First Look: The Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black CPU Cooler (Socket 1700-Ready) & NF-A12x25 Black Fans!

[@Voivod74]

In respect of the other channels, I always wait feverishly your reviews Sir

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Thank you, coming soon!

[@B3TR0Z]

Awesome! Now strap on a par of Phanteks T30 fans to the new black U12A cooler :-D

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

😆 I'll discuss that in my upcoming 120mm CPU Cooler Shootout!

[@JagoJGK1981]

Finally that noctua starting to get that black fans is way more better looking that brownish.

[@northlander]

Really looking forward to their future products like you mentioned. Curious to see what improvements can be made to the 140mm fan and their new cooler when it's released since their nh d15 has been dominant so long.

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Should be awesome, but the price could be crazy high!

[@Bandoughha]

I'd put money on a 140mm variant of the NF-A12

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

It will be interesting to see if the next-gen 140mm fan looks like the NF-A12x25 or if it has a totally different design. Could be that when scaled up, the original design isn't optimal.

[@ShaneMcGrath.]

@@Bandoughha Yep, I reckon it will be more updated heatpipes like this one and a new version of 140mm fan, Will be awesome. I hope they have an asymmetrical S version though, Prefer not to have ram covered and needing to lift the fan up.

[@burnbarrelnetwork4013]

Really want to see an extensive test of this vs the d15.

[@jon4715]

Looks awesome, but I liked the exposed metal hub.

[@erdieyictak3636]

I wanted to get 120mm of these fans for my 420mm aio with the bracket. After you said that 140mm fans will come with black version from start, i dropped the count to get only for 120mm slots. Thank you. I hope they will do it like that.

[@michaelthompson9798]

Sweet looking HSF setup in black 🥰👍🥳 Great first look at some of the new line up Ari 👍☺️ Cheers 🍻 buddy! It will be interesting to see if Noctua still charges the same or up the pricing for the New Chromax line 🤔. Despite its age, the original HSF line up still remains king of cooling in the vast majority of scenarios which shows Noctua did it right the first time and unfortunately for us, results in the higher price tag. But for many it’s worth it 🥰🥰☺️

[@tonybeckett66]

Thanks for the product overview, can't wait for your in-depth review

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Coming soon, as part of my big 120mm cooler roundup!

[@yamato1420]

Damn, I've been waiting for a black NHU-14S for forever, that thing performs like a bomb with nearly everyone.

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

The next-gen black 140mm cooler will probably be a dual tower, but I agree the U14S is a classic!

[@riba2233]

Wow this black a12s look sureal in black :D

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Yeah, it's pretty sweet. Looks better than the flat black of every other fan. Sort of has depth to it!

[@riba2233]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru yeah the texture looks really good in black. Now what will I do with 6 of my old A12s :D

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Surprise a customer by pre-installing them in a case? Or sell them of course!

[@riba2233]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru yeah I will have to think of something or just embrace the brown aesthetic :D

[@riba2233]

@ZIV haha sure XD

[@tronus98]

These do look pretty sharp! You sold me on the Phanteks t30 (works amazing on my open-case 360 deepcool aio/11700k combo) but they won't fit in all my builds. Got my Wonder Snails in finally for one of my builds as well (they do like to whine but this machine doesn't ever put them in that territory). Looks like I have to add a couple more fans to the collection.... a'hem... hoard. Oddly enough, I've been using a couple Corsair ml120 pros with the Noctua 140 to 120 adapters on my nr200/liquid freezer 280/5900x to pull air through the side panel... through the rad and finally, into the case where it can be ejected out the top. I find they work well in this super-restrictive use-case. I wonder how a couple of these Noctuas would hold up. The pressure rating is really high on those Corsairs and I think that's what's helping them a long. Unless that's all in an RPM range I'm not even using. That's when your comparisons come in handy but with all the great new fans, I don't really expect to see the ml120 pros on the roster these days. Would love to see a comparison for super congested fan situations though... but I'm also the same weirdo that wants to watch 40mm fan comparisons :)

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Love your passion for fans! Actually, a new version of the ML120s will show up in an upcoming review, but I'm not going to share too much about that yet! In terms of testing in super-restrictive environments, I think the only scenario where I'd do that would be to test slim fans. While you can fit regular fans in some ITX cases, the slim fans are particularly popular in that use case, and so it's where I'd give them a go. I'll be testing standard case fans in standard cases, because too many permutations will make me go batty! And yes, I do have three slim fan models on hand for testing, but that shootout has been pushed way down the road, maybe mid-2022 at this point!

[@tronus98]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru I definitely understand lol. The amount of combinations could get out of control fast. I'm looking forward to that slim fan testing. I have the Thermalrights 120 slims, Kaze Flex 120 slims, Noctua 120 slims, and one of those strange Rosewill 120 slim fans... I call that one the 200mm of slim fans lol. Yes I do love fans... I think you'd get a kick out of this particular fan, um... experiment? I call it "the lantern." Who needs side panels anyway?! www.reddit.com/r/sffpc/comments/q5ibus/had_to_try_it_everything_set_to_intake_and_much/

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Funny! I see from the comments that both fans are blowing in, and that probably makes sense given that the fan behind the motherboard can't do much but push air around a very tight space. Anyway, looks cool!

[@tronus98]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru Yep, both the CPU and side fan are set to intake... it sure helped that poor little 92mm back there quite a bit. It shut the GPU while it was at it. I'LL shutup now lol... Thanks for all the hard work. Looking forward to whatever comes next!

[@hellowill]

Damn you know Noctua well. Many of these larger channels forget their products now. E.g. LTT using NF-F12 over superior A12x25.

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

I do my best to keep up with fan tech!

[@leedaq7767]

been waiting for this cooler for while

[@Fistafandula]

Quick note: your first time stamp has a typo "if over." Looking forward to watching the rest.

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Thank you, fixed!

[@JayPandya]

Hello! My main concern is the noise. Which is much more compared to NH-D15S. I mean for a content creator like making gaming videos and such the fan will run at such high noise level and the microphone will catch the noise. I am super confused between NH-U12A CHROMAX and NH-D15S. I am not sure will the NH-D15S fit with my MOBO? (MSI MORTAR WIFI B660M WIFI), although I read the compatibility section on noctua about ram clearance and motherboard compatibility but still what do you think. I just want someone with experience to guide me. Please help me decide which one should I get.

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

I would get the NH-D15S. It will fit, and it is very quiet. You didn't mention which CPU you have, but that is part of the decision, because if you really need more cooling power, then you should get it, but assuming it's not a super-hot CPU, get the D15S: amzn.to/3vAJWL3 #ad

[@JayPandya]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru Thanks for the reply. I am getting NH-D15S as my cooler for i7-12700. Did a quiet extensive research on compatibility with all my parts and this is what I am going for. CPU: I7-12700 GPU: 3070TI PSU: 850RM CORSAIR Motherboard: MSI MORTAR B660 MORTAR WIFI Cooler: NH-D15S Chromax RAM: 3200 corsair vengeance LPX 16x2 Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow That's all. Thanks again for making this video helped me distinguish and select components properly. Also any budget friendly and decent RGB case fans you would like to recommend?

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Sounds good, and on a 12700 non-K, the D15S is more than sufficient. It's a great cooler. As for RGB case fans, if you want to stick with Corsair, the SP120 Elites are good and come in a 3-pack: amzn.to/3LGRilY #ad But since your 4000D Airflow case doesn't have any Corsair RGB fans in it, perhaps going with a different brand would be fine, and I'd recommend the Arctic P12 ARGB: amzn.to/3ybgfBW #ad Three of them are cheaper than the SP120 Elite 3-pack, and while they don't come with the Corsair's hardware controller for use with iCUE, they work with motherboard RGB software, which Corsair does not. Again, depends how committed you are the Corsair ecosystem.

[@profecesarmg4770]

The heat sink cover makes any difference in temps vs stock cooler?

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Definitely wondered the same thing, but I don't plan to test it at this point. The difference is probably too small to detect.

[@Yuu_Touko]

Sweet. Not gonna lie, i'm a Noctua fanboy. I have an NH-D15s and 8 their fans inside of my system right now. Definitely gonna upgrade to a new 140-mm fans when those arrive, but i'll also swap my NH-D15s for it's future successor. :)

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Nothing wrong with being a Noctua fanboy. You may pay $10-$20 extra, but that's nothing versus the cost of a full system. And you always get a quality product.

[@PapaMav]

Thank you Ari.

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

You're welcome!

[@jeffkuzzen]

doesnt the Zalman CNPS20X slightly outperform the D15 ?

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Interesting, I missed that. But from the looks of it, that cooler has not taken off despite the good review: amzn.to/3lXBWze It has barely any user reviews despite being a year old. I think the odd look probably has something to do with it. I used to be way into Zalman like 15 years ago when they were doing their wacky butterfly coolers (for CPUs AND GPUs), but now I don't think they're a major force, even if they got a good review on GN.

[@jeffkuzzen]

In all tests I've seen of the cnps20x, it outperforms the d15 with 1-3C. The weird look, the stupid name and the fact youre forced to use the stock fans, is probably the reason it never 'took off'. but yeah, there are several coolers now that equals the D15, like the deepcool assassin 3 and the dark rock pro4

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

I'll take your word for it that the CNPS20X is better... as for the DA3 and the DRP4, nope, they don't equal the D15. I tested the DRP4 and it was way behind, and while the DA3 can match the D15, it's much louder. Good dB-normalized testing (which is just starting to catch, something I'll take a bit of credit for) shows the D15 ahead.

[@jeffkuzzen]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru thats weird, theres many reviews out there saying the DRP4 is equal

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

I know, but it really isn't: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqiYooVtd8qHjqM

[@tabasumcarpentry5336]

Bro will the NH-U12A chromax which i already purchased. But have option to return and buy nh-d15 chromax. Is it good for 12700k ? My work is 3d modeling and rendering. Thank u

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

U12A is great. No reason to return for D15 on a 12700K.

[@ouki4925]

I have this on a 12900k... it gets between 60c to 70c in Cinebench R23 with 1.122 all-core voltage and 170w CPU package. The cooler is a bit overpriced but it performs great and comes with 1700 mount out of the box.

[@ShaneMcGrath.]

I am looking at buying this cooler, What does it get just in normal gaming?

[@ouki4925]

@@ShaneMcGrath. 40-50c in most titles (Three Kingdoms, Bannerlord, Cyberpunk 2077, etc...) My previous 5800x was doing 70c just for gaming lol!

[@tabasumcarpentry5336]

Hi bro how was the cooler performing with 12900k. I am planning to buy this 12A and pair with 12700k. Or go for the D15? My work is 3d modeling and rendering. Thanks

[@Darkred11]

@@tabasumcarpentry5336 I have the same dilemma between the two models! What did you end up buying?

[@tabasumcarpentry5336]

@@Darkred11 i buy thr NH-U12A And its running fine

[@swecreations]

Rip, going to miss that exposed hub, it was like a mark of quality, and made the fan look so much better. I also think this is too little, too late, if I'm buying fans it's going to be either Phanteks T30's or Arctic P12/P14's from now on. (Though the U12A is definitely in a league of its own, I don't know any cooler as good as it in the footprint it has).

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

The T30s have been extremely popular. In typical Phanteks fashion, they are unable to supply enough to meet demand, at least in the US. They are totally sold out here.

[@VAKK3R]

Hello Ari! I need advice, it's better to buy a noctua nh-d 15 chromax or nh-u12a chromax for ryzen 5800x? My case is fractal design meshify 2, fans 3x140mm front and 1x140mm rear. Is nh-d 15 much better in terms of performance? Btw i love your videos i wish you as many subs as possible because you are top. Greetings from Poland and sorry for my English, I'm still working on it.

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Welcome to the channel! I would say that for your case and your CPU, you should get the NH-D15 chromax, as it is more powerful than the U12A chromax, and usually less expensive. The only reason to get the U12A is if you have tall RAM (above ~40mm), as this will require lifting the front fan higher than I would recommend. Most RGB RAM will be too tall, for example, and the D15 will block the lighting too, which you may not want.

[@VAKK3R]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru Sure, thanks for the answer. In that case, I will buy nh-d15 chromax, on the Polish amazon it is 20% cheaper than nh-u12a. The black refreshed version of the nh-u12a is much more efficient than its predecessor? And of course, could you please reveal the date of your 120mm cooler test? I am very curious about the results.

[@XDaWsOnX2]

@@VAKK3R if you have a new gpu that’s big and thick. Mite want to stay away from the DH15. I bought it and my 6800xt tuff gaming won’t fit. The cooler sits too low in front of the PCIe slot. I went with this cooler he’s showing off now. It shows up Thursday.

[@VAKK3R]

@@XDaWsOnX2 Hi. Thanks for the advice. I also have rx6800xt but from gigabyte. A few days ago I got the nh-d15 chromax cooling and unfortunately it doesn't fit either. It's a pity because it's a really nice air cooling, especially with the na-hc4 heatsink covers that I ordered. Now I'm wondering about aio, I'm afraid of a leak, but this is probably the only solution. I am thinking of buying lian li galahad 360mm or fractal lumen s36 360mm, I would choose arctic liquid freezer but I don't like its appearance. What a misfortune that I didn't wait a few more days then I would read your comment and avoid problems.

[@XDaWsOnX2]

@@VAKK3R I sent mine back and got the NH-U12A. I’ll come back on Thursday and let you know the results. I have a 5800x and 5600x. Hoping it’ll cool the 5800x so I can return the 5600x. But if not I’m going to sell the 5800x and keep the 5600x

[@slikjmuzik]

Thanks man!! Love your reviews!! You've convinced me into so many things!! Next build will be in a Dark Base 500dx with this cooler on my 5900x, but with Kaze Flex fans ;) Also, how do you spell your name? Is it 'Ari'?

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Hey there, glad to hear you enjoy the content. That sounds like a great setup! Are you going to get the 500DX in black or white? I reviewed the white model, but I think this cooler would look good in an all-black build too (with all-black Scythe Kaze Flex Fans, of course!). Links to that gear: 500DX Black: amzn.to/2ZW7gpx NH-U12A Black: amzn.to/3GLooPr Kaze Flex Black: amzn.to/3EIz4g8 Since the case takes 140mm fans, you could potentially go with the grey Kaze Flex 140s, but honestly, what I'd do with this case is keep the be quiet fans in the top/rear, move the front fan to the other top slot, and put three black KF 120s in the front. That will provide an awesome upgrade without throwing anything away, and keeping everything blacked out. And yes, my name is Ari!

[@slikjmuzik]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru Awesome, always great advice!! I’ll be going with black for me and then I’m going to go with a white one for a build I’m doing for my gf and I’ll give her my old 3700x and my u12s that actually has a pair of 12x25’s in push/pull with white chromax corners and heatsink cover in order to somewhat suit the white case for her. I have some old a14’s that I’m going to swap the front with, but leave the dark rocks above for her as you suggested.

[@upspiral89]

The release of the chromax x25 fans made me hope that finally the 140 mm variant would be released, then Noctua shifted the release window again.... Let's hope at least Arctic releases their standalone P14 ARGB soon (and managed to fix the resonance)

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Thanks for heads up on Noctua's latest roadmap. Indeed the 140s have been pushed back another quarter. Not surprising. The Arctic P14 ARGB is coming soon, before the end of the year.

[@anonimatorweeb9238]

Can this cpu cooler fit in the nr200 ?)

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Some people say yes, but it's definitely above the official limit and likely will touch the side panel.

[@anonimatorweeb9238]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru I’m currently using the Noctua NH-U12S chromax black and it fits on the non glass panel nr200

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Well, the U12A is technically the same height as the U12S, so it will probably work - amzn.to/2ZzAE4w #ad

[@smuludgn]

Noctua, I respect all your work but my vote is for Phanteks t30...

[@francisb1]

dude, where’s muh 14x25

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

I discuss that in the video... coming early next year.

[@mts982]

is this the only job you have?

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

You mean KZbin? Most definitely not.

[@mts982]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru ok. im assuming youre into computers in some way, IT/computer builder/tech writer?

[@JoseSilva-wv2sh]

I order 3 of this fans and their gonna be deliver today, will see if the hype is real.

[@fVNzO]

Really don't like the new fan hub, the old one looked way better. I also wouldn't have minded having the fan blades gray/uncolored and a black frame, like on the T30. The textured blades just look good. They could've given us that fan 4 years ago as well. So overall, not impressed.

[@chaleowin7732]

once you go black...

[@DaleEarnhardtsSeatbelt]

Lmao as soon and the tough fan and t30s release. Then and only then do they scramble to get black models out. I can tell you what first one to 140mm gets my money

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Well, Thermaltake is already there: amzn.to/3B3WDO7 #ad And Noctua will probably be next.

[@DaleEarnhardtsSeatbelt]

@@TheTechBuyersGuru I realized I kinda worded that poorly. I am not interested in the TT TF14/12. The mid term reviews are pretty much accidental advertisement for noctua since the TT TF fans seem to fail alot. But I have my hopes on a T30x140. Especially if it's as good as the T30's. I really wanted the nf a12 25's in black but they came too late. I was also thinking it's pretty funny timing. I can't prove the competition "forced their hand" but the release was convenient and right in time. Who knows I change it up enough. Maybe I'll pick some up anyway. Noctua are so solid and smooth. I really enjoy your content and find it quite entertaining. Keep it up. Great work!

[@TheTechBuyersGuru]

Glad you enjoy the content! My guess is that it could be a while on the T30 140mm fans. The 120mm fans were in development for years according to Phanteks, and they probably didn't plan ahead with the 140mm. We can always hope though!

[@francobaleani5973]

I dont like the "nipple" on the center of the fan

[@cherrytofu8939]

1:56 sus

[@MalachiEleanore-s1t]

Rodriguez Steven Brown Charles Smith James