X-bit labs

Two Towers: Noctua Heatpipe Coolers Review (page 10)

Category: Coolers

by Sergey Lepilov

[ 04/17/2006 | 04:09 PM ]

Conclusion

Our today’s tests have produced two more super-efficient CPU coolers ready to cope with the huge amount of heat produced by overclocked processors. Both the Noctua coolers boast an impressively high CPU cooling efficiency with little dependence on the fan speed which is an indication of an ingenious and well-implemented design of the heatsinks. High efficiency, convenient fasteners, simple installation, good thermal paste – what else could an overclocker wish for? You may answer – moderate pricing, but it’s all right with this factor, too. The official price of the Noctua NH-U12 and Noctua NH-U9 is 47.9 and 37.9 euros, respectively. And here are their advantages and drawbacks summed up for you once again:

Highs:

• Very high cooling efficiency
• Compatible with all modern CPU sockets
• Convenient and reliable fasteners, simple installation
• Well-finished sole of the heatsinks
• Depend but very little on the fan speed
• Efficient thermal paste included

Lows:

• It’s not always possible to orient the heatsink in the best way on Socket 939/754/940 platforms
• Do not cool the mainboard’s PCB around the processor socket
• No fans included