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NH-U12A chromax.black
The NH-U12A chromax.black is an all-black version of Noctua’s award-winning NH-U12A premium-quality quiet CPU cooler. Thanks to the same proven asymmetrical single-tower heatsink design and state-of-the-art NF-A12x25 PWM fans, it stays true to the NH-U12A’s successful formula of fusing best-in-class cooling performance with superb quietness of operation and outstanding RAM, case and PCIe compatibility. At the same time, the chromax.black version with its black fans and black coated heatsink combines these assets with a sleek stealth look. Topped off with the renowned SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s enthusiast-grade NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-U12A chromax.black is a deluxe choice for customers who seek a highly compatible 120mm heatsink that can rival the performance of 140mm units and looks just as great as it cools.
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Details
Award-winning NH-U12A cooler
The NH-U12A has proven in countless tests that it can match or even outperform many 140mm sized coolers while offering 120mm class case and PCIe compatibility. This winning combination of top-tier performance and excellent compatibility has earned the NH-U12A awards and recommendations from more than 100 hardware website and magazines across the word.
chromax.black design
The NH-U12A chromax.black is black from head to toe: featuring a black coated heatsink, a black fan with black anti-vibration pads, black fan clips and black mounting parts, it’s right at home in all-black builds and easy to integrate with other colour schemes.
Colour-customisable
Using the optional NA-HC7 and NA-HC8 heatsink covers as well as the NA-SAVP1 anti-vibration pads (available in black, blue, green, red, yellow, white), the NH-U12A chromax.black can be fully customised to fit popular build colour schemes such as black and red or black and white.
140mm performance in 120mm size
Thanks to its completely revised, thoroughly optimised 7 heatpipe layout, 37% more fin surface area (as compared to the NH-U12S) and a dual fan push/pull configuration that uses the new, state-of-the-art NF-A12x25 fans, the NH-U12A pushes the performance envelope in the 120mm class and can actually match or even outperform many 140mm sized coolers.
100% RAM compatibility on LGA1851/LGA1700 and AM4/AM5
Due to its asymmetric design, the NH-U12A does not overhang the RAM slots on Intel LGA1851/LGA1700/LGA1200/LGA115x and AMD AM4/AM5 based motherboards, which ensures easy access to the modules and 100% compatibility with DIMMs that feature tall heat-spreaders.
Classic 120mm tower size for excellent case and PCIe compatibility
Standing 158mm tall, the NH-U12A is short enough to fit most modern mid- or high-end tower cases. Measuring 125mm wide (including fan and fan clips), the cooler stays clear of the top PCIe slot on most standard ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards, ensuring optimum compatibility with multi-GPU setups.
Dual NF-A12 120mm fans
The NF-A12x25 is a highly optimised next-generation 120mm fan that integrates Noctua’s latest innovations in aerodynamic engineering in order to achieve an unprecedented level of quiet cooling performance. Using this elite-class fan in a push/pull dual fan configuration is one of the cornerstones of the NH-U12A’s commanding performance and acoustic efficiency.
PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors
The NF-A12 120mm fans supplied with the NH-U12A support PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the motherboard: full performance under load, virtually silent at idle! In addition, maximum fan speed can be reduced from 2000 to 1700rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptors for even quieter operation.
SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system
Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Supporting Intel LGA1851, LGA1700 (since 2021), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 & AMD AM5 and AM4 (since 2019), the SecuFirm2™ mounting included with the NH-U12A is straightforward to install, provides perfect contact pressure and will stand the test of time even under heavy use.
Offset mounting option for AMD AM5
The NH-U12A chromax.black includes Noctua’s offset mounting bars for AM5 that make it possible to install the cooler shifted towards the south side of the socket by 7mm, thereby achieving better contact quality right above the CCD(s). This improved contact exactly at the processor’s hotspot can significantly reduce CPU temperatures with typical improvements in the range of 1-3°C.
Compatibility with past and future sockets
Thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm™ ecosystem, the NH-U12A can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets, which makes the NH-U12A a safe long-term investment.
NT-H1 thermal compound
Noctua’s much-acclaimed NT-H1 is a pro-grade TIM solution that provides minimum thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and outstanding reliability. Chosen again and again by overclockers and enthusiast users worldwide, it has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality thermal compounds.
Soldered interface between heatpipes and fins
With many heatsinks, the fins are press-fitted to the heatpipes. Due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of copper and aluminium, this fit can loosen over years of thermal cycling, which may lead to reduced performance. By contrast, the NH-U12A’s fins are soldered to the heatpipes in order to guarantee a superior thermal interface that doesn’t deteriorate even after many years of usage.
6-year manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. True to this legacy, the NH-U12A heatsink is built to last, and like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A12x25 units feature an MTTF rating of more than 150,000 hours. The entire package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.
* In cases with more than 158mm CPU cooler clearance, the rear fan can be moved upwards to make room for memory modules taller than 42mm.
Cooler Specification
Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 and AMD AM5, AM4
Height (without fan)
158 mm
Width (without fan)
125 mm
Depth (without fan)
58 mm
Weight (without fan)
760 g
Height (with fan)
158 mm
Width (with fan)
125 mm
Depth (with fan)
112 mm
Weight (with fan)
1220 g
Material
Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating
169
Max. TDP
see NSPR
Fan compatibility
120x120x25
Scope of delivery
- Black NH-U12A heatsink
- 2x NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black premium fan
- 2x NA-RC14 Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
- NA-YC1 4-pin PWM splitter cable
- NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound
- Black SecuFirm2™ mounting kit
- Noctua Metal Case-Badge
6 Years
FAN Specification
Bearing
Max. rotational speed (+/- 10%)
2000 RPM
Max. rotational speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%)
1700 RPM
Min. rotational speed @ 20% PWM (+/-20%)
450 RPM
102,1 m³/h
Max. acoustical noise
22,6 dB(A)
Max. acoustical noise with L.N.A.
18,8 dB(A)
Voltage range
12 V
MTTF
> 150.000 h
Installation Manual (PDF)
Information Sheet (PDF)
Our case compatibility list helps you to quickly identify which PC cases offer sufficient clearance for which Noctua CPU coolers. The compatibility indication is based on the height of the coolers (including fans) as well as the maximum CPU cooler height specification given by the chassis manufacturer.
Caution: Please note that the fans of some tower coolers (especially larger models with 140mm fans, e.g. NH-D15 or NH-U14S TR4-SP3) may overhang the RAM slots and that this can cause compatibility issues if RAM modules taller than 32mm are used. While the fans can be moved upwards to increase RAM clearance, this will increase the total height of the cooler and thus requires additional clearance inside the chassis. As a rule of thumb, if the fan overhangs the RAM, the maximum CPU cooler height specification of the case must be at least the size of the fan plus the height of the RAM minus 7mm (accounting for the height of the socket and CPU). For example, if a cooler uses a 140mm fan that overhangs the RAM and 46mm tall RAM modules are used, the max. CPU cooler height specification should be at least 179mm (140+46-7=179). For further information and instructions on how to move up the fan for each cooler model, please click the height specification link.
Disclaimer: We create and update our compatibility lists with utmost care. However, case manufacturers sometimes change parts or details of their products without prior notice or explicitly indicating a revision. Therefore, Noctua cannot accept any liability, nor in any other way be held responsible, for the following compatibility information.
Can't find the case you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at in order to obtain compatibility information for cases that aren't listed above.
When modern CPUs use their turbo modes, they can (depending on the configuration of the UEFI BIOS) dissipate much more heat than indicated by the manufacturer’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) specification. Just like manual overclocking, this puts higher demands on the cooling solution. Our CPU compatibility list helps you to choose the cooler model that is best suited for a given CPU and your individual requirements as far as turbo and overclocking headroom are concerned. We classify our coolers according to the following categories:
best turbo/overclocking headroom
medium turbo/overclocking headroom
low turbo/overclocking headroom
compatible without turbo/overclocking headroom
compatible with certain restrictions (see comment)
incompatible (see comment)
For further information on CPUs exceeding their TDP ratings and how to configure the UEFI BIOS in order to avoid excessively high temperatures, please see this FAQ.
Please also see our general buying guide, motherboard compatibility list and FAQs for further help on how to select the best cooler for your configuration.
Can't find the CPU you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at in order to obtain compatibility information for CPUs that aren't listed here.
- NT-H2 3.5g
- Further improved second generation of the award-winning NT-H1 with even better thermal performance
- Not electrically conductive and non-corroding
- Excellent long-term stability (usage time on the CPU up to 5 years)
- 3.5g pack for around 3-20 applications (depending on CPU size, e.g. ~3 applications for TR4, ~20 for LGA1151)
- NT-H2 10g
- Further improved second generation of the award-winning NT-H1 with even better thermal performance
- Not electrically conductive and non-corroding
- Excellent long-term stability (usage time on the CPU up to 5 years)
- 10g pack for around 9-60 applications (depending on CPU size, e.g. ~9 applications for TR4, ~60 for LGA1151)
- NA-HC8 chromax.white
- chromax.white edition heatsink cover
- Compatible with Noctua NH-U12A heatsinks
- Ideal for matching with Noctua’s industrialPPC or chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads
- NA-HC8 chromax.black
- chromax.black edition heatsink cover
- Compatible with Noctua NH-U12A heatsinks
- Ideal for matching with Noctua’s industrialPPC or chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads
- NA-HC7 chromax.black.swap
- chromax.black.swap edition heatsink cover with swappable inlays (red, blue, green, yellow, black, white)
- Compatible with Noctua NH-U12A heatsinks
- Ideal for matching with Noctua’s industrialPPC or chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads
- NA-STPG1
- Thermal Paste Guard and Cleaning Set for AMD AM5 CPUs
- Pack contains 10 individually packed wipes
- NM-M1-MP78 chromax.black mounting kit
- Torx®-based mounting upgrade kit for Noctua CPU coolers with 78mm mounting pitch
- Compatible with the latest AMD Ryzen (AM5 & AM4) and Intel Core sockets (LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156)
- Offset mounting option for AMD AM5
- NM-SD1 Torx® T20 screwdriver included
- NM-i20xx Mounting-Kit
- The NM-i20xx SecuFirm2™ Mounting-Kit makes Noctua CPU coolers compatible with Intel's LGA2011 and LGA2066 sockets.
- NM-I3 Mounting-Kit
- The NM-I3 SecuFirm2™ Mounting-Kit makes Noctua CPU coolers compatible with Intel's LGA775 & LGA1366 sockets.
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