CONCLUSION

   If you don't have a limited budget and you are looking for the best possible low-profile CPU Cooler currently in the market (with low noise levels) then the NH-C14 launched over a year ago by Noctua is still the best and a better overall choice than even the latest NH-L12 we tested today. On the other hand the NH-L12 is indeed smaller, costs less and performs extremely well (for a low-profile CPU Cooler) since even under heavy load it managed to keep the temperature of our overclocked Core i7 3930k in very acceptable levels. Still although i really doubt people will use that kind of CPU for HTPC use even if they do they can skip the overclocking part to ensure low temperatures (especially during hot days) although watching a movie or playing a game is nowhere close to stressing a CPU using our methodology.

   Noctua is amongst the very few companies that focus not only in the best possible performance but also the highest possible build quality and that's why their solutions are usually more expensive than others. The pricing of the NH-L12 however is actually quite aggressive and so it currently retails for around USD55 inside the USA and 60Euros inside the EU. Certainly that amount of money may seem as a bit high to some people but let's face it, most people will opt for a low level after market CPU Cooler with slightly better performance and lower noise levels than the stock cooler so yes the NH-L12 is not ment for everyone out there. However if you want a medium size low-profile CPU Cooler with very good cooling efficiency and low noise levels then the NH-L12 might just be what you're looking for and that's also why it gets our Golden award.

 PROS

- Build Quality
- Performance
- Dual Fan Solution (Push&Pull)
- Low-Profile
- Low Noise Levels
- Size (Compared To The NH-C14)
- Price (For Some) 

CONS

- Not the Best Cooling Efficiency (The NH-C14 Is Still At The Top)