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Noctua NH-U12s Chromax Black $112.31 + $20.94 Shipping (Free for Prime Members) @ Amazon US via AU

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I think it's the cheapest price since Convid 19, other AU shop are selling this at $150+

Good for mid range Ryzen CPU that recently popping up on ozbargain.

I am struggling to choose between this and Dark Rock Slim, given they are similar price now and performance (Dark rock Slim run hotter but quieter, Slim look better but Noctua is such a well known brand…)

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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closed Comments

  • +2

    I know how you feel OP. First world problems

  • This or the Noctua NH-U14S for $102? https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/540797

    • +4

      But… but it isn't Chromax Black! The difference between these high end air coolers is quite minimal and they are typically within 3-5c of each other, but if you don't mind the brown and the U14S fits then you might as well go for it.

    • +4

      check your RAM height vs cooler ram clearance AND case max cpu cooler height.

    • I got RGB ram so I prefer cooler that doesn't block RAM.

      My Ryzen Wraith looks good but it's running at around 45~50 degree on idle at 1200RPM.

      NH-U14s and above will block ram; Dark rock 4/pro 4 also block ram. First world problem i know.

    • What about https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01MQCK1PJ for $69.03 pp?

  • -1

    If they are the same price Noctua no question. You can always change the fan curve to something more desirable.

    • +6

      Not exactly, Be Quiet! is comparable to Noctua in terms of premium and warranty. It's a matter of whose fan are you.

      • Most definitely. But take a look at this video. We can see how temperatures scale with noise, and it shows that the Noctua does edge out the Dark Rock Slim.

        • If looks matter, very easy to go a DR cooler instead

          • @scuderiarmani: Personally I prefer the look of the U12S because it doesn't have the ridged fan blades. It's down to personal preference. For me looks don't matter so I would go with the U12S regardless.

            Edit: Also Bigboomboom is wrong about warranty. be quiet! offers a 3 year warranty versus the 6 years on the Noctua.

            • @Void: More so with the brown fan models

              • @scuderiarmani: I mean they're good for sleeper builds but they look out of place in anything else. Even I wouldn't buy them for that.

        • Also take a look at this https://www.techpowerup.com/review/be-quiet-dark-rock-slim/6… and the next page comparing the noise.

          So Noctua will win on temperature but not on the noise level.

          Found this very good youtube video comparing the actual fan itself:
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Zis8RjcX8

          Basically the fan on NH-U12S is not good enough anymore. I am guessing the reason why NH-U12s perform better than the DR Slim is because it got 5 heatpipe vs 4

          • @humbala: Except we have to mention these are PWM fans, so you could easily just turn the Noctua's down and have them outperfom the Dark Rock. While the fan isn't as good those heat pipes make up for it.

            • @Void: If you lower the fan speed of the Noctua, isn't will reduce the thermal performance? If that's the case may as well get the dark rock instead.

              Review all based on 100% fan speed to compare thermal and noise. I guess at the end the difference are minimal and down to personal preference.

              • @humbala: Well if you see the video I mentioned we can see the Noctua is always cooler at the same noise level, as for the credibility of this channel I'm not sure.

                • @Void: Yes I did, very interesting. Other than at the max fan speed the NH-U12s is slightly quieter and cooler in all situation.

                  That's difference from the techpowerup which show at 25 50 100% fan speed the bequiet are all quieter…

                  • +1

                    @humbala: That's because this video isn't fan speed based but rather noise level based.

                    • @Void: Good point there Rajeh, look like Noctua is the better one as they price similarly now

                      thanks!

  • +3

    Is this worth the upgrade from the stock ryzen coolers?

    • +1

      Ryzen's boost algorithm does take temperature into account so if you purchase one of these coolers it will allow you to boost a little higher and it will allow all your future chips to do so as well provided they are supported. I for one am going to replace mine with a Cryorig H7 Ultra because the cooler is the only thing that is preventing me from reaching total silence.

    • +1

      I'd do it for noise alone, however if that doesn't bother you….

    • That's the question i ask everyday. I believe yes - if you care about noise.

  • +2

    No point just get the D15 if going down this path i think.

    • +1

      It costs more and doesn't offer the same RAM clearance.

      • +1

        Like $10 more from new egg for the D15S version with good ram clearance.

      • True they are massive towers, not into the idea myself.
        the shitty brown colour no good from the start.
        Got an original Noctua NF-P14-FLX 140mm P-Fan from back in the day, $28
        They want $50 and still looks rubbish, this one can't control speeds either.

  • -4

    at this price you'd be better off with a 240 AIO… cooler master, cougar, deepcool

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