Noctua NH-L12 Tiny CPU Cooler
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Promos
This Noctua NH-L12 was originally acquired for use in an editing rig here at Linus Media Group, but with the whole-room water cooling project that plan went out the window... But if you're NOT planning on water cooling a room full of computers, should you consider the NH-L12? Ting link: linus.ting.com Sponsor link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Adhesive Wombat -
Channels and socials
Check out his channel here: youtube.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
The Noctua NH-L12 is presented as a compact, dual-fan CPU cooler designed to fit in tight spaces without sacrificing too much cooling performance. The presenter walks through the physical package, noting the included mounting hardware, the two pre-mounted fans (120 mm and 92 mm), and the clever ability to remove the top 92 mm fan for a 66 mm slim profile. The design uses an aluminum fin array with copper heat pipes and a nickel-coated base, delivering a tidy, premium look that matches Noctua’s typical build quality. The host explains how the dual-fan setup provides flexible mounting options, with the option to keep both fans for maximum cooling or remove the top fan to reduce height for cramped cases. The installation is described as surprisingly straightforward, with a clean method to drive a screwdriver through a small opening to secure the heatsink between the fins and the fans, minimizing hassle for users building a compact system. The segment then contrasts the NH-L12 against larger dual-rad coolers and a stock Intel cooler, showing that while it may struggle against bigger coolers, it performs admirably for a small form factor system, especially on non-overclocked CPUs. The discussion also weaves in practical usage notes, acknowledging how the cooler’s size can be beneficial for small form factor builds and describing how the C70 platform used in testing helps illustrate the cooler’s capabilities under load. Throughout the review, the host maintains a light, humorous tone with occasional quips, and the sponsor segment about Ting is integrated around the mid-to-late portion, emphasizing value and customer service. The video closes with the broader context of the product’s place in a compact PC lineup and a nod to the audience for watching, reinforcing the practical takeaways for enthusiasts considering space-saving cooling solutions.
Topics · hardware_review · small_form_factor_cooling · cpu_cooling · pc_building · technology · computing
Questions answered
- What makes the Noctua NH-L12 suitable for small form factor builds?
- Its design allows for a 66 mm slim profile when the top 92 mm fan is removed, flexible mounting with both 120 mm and 92 mm pre-mounted fans, and an efficient copper heat pipe and aluminum fin array that fits narrow cases while still delivering solid cooling for quad-core CPUs.
- How easy is the installation of the NH-L12 in a small PC case?
- Installation is straightforward: you can leave the bottom fan in place and simply drive a screwdriver through a small hole in the heat fins to secure the heatsink between the fans, making the process tidy and uncomplicated.