CPU Cooler Noctua NH-U12A 120 mm, dual-fan, copper base, aluminum radiator, PWM, for multiple Intel/AMD sockets

The Noctua NH-U12A is a 120mm-class premium CPU cooler designed to deliver high cooling performance while maintaining low noise and wide compatibility. It pairs two NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fans with a redesigned heatsink that uses seven heatpipes and increased fin surface area to approach or match the performance of many 140mm coolers, while keeping a compact 120mm footprint. The package includes Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, NT-H1 thermal compound and a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Advantages

The NH-U12A offers elevated thermal performance for its 120mm form factor thanks to a thoroughly optimised 7-heatpipe layout, 37% more fin surface area compared to the previous NH-U12S and a push/pull dual-fan configuration using NF-A12x25 fans. Its asymmetric tower design provides full RAM compatibility on LGA115x and AM4 motherboards, and the classic 158mm height and 125mm width ensure excellent case and top-PCIe slot compatibility. Fans support PWM control and include Low-Noise Adaptors to lower maximum speed from 2000 to 1700 RPM for quieter operation. The heatsink fins are soldered to the heatpipes for a durable thermal interface, and the product comes with proven mounting hardware and a high-quality thermal paste (NT-H1).

Suitable for

• High-performance single-CPU desktop systems requiring quiet cooling
• Compact mid- or full-tower builds where 140mm coolers are too large
• Motherboards with Intel LGA115x or AMD AM4 where RAM height compatibility is required
• Users who want long-term reliability and easy installation

Key specifications

• Type: Air CPU cooler with dual 120mm fans (NF-A12x25 PWM)
• Fan diameter: 120 mm
• Max fan speed: 2000 RPM (Low-Noise Adaptor reduces to 1700 RPM)
• Airflow (one fan): specified up to 102.1 m³/h (manufacturer data)
• Heatsink: 7 heatpipes, increased fin surface area, soldered pipe-to-fin interface
• Dimensions (W×D×H): approx. 125 × 112 × 158 mm (including fans and clips)
• Weight: approx. 1.22 kg
• Supported sockets: Intel LGA115x, LGA20xx (including LGA2066), LGA2011 variants; AMD AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM2(+), FM1
• Included accessories: SecuFirm2™ mounting kit, NT-H1 thermal compound, Low-Noise Adaptors
• Warranty: 6 years

How to use

Install the NH-U12A using the supplied SecuFirm2™ mounting system following the included instructions for your specific socket. Apply the supplied NT-H1 thermal compound to the CPU heatspreader according to the paste application guidance, position the heatsink squarely on the CPU and secure the mounting screws to achieve even contact pressure. Connect the NF-A12x25 PWM fan headers to the motherboard CPU fan or CPU_OPT header to allow automatic speed control. If lower maximum noise is desired, fit the supplied Low-Noise Adaptors to both fans.

Recommendations

For systems with more than 158mm of cooler clearance, you can move the rear fan upwards to accommodate memory modules taller than 42mm. On LGA2066 platforms, ensure RAM modules do not exceed 42mm height when the rear fan overhangs the left-hand side of the socket.