CONCLUSION

   After testing the NH-U12S and the NH-U14S it's quite obvious that Noctua has finally accepted the fact that in order to make an omelet you need to break some eggs and so both solutions feature faster 120/150mm fans that what we've gotten used by them so far (1500RM vs the usual 1200/1300RPM). Of course that's not a bad thing since we all know that Noctua fans have plenty of headroom when it comes to RPM/dBA so i was glad to see that they are finally increasing RPM to squeeze even better performance numbers out of their coolers. Our results clearly show that this is working since the NH-U14S managed to surpass the NiC C5 while the NH-U12S came really close to the massive NH-D14 (makes me wonder just how well the NH-D14 would perform with two or even three NF-A15 fans on it). One of the perks of using a single fan is reduced noise levels and so although both fans rotate at 1500RPM neither crossed the 47dBA mark and so most people shouldn't have a problem even at high loads.

   We all know (or at least most of us do) that because of their superior build quality and performance Noctua CPU Air Coolers don't really come very cheap and so currently the NH-U12S retails for USD69.95 inside the USA (Purchase Directly from Amazon.com) and for around 62Euros inside the EU (Purchase Directly from Amazon.co.uk). The NH-14S is naturally more expensive and retails for USD79.95 inside the USA (Purchase Directly from Amazon.com) and at around 75Euros inside the EU (Purchase Directly from Amazon.co.uk). True there are less expensive solutions out there (and much more expensive ones) but you just can't find the same level of performance and quality as the one offered by Noctua and since the latest NH-U12S and NH-U14S CPU Air Coolers excel at both while at the same time offer zero clearance issues with RAM modules they both walk away with our Platinum awards.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Size (no RAM Clearance Issues)
- Excellent Performance (Especially For The NH-U14S)
- Dual Fan Solutions
- Socket Compatibility
- Bundle
- 6 Years Warranty

CONS

- Price (For Some)