Compare: NH-D12L vs AS500 Plus

Design and Aesthetics:

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.

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 Plus features a sleek and minimalist design with a large aluminum heatsink, an eye-catching black finish, and a top cover with customizable RGB lighting. The AS500 Plus comes with two 140mm PWM fans that provide efficient heat dissipation and a striking appearance.

Install Notes:

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.

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 Plus features a mounting system compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, and as of 2023, it employs DeepCool's more modern installation designs. These designs include additional components for an easier installation process. The backplates are secured by single hand-screwed nuts that also serve to hold the mount from the other side, simplifying the backplate placement during installation. Comprehensive instructions and high-quality components make the process user-friendly and straightforward. The remaining part of the installation resembles Noctua's typical installation, which is easy to execute but may pose challenges during uninstallation if the thermal paste adheres well to the CPU.

Cooling Performance:

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.

AS500 Plus

The AS500 Plus has five heat pipes that effectively transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. The dual 140mm PWM fans deliver optimal airflow and cooling performance while maintaining low noise levels, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of processors, including high-end models with high TDPs.

Noise Performance:

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.

AS500 Plus

The Deepcool AS500 plus is a louder than average cooler. The two included 140mm fans are designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Although, this cooler can be louder than some other coolers of similar size, the relative cooling makes this cooler a contender for your setup.

Summary:

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.

AS500 Plus

Deepcool AS500 Plus is a high-performance air cooler that provides excellent cooling capabilities, quiet operation, and a visually appealing design. Its customizable RGB lighting and compatibility with a wide range of processors make it a popular choice for PC enthusiasts seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their systems.