CPU cooler Noctua NH-L12S — low-profile cooler, 120 mm fan, PWM, 12 V, 1850 RPM max, 94.2 m³/h airflow, compatible sockets LGA1700/1200/115x/1156 and AM4/AM5

The Noctua NH-L12S is a compact low-profile CPU cooler designed for small form-factor systems and HTPCs. It features a slim 120 mm NF-A12x15 PWM fan that delivers improved quiet cooling compared to the previous 92 mm model, and offers two mounting configurations: low-profile mode with a total height of 70 mm and high-clearance mode that provides additional RAM and chipset clearance. The cooler includes Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, the NT-H1 thermal compound and a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Advantages

The NH-L12S combines improved cooling efficiency from its NF-A12x15 slim 120 mm fan with flexible installation options to suit different case layouts. It supports both low-profile operation (70 mm total height) and a high-clearance configuration that allows compatibility with RAM modules up to 48 mm tall. The supplied SecuFirm2™ mounting system ensures broad socket compatibility and secure contact pressure, while the included NT-H1 thermal paste and the option to use thicker 120x25 mm fans provide additional performance and reliability benefits.

Suitable for

• Small form-factor (SFF) PCs and HTPC builds
• Systems requiring low-profile CPU cooling with limited clearance
• Motherboards with tall RAM heatspreaders (when fan is installed on top)
• Enthusiast builds that may benefit from premium mounting and TIM

Key specifications

• Fan diameter: 120 mm (NF-A12x15 slim PWM)
• Fan speed range: 450–1850 RPM
• Airflow: 94.2 m³/h
• Max. air pressure: 1.53 mmH2O
• Bearing type: self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing
• Dimensions (W×D×H): 128 × 87 × 146 mm (package / overall)
• Low-profile height: 70 mm (fan under fin stack)
• High-clearance mode: compatible with RAM up to 48 mm height (fan on top)
• Weight: 0.52 kg
• Supported sockets: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x; AMD AM4, AM5 (plus legacy via optional kit)
• Included: SecuFirm2™ mounting, NT-H1 thermal compound, fan clips (support 120x25 mm fans)

How to use

Choose the mounting configuration that matches your case and component clearance. For minimal total height, install the NF-A12x15 fan underneath the fin stack in low-profile mode (70 mm). To increase clearance for tall RAM or chipset coolers, mount the fan on top of the fin stack. Use the supplied SecuFirm2™ mounting system to attach the cooler to the CPU socket following the included instructions and apply the supplied NT-H1 thermal compound to the CPU heatspreader before seating the cooler. If additional airflow is possible, replace the slim fan with a 120x25 mm fan using the provided clips to improve performance (increasing total height to ~95 mm).

Recommendations

Install the fan direction to match your case airflow (blowing up or down) and ensure the cooler is positioned to avoid interference with other components. For best thermal contact on AM5, consider using the supplied 7 mm offset mounting bars to shift the cooler toward the CPU hotspot.