Compare: Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition vs NH-D12L

Design and Aesthetics:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

The Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition is a popular air cooler from Cooler Master designed for mainstream CPUs. As an upgrade from the original Hyper 212 EVO, it features several improvements in both aesthetics and performance.

The RGB element of the cooler is the 120mm fan, which comes with customizable RGB lighting. This allows you to personalize the lighting effects and colors to match your PC's overall theme, adding a touch of flair to your build.

NH-D12L

The NH-D12L features a dual-tower design with two moderate aluminum heatsinks and a single Noctua 120mm NF-A12x25r PWM fan. The cooler's design allows for superior heat dissipation, making it capable of handling even the most demanding processors. Aesthetically, the NH-D12L maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, reflecting the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

Install Notes:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

One of the biggest downsides of this cooler is the installation process. It's pretty tedious, similar to other CoolerMaster cooler installations. There are many parts that can be difficult to piece together, and figuring out how the various attachments connect with the cooler can be challenging. So, with this cooler, you're pretty much asking for a puzzle during the installation process.

NH-D12L

The NH-C14S features Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets and offering a straightforward installation process, typical of Noctua coolers. Clear instructions, high-quality components, and a tube of their premium NT-H1 thermal compound make it an easy and user-friendly experience, even for beginners. The cooler uses the original AMD backplate for AMD installations. However, one downside is that the cooler may stick to your CPU, and due to the screw setup, you can't slide the cooler off the CPU like with some other brands. Overall, the NH-C14S offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

Cooling Performance:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

he Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition has a quad heat pipe design with direct contact technology, which helps improve its cooling efficiency. The cooler is capable of handling most mainstream CPUs, making it suitable for everyday tasks, gaming, and some overclocking. However, it might not be the best choice for extreme overclocking or high-end CPUs with high TDPs, as there are more powerful coolers available for those purposes.

NH-D12L

The NH-D12L delivers impressive performance, thanks to its five heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin arrays of the heatsinks. However, this cooler primarily emphasizes quiet operation, which may limit its cooling capabilities for high-end models with high TDPs that demand more robust cooling solutions.

Noise Performance:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

In terms of noise, this cooler has a slightly above average noise profile. That means it's a bit louder than some other coolers on the market. If you're sensitive to noise or want a quieter PC setup, you might want to look for a different cooler with a better noise profile.

NH-D12L

One of the standout features of the NH-D12L is its quiet operation. The included 120mm NF-A12x25r PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-D12L is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

Summary:

Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

The Hyper 212 EVO V2 cooler has its pros and cons. It's got a cool design with RGB lighting, but its performance, noise, and installation are not the best. There are other options available that offer a similar look and feel with better metrics, like the DeepCool AG400 BK. So, before making your decision, consider your priorities and whether the cool design is worth the trade-offs in performance, noise, and installation.

NH-D12L

The Noctua NH-D12L is a top-tier air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its dual-tower design and exceptional build quality make it a top choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for moderate-performance systems.