of sound, the included Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM reached a maximum sound level of 39 decibels, measured at a distance of 10 cm away from the cooler. As long as you pay attention when purchasing the RAM to go under the MH-L12S, we foresee no issues in your future. It clears the PCI-e slot, there is access all around it, and the airflow direction can be changed based on needs. For those tiny boxes with a PSU on top of the CPU cooler, blowing air through the cooler and into the PSU is the best course of action.
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