Noctua
NH-U12S Redux
Best quiet air cooler for mainstream PC builders.
Elevate your system's cooling with the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. This high-performance CPU cooler combines the proven NH-U12S design with the efficient NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM fan for exceptional thermal dissipation and reliability. Engineered for quiet operation and robust performance, it ensures your CPU remains cool even under heavy loads. With extensive compatibility for the latest Intel LGA1700, 1200, 115x, 1851 sockets and AMD AM5, AM4 platforms, the NH-U12S Redux offers a dependable cooling solution for a wide range of builds.
$59.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
152
/ 3595
#152 in Computer System Cooling Parts
Price vs Category Average
-60%
Below average
Model
12
/ NH-US redux
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious builders seeking premium cooling performance
- Users with compact builds or tall RAM modules
- System builders prioritizing long-term reliability and easy installation
Who should skip it
- Power users pushing high-TDP processors to extreme limits
- Audiophiles demanding the absolute quietest fan technology
- Enthusiasts wanting a complete accessory kit out of the box
Performance breakdown
Thermal Dissipation
Efficient heat transfer keeps high-end processors stable under demanding workloads.
Acoustic Profile
The NF-P12 fan maintains near-silent operation even at higher RPMs.
Socket Versatility
Broad compatibility covers nearly all modern Intel and AMD desktop platforms.
Installation Simplicity
The mounting system is intuitive and requires minimal effort for assembly.
Build Integrity
Robust construction ensures long-term reliability for your primary workstation.
PWM Responsiveness
Precise fan speed control allows for seamless thermal management adjustments.
Key Specs
Model
NH-U12S redux
Fan
NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM 120mm
Maximum Fan Speed
1700 RPM
Intel Sockets
LGA1200, LGA115x, LGA1700, LGA1851
AMD Sockets
AM5, AM4
Cooling Type
Air Cooler
Power Connector
4-pin PWM
Radiator Size
120mm
Features
- Superior air cooling performance
- Includes 120mm PWM fan
- Optimized Redux design
- Broad socket compatibility
- Reliable thermal management
- PWM fan speed control
- Quiet and efficient operation
What customers say
Customers highly value the Noctua NH-U12S Redux for its exceptional balance of cooling performance and whisper quiet operation at an accessible price. Its compact single tower design ensures broad compatibility across many PC builds and memory modules. Users consistently praise the straightforward and secure SecuFirm2 mounting system, making installation easy even for new builders. While the aesthetic is utilitarian grey, the cooler delivers quintessential Noctua quality and efficiency. It is widely regarded as a significant and highly competitive upgrade over stock cooling solutions, offering impressive effectiveness for its mid-range segment.
Know before you buy
Yes, the cooler includes all necessary mounting hardware for Intel LGA1700, 1851, 1200, and 115x sockets, as well as AMD AM5 and AM4 platforms.
The NH-U12S Redux is designed for quiet operation. While the NF-P12 fan can reach 1700 RPM under heavy loads, its PWM control allows it to run at much lower, near-silent speeds during light tasks.
No, the NH-U12S Redux does not include any RGB lighting. It features a classic, industrial aesthetic focused entirely on thermal performance rather than visual customization.
Yes, the heatsink design supports a second 120mm fan. You will need to purchase an additional fan and the appropriate mounting clips separately if you wish to increase airflow further.
The NH-U12S Redux features a slim 120mm design that offers excellent RAM and PCIe compatibility. It is designed to fit most standard mid-tower cases, but you should verify your case's maximum CPU cooler height clearance before purchasing.
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