NOCTUA NH-L12S Single Tower CPU Air Cooler (Black)

The Noctua NH-L12S is a low-profile single-tower CPU air cooler engineered specifically for Small Form Factor (SFF) and HTPC builds where vertical clearance is at a premium. Succeeding the NH-L12, this model replaces the older 92mm fan with a slimmer NF-A12x15 PWM 120mm fan, enabling quieter operation without increasing the overall footprint. One of the NH-L12S’s standout design choices is its dual-mode fan placement. In low-profile mode, the fan mounts beneath the heatsink fins, keeping the total assembly height at just 70mm — a figure that makes it compatible with a wide range of compact chassis. In high-clearance mode, the fan sits on top of the fins, allowing RAM modules of up to 48mm in height to be installed without interference. This flexibility makes the NH-L12S a practical choice for builders working within tight case constraints or pairing high-profile memory kits. The cooler ships with Noctua’s SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, which supports an extensive range of Intel and AMD platforms including LGA1200, LGA1150/1151/1155/1156, LGA2011 (Square ILM), LGA2066, and AMD AM2 through AM4, FM1, FM2, and FM2+. LGA1700 support is included with units shipped since Q4 2021; older units require the separately available NM-i17xx-MP78 mounting kit. Noctua’s NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound and a Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.) are included in the box, along with a SecuFirm2 mounting kit and a Noctua metal case badge. Important note: The NH-L12S is designed for stock-speed operation and should be used with care on CPUs exceeding 95W TDP. It is not recommended for overclocking use cases. Always consult Noctua’s CPU compatibility list before purchasing. Verified Specifications: – Cooler height (with fan, low-profile mode): 70 mm – Cooler width (with fan): 128 mm – Cooler depth (with fan): 146 mm – Weight without fan: 390 g | Weight with fan: 520 g – Heatsink material: Copper base and heat-pipes, aluminium fins, soldered joints, nickel plating – Included fan: Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM (120 x 120 x 15 mm) – Fan bearing: SSO2 – Max fan speed: 1,850 RPM (±10%) | With L.N.A.: 1,400 RPM – Min fan speed (PWM): 450 RPM (±20%) – Max airflow: 94.2 m³/h | With L.N.A.: 70.8 m³/h – Max acoustical noise: 23.9 dB(A) | With L.N.A.: 16.8 dB(A) – Fan input power: 1.56 W | Voltage: 12 V – Fan MTTF: >150,000 hours – Fan compatibility (aftermarket): 120×120×15 mm and 120×120×25 mm – Warranty: 6 years (manufacturer)