NH-L12S Compact, premium-quality low-profile CPU Cooler-Intel

Successor to the award-winning NH-L12, the NH-L12S is a compact low-profile CPU cooler that combines excellent compatibility, surprising efficiency and remarkable flexibility. Thanks to its NF-A12x15 PWM, slim 120mm fan, the NH-L12S provides even better quiet cooling performance than the previous model with its 92mm fan. At the same time, the NH-L12S is highly versatile: with the fan installed on top of the fins, the cooler is compatible with RAM modules of up to 48mm in height. With the fan installed underneath the fins, the total height of the cooler is only 70mm, making it suitable for use in many HTPC and Small Form Factor cases. Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s proven NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-L12S is a premium-quality low-profile solution for the highest demands.

Based on the award-winning NH-L12

Having received more than 200 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines, the NH-L12 has become an established reference for low-profile 120mm top-flow coolers. Equipped with the new NF-A12x15 fan, the new S-version provides more flexibility and improved performance in low-profile mode.

Low-profile mode

Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed underneath the fin stack, the NH-L12S stands only 70mm tall. The fan can be installed blowing upwards or blowing downwards in order to match the airflow direction inside the case.

High-clearance mode

Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed on top, the NH-L12S provides extended clearance underneath the fin stack. This way, it is fully compatible with chipset coolers and RAM modules with heat-spreaders of up to 48mm in height (vs. 35mm in low-profile mode).

NF-A12x15 slim 120mm premium fan

Featuring sophisticated aerodynamic optimisations such as Flow Acceleration Channels, the NF-A12x15 is a premium-grade slim 120mm fan. Its outstanding efficiency allows the NH-L12S to provide even better performance than the previous model with its 92mm fan.

120x25mm fan support

The fan clips supplied with the NH-L12S work not only with the slim NF-A12x15 fan but also with 25mm thick 120mm fans. Users who have extra room inside their cases can thus boost the cooler’s performance by using a standard 120x25mm fan on top (increases total height to 95mm).

SecuFirm2™ mounting system

Noctua's SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Supporting Intel LGA1700 (since 2021), LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA2011 (LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3), LGA2066 and AMD AM4 and AM5, the SecuFirm2™ mounting included with the NH-L12S guarantees perfect contact pressure and maximum convenience on all current sockets.

Compatibility with past and future sockets

Complying with the open SecuFirm™ standard, the cooler can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided by Noctua free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets.

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.

6-year manufacturer’s warranty

Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A12x15 features an MTTF rating of more than 150,000 hours and the entire NH-L12S package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Product Details

Notes and warnings

 

The NH-L12S is a highly compact, quiet low-profile cooler designed for use in small form factor cases and HTPC environments. ‌While it provides first-rate performance in its class, it is not suitable for overclocking and or CPUs that create high heat loads. Please consult our CPU compatibility list to find out whether the NH-L12 is recommended for your CPU.

Cooler Specification

Socket compatibility

Intel LGA1700 (included since Q4 2021, older coolers require NM-i17xx-MP78), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 (Square ILM) & AMD AM4, AM5

Height (without fan)

70 mm

Width (without fan)

128 mm

Depth (without fan)

146 mm

Weight (without fan)

390 g

Height (with fan)

70 mm

Width (with fan)

128 mm

Depth (with fan)

146 mm

Weight (with fan)

520 g

Material

Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

NSPR

88

Max. TDP

see NSPR

Fan compatibility 

120x120x15 & 120x120x25

Scope of delivery

• 1x NF-A12x15 PWM premium fan
• Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
• NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound
• SecuFirm2™ mounting kit
• Noctua metal case-badge

Warranty

6 Years

FAN Specification

Model

1x Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM

Bearing

SSO2

Max. rotational speed (+/- 10%)

1850 RPM

Max. rotational speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%)

1400 RPM

Min. rotational speed @ 20% PWM (+/-20%)

450 RPM

Max. airflow

94,2 m³/h

Max. airflow with L.N.A.

70,8 m³/h

Max. acoustical noise

23,9 dB(A)

Max. acoustical noise with L.N.A.

16,8 dB(A)

Input power (max.)

1,56 W

Voltage range

12 V

MTTF 

> 150.000 h