CONCLUSION

   Although my very first encounter with Noctua was back in 2007 I am still amazed by their products not only because of their superior build quality (always compared to everything else in the CPU air cooler and fan markets) and high-performance levels but also because of their very low noise levels. Still I wasn’t really prepared for the NH-U12A not only due to the industrial grade and nearly inaudible NF-A12x25 fans but also because it clearly surpassed every other CPU air cooler we’ve tested to date on our LGA2011 test rig (including the NH-D15S model although those results are well within the margin of error). For good or bad Noctua hasn’t made any changes to the color scheme of their products (although they have released black and grey fans and accessories) and that is without doubt one of the two drawbacks of the NH-U12A (second to price that is).

   High cooling efficiency, low noise levels and superior build quality don’t come cheap and that has always been the case with products manufactured by Noctua. Well as expected the brand-new NH-U12A is no exception and so it currently retails for USD99.90 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 99.90Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which rivals that of the previously released NH-D1XX models. That being said things are actually very simple so if you’re looking to get your hands on one of the best CPU air coolers currently in the market (probably the best) look no further than the NH-U12A by Noctua and that statement alone explains why it gets our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- New Design (Zero Clearance Issues / Increased Surface Area)
- Superior Cooling Efficiency (Top CPU Air Cooler in Our Charts)
- Two 120mm PWM Fans in Push & Pull
- Noise Levels
- Easy Installation
- Bundle

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Color Scheme (For Some)