All the current-era games and software are heavy. Therefore, the computer elements we used to tackle are speedy and use good power to run those applications. In the process, it produces a lot of heat that increases the temperature and affects the overclocking and performance. The CPU or processor acts as the central brain among the computer components, and its lag can disturb the system’s overall efficiency. But the best Noctua CPU cooler can help the chip run at an optimal pace. Noctua is as famous in the cooling market as AMD and Intel are in the CPU market. It has been in the field for years, with a significant market share.
In addition, the most famous aspect of this brand is that it manufactures high-quality products at a reasonable price. So, the Noctua coolers must be your priority if you want to purchase a CPU cooler. In reality, there are so many coolers in the market from tens of brands that users often need clarification regarding choosing one. Moreover, several new technologies and terminologies are becoming a part of the field, further increasing the hardship over time. That’s why we have written this article to help people make the right decision. We tested tens of coolers but selected only eight since they performed impressively. Let’s explore!
Quick Shopping Tips
What type of cooler do you really need? The most famous types of cooling systems are air-based and liquid. Air-based uses fans to move hot air away from the system. In contrast, liquids-based or AIO coolers use some liquids like water to do this–these liquids are compressed at higher pressure to remove the heat. An AIO is way more effective than an air-based one but is more expensive. If you can work out with an air-based one, then it’s okay, but I prefer an AIO cooler.
Socket compatibility: Sometimes, you buy a cooler but can’t connect to your motherboard because it has an incompatible socket. This seems like a wasted purchase. As such, we have added this factor as number one, looking into its importance. To ensure everything goes well, you must check the motherboard’s socket and match that with the socket given in the CPU cooler.
Form factor: We recommend checking your cooler’s compatibility before ordering. The RAMs with RGB lighting or those equipped with a heatsink on top tend to have high-profile modules and cannot fit into most air-based coolers properly. So, make sure yours can be installed correctly. To mark this factor check, accurately visualize the cooler size and match it with the memory modules and other elements connected to the system.
Is it enough? This factor is the most important one in this guide. There is a particular processor’s TDP value, and it’s the power consumption that can occur when operating at peak levels. In contrast, a CPU cooler’s maximum heat production indicates how much it could handle during those times and manage by its design. The rule of thumb is that the cooler’s TDP must be equal to or lesser than the processor’s value.
Noise: Pay attention to your PC’s noise when building it. You don’t want loud noises from its cooling system interrupting when you’re playing games or doing professional work. So, if possible, try to have a cooler with a maximum of 30dB noise level. Anything about this level will distract you from your actual work. It may affect your productivity which is something nobody likes.
Why should you trust us?
At GamingDairy, one thing that we know better than anything else is that transparency is key. We’re entirely focused on truthful knowledge in every experiment we conduct, every bit of information we collect, or interview some tech industry experts. Although we reviewed several tech products from tens of brands, we try our best to showcase whether those marketing lines are genuine or just a rumor. Therefore, presenting practical experience regarding any product is our priority.
We test processors, graphics cards, motherboards, RAM kits, CPU coolers, laptops, and other PC peripherals to ensure that every tech enthusiast gets what he needs. No brand can buy our recommendations. Instead, we have a team of expert testers and reviewers whose duties are to practically test every item that we get from the brands or purchase from the market and test to prove its validity and utility. In addition, we also mention the ideal users’ spot for every item, along with all possible pros and cons.
Moreover, we don’t forget modern inventions too. This is why we have created a separate news category to ensure that the readers are up-to-date with everything happening in the tech field. Suppose you’re a guy who is related to the tech field and wants to know everything before creating their next computer. In such a case, you must scroll to the latest news to carry on things. We also know that everybody often faces some issues with their computing machines. All types of guides are on this platform.
As I mentioned, we test all types of PC components and peripherals to give the users some truthful information. You can see the same thing in this article. We tested several but reviewed a few perfect products that met our standards. If you want a high-end CPU Cooler with all the current-era features, we have the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax black for you. On the other hand, you can go for the Noctua NH-U14S, which is a satisfying staff choice. But the Noctua NH-U12A is for budget-conscious users.
The Best Noctua CPU cooler You Can Buy Today
Noctua NH-D15 Chromax black
Best Noctua CPU cooler for overclocking
REASONS TO BUY
✓Wide range of socket compatibility
✓Dual-tower design
✓Six copper-made heat sinks
✓Noise reduction up to 19.2dB
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Maybe pricier for some uses
✗Unsuitable for some RAM kits in dual-fan mode
Finally, we have the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black on this list which has a robust set of advanced technologies. It stands toe-to-toe against several AIOs in terms of performance, and even if it doesn’t beat them, it can reach almost the same level. You can use this best Noctua CPU cooler either in one-fan mode or shift that to a dual-fan mode depending upon what you have and what you need. Remember that it has 32mm clearance for RAM modules in dual-fan mode and 64mm in single-fan mode.
The cooler features dual NF-A15 140mm fans fitted on a structure with sophisticated airflow and aerodynamics. These can run with a 1200 to 1500 rpm speed while producing a 24.4 dB noise. Interestingly, when we put the low-noise adaptors in their place, the rated noise is reduced to only 19.2 dB which is barely hearable. Also, these PWM-powered fans further stabilized the noise level since they can automatically adjust their speeds according to the situation.
You can use the SecuFirm 2 multi-socket mounting system to fit the cooler at its specified location without taking much time. Performance-wise, for all the users who take their CPU’s performance to the next level, this is the best Noctua CPU cooler for overclocking and a perfect fit for you. Most importantly, this cooler has a black coated heatsink, black fans, anti-vibration pads, black fan clips, and black mounting pads to perfectly match black systems.
Noctua NH-U14S
Best Noctua CPU cooler for ATX cases
REASONS TO BUY
✓Excellent cooling performance
✓Operates silently
✓Extremely effective
✓Slim body
✓Compatible with all the kits
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Unattractive color combination
We have already seen some of the masterpieces, NH-U12A and NH-U12S, from Noctua’s famous U-series. They were great in terms of impressive performance and value. To keep up things further, the Noctua NH-U14S is here. It shares several characteristics with the NH-U14 but has some exceptions as well. It’s the 14cm single-tower version with several victory titles and recommendations from past buyers. This cooler is for you if you want a compact, high-quality cooler with impressive thermal management.
Its structure contains an NF-A15 140mm fan supplied with the NH-U14S PWM support so the fan can vary its speed automatically. In addition, the fan speed can automatically vary between 1200 to 1500 rpm according to the temperature conditions. The cooler features a round frame following the brand’s AAO standard, intelligently designed aerodynamics, and low noise level with the help of low-noise adaptors. Moreover, there is an NT-H1 thermal compound to speed up the process of heat dissipation.
Another good reason to buy this item is its 52mm slim-shaped body that allows all the RAM modules to sit below correctly. On top of that, the pro-grade SecuFirm 2 multi-socket mounting system enables this best Noctua CPU cooler for ATX cases to be compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets like AM4 and LGA2011/LGA2066. As I mentioned, it’s a single-fan cooler, but you can connect another fan as well with anti-vibration pads and given fan clips.
Noctua NH-U12A
Best value Noctua CPU cooler
REASONS TO BUY
✓Wide-range socket compatibility
✓Anti-vibration pads
✓Provides the best value
✓140mm performance in 120mm size
✓Improved thermal performance
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Beige and brown color scheme
The first product on this list is the Noctua NH-12A which is one of the four CPU coolers in the 5th generation NH-12 series. We have compared it with the other products in the series and the market in terms of performance and price. Well, it wins the title of the best value Noctua CPU cooler with its jaw-dropping cooling efficiency at a pretty reasonable price. In addition, if we compare it with its brothers from the stack, this one has more features, higher speeds, and is an all-rounder cooling solution.
Comparing its structure, the brand has embedded a pair of industrial-grade PWM-based 120mm fans that can rotate at a speed of 2000 rpm. Interestingly, it has only a 22.6 dB rated noise level, and you won’t even be able to hear it. It has seven heat pipes, a premium-grade soldered interface, and a rugged build to be with us for a long time. If you love to build a black system, there might be some bad news for you–-it has a sort of unattractive beige and brown color combination.
Remember, there is a factor in the buying guide section regarding socket compatibility. Well, this one uses a wide range of socket compatibility, including AM4 and AM3 for AMD and several Intel LGA sockets to connect. Overall, it has all the required features and specifications to cool the chip effectively and be the best Noctua CPU cooler. Moreover, its 100% RAM compatibility feature allows the cooler to sit properly on possibly all types of RAM modules without causing any trouble.
Noctua NH-U12S
Best Air-based Noctua CPU cooler
REASONS TO BUY
✓Wide-range socket compatibility
✓Anti-vibration pads
✓A second fan can be added
✓Provides the best value
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Beige and brown color scheme
Noctua is known for launching matchless products and its NH-U12S stipulates the same brand’s specialty with a lot of customization options. It’s a top-quality 12cm version from the brand’s advanced and classic U-series cooler stack. Since it’s a single-tower air-based CPU cooler, it has only one fan to fulfill the basic users’ needs. If you need something more than just a one-fan format, you can utilize the given fan clip and the extra set of custom anti-vibration pads to assemble another fan.
If we unfold it inside out, it has the same 120mm NF-F12 Focused Flow fans that we have seen in many of the brand’s famous cooling kits. In addition, the fan can automatically vary its speed between 1200 and 1500 rpm with PWM support. The low-noise adaptors play a key role to reduce overall operational noise and other sounds. Overall, it’s the best air-based Noctua CPU cooler with superb static pressure stability, low noise, and impressive build quality.
As far as quality matters, the cooler is submerged in nickel plating, cleanly soldered joints, tough build, and the brand’s NT-H1 thermal compound. If we look at its form factor ratio, it can accommodate a wide range of high-profile RAM sticks without causing any issues. On top of that, the SecuFirm 2 mounting system enables us to easily fit it into the system. Sadly, it comes with the same beige and brown color scheme as the Noctua NH-12A, which may be a good thing for you but not for me.
Noctua NH-L9i Chromax black
Best compact Noctua CPU cooler
REASONS TO BUY
✓Highly compact
✓Easy to install
✓Excellent performance
✓Thermal paste included
✓Quiet operations
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Incompatible with Intel’s 65+ TDP chips
✗Price
At the end of the post, we have this awesome Noctua NH-L9i chromax-black, an updated all-black version of the brand’s original NH-L9i. The most impressive aspect of this card is its crazy 37mm profile height. This is why we call it the best compact Noctua CPU cooler, with the smallest height of all the others given on this list and only a 95mm footprint diameter. No doubt that it’s the perfect match for SSF and HTPC builds with a mini-ITX motherboard.
If we check the cooler’s inside structure, there is one NF-A9x14 fan id given with PWM support. In addition, it can automatically vary its speed like the other PWM fans to effectively tackle the temperature without causing much noise. Remember, the fan can run at any speed between 2500 to 1800rpm, and the given low-noise adaptors make the setup nearly silent even in full-speed conditions. Moreover, the NT-H1 thermal compound is used in this cooler, a pro-grade TIM solution to boost heat dissipation.
As far as compatibility matters, the smaller height can make the 100% RAM compatibility statement true, plus SecuFirm2 mounting provides a wide range of socket connections. Since it’s a chromax.black version, every given component in this cooler is black–slim 23mm heatsink is black along with black heat pipes and a black fan. Interestingly, the NH-L9i’2 fins are soldered with heat pipes, so they don’t lose their thermal performance with time. Overall, it’s the best Noctua CPU cooler, with almost every feature you may need for cooling.
Noctua NH-D15
Best overall Noctua CPU cooler
REASONS TO BUY
✓SecuFirm2 mounting system
✓Two Low-Noise Adaptors
✓PWM support
✓NT-H1 thermal compound included
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No RGB
✗Talle
The Noctua NH-15 is another impressive air-based cooler based on the previous-generation NH-D14, which is quite well-known among enthusiasts. It perfectly combines sound-less operations, flagship features, and adequate cooling performance. It’s obvious that an air-based cooler can’t provide cooling efficiency as the AIOs. Still, this one can give almost the same performance. It becomes the best overall Noctua CPU cooler with incredible thermal efficiency.
Two 140mm high-class fans in its build can move with a 1500 rpm speed and produce 24.6 dB maximum noise. In addition, a pair of low-noise adaptors is given to prevent noise from coming out of the system. A well-designed aerodynamic layout combines high-quality built material to ensure durability and effective heat dissipation. Besides that, the brand has used nickel plating, properly soldered joints, copper-made base, heat pipes, and aluminum fan fins to support the functionalities.
It has the SecuFirm 2 mounting system that enables us to connect it easily with a wide range of sockets, including AMD’s AM4 and AM3, plus most of Intel’s LGA sockets. However, there are some downsides to this cooler as well. Its 165mm with-fan height and 150mm width can cause fitting issues with the taller RAM modules. To solve this issue, you need memory sticks with smaller diffusers or without RGB lighting. Other than that, we found it relatively healthy in cooling.
Noctua NH-C14S
Best Noctua CPU cooler for airflow
REASONS TO BUY
✓Outstanding performance
✓Build quality
✓Operated quietly
✓Easy to install
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Appealing color combination
I’m very excited to review the Noctua NH-C14S because of its unique design compared to the other cooler on this list. It’s the successor of the award-winning NH-C14. It has an elite-class C-shaped top-flow design rather than the conventional top-flow design. Such a design enables us to use a variety of cooling mechanisms and orientations. When you install the fan on the top, it provides a 70mm height for the RAM module that can go up to 115mm if you place the fan underneath the fins.
Well, this feature allows us to connect a wide range of all types of RAM sticks, making it suitable to use in HTPC cases. It uses an NF-A14 140mm PWM fan that can automatically control its speed according to the load and temperature. The fan’s speed varies from 1200 rpm to 1500 rpm, and we can use low-noise adaptors to perform quieter operations. Its impactful aerodynamics makes it the best Noctua CPU cooler for airflow and the best in terms of thermal performance.
Some other impactful features include the NT-H1 thermal compound and a pro-grade SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, like most of the coolers on this list. Most of the cooler’s structure has a shiny silver color, with a fan having a beige and brown color combination. In addition, six nickel-plated heat pipes are sitting between the copper base and aluminum top. Overall, the NH-C14S is an excellent cooler breaking the conventional design trends and setting a whole new record in thermal management.
Noctua NH-U9S Chromax black
Best Noctua CPU cooler for ITX cases
REASONS TO BUY
✓Good performance
✓Eye-catching all-black look
✓Easy installation
✓Quiet operations
✓No clearance issues
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Price
Noctua has uncovered two coolers in the chromax.black series. One of them is the NH-U9S chromax.black, which is a black edition of the famous MH-U9S cooler. The original and black versions of the cards share several features but with different color combinations. So, it is another version of the NH-U9S with a more neutral look and the same fantastic performance. It’s the best Noctua cooler for ITX cases because of its compact size and 100% RAM compatibility.
It features a 92mm compact heat sink design and an NF-A9 PWM fan. No doubt, it’s a successful mixture of strong cooling performance without turning a normal situation into a noisy one and great RAM and PCIe compatibility. The fan’s speed varies from 1550 rpm to 2000 rpm while producing a maximum of 22.8 dB noise that reduces to 16.3 dB after applying low noise adaptors. Since it carries the SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, its installation is effortless.
Some other reasons to buy this cooler are the high-grade NT-H1 thermal compound and a straight 6-year manufacturing warranty. Its design is famous among enthusiasts, so let’s look at it. You will get a black fan, a black heatsink, five 6mm black copper-made heat pipes, and every other component in black color. Structure-wise, the heatsink has 44 aluminum fins along with three small columns with V-shape notches on the cooler’s sides to enhance the airflow.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your computer cool and fast, then the best Noctua CPU cooler is what you need. The brand has been around for years with an impressive track record of providing high-quality products at reasonable prices, which makes it one choice that should not be overlooked by any means possible. Since there are so many options in the market, it has become hard to select one. Moreover, with time, new technologies and terminologies are becoming a part of this field, further increasing confusion.
That’s why we have written this post to help our users make the best decision regarding a cooler. You must read the buying guide section to understand all the technologies, terminologies, required features, and important specifications before going to market. Moreover, there are eight different Noctua CPU coolers in this, along with their in-detailed reviews and pros and cons. Remember, there are some chromax.black variants that are only different because of their all-black look than the original versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best air-based cooler?
Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is a great air-based CPU cooler for all types of processors and RAM kits. The brand has done a great job to design this compact masterpiece with excellent thermal management and quiet operations. In addition, thermal paste is there to enhance heat dissipation.
Do I need a cooler for my CPU?
A short answer to this question is yes. The CPU acts as the main brain and its lag can disturb the system’s overall efficiencies. If there is a high-quality processor in the system, it may produce heat under full-load conditions. But an excellent CPU cooler can help it run at an optimal pace.
What is the best Noctua cooler?
The Noctua NH-15 is a well-known CPU cooler among enthusiasts with record-breaking air-based cooling performance. It uses SecuFirm2 mounting system to connect a wide range of sockets without producing much noise due to a pair of low-noise adaptors. In addition, the NT-H1 thermal compound further enhances the heat dissipation.
