Compare: NH-U12A chromax.Black vs AXP90-X47 Full Copper

Design and Aesthetics:

NH-U12A chromax.Black

The NH-U12A chromax.Black features a single-tower design with a slim aluminum heatsink and a pair of 120mm NF-A12x25 PWM fans. This design allows for efficient heat dissipation, making it capable of handling demanding processors. Aesthetically, the NH-U12A chromax.Black adopts a black color scheme, providing a sleek and modern appearance that complements various build themes.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

This cooler features a sleek, low-profile design, making it an excellent choice for compact builds where space is a priority. Its copper construction not only enhances thermal performance but also adds a distinctive look that stands out in any setup.

Install Notes:

NH-U12A chromax.Black

The NH-U12A 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-U12A offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

Installing this cooler is more involved than a standard cooler due to its low-profile design, which requires it to be screwed in from behind rather than from the top, as is common with most coolers. While the installation is relatively easy if the motherboard is not yet secured in the case, it can be challenging if you attempt to install it with the motherboard already mounted. Additionally, the cooler's brackets are attached via screws that need to be removed and swapped depending on the CPU you're using.

Cooling Performance:

NH-U12A chromax.Black

The performance of the NH-U12A is exceptional due to its seven heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. It is suitable for a wide range of processors, including high-end models with high TDPs. The cooler can handle high levels of overclocking and provides reliable cooling under demanding situations, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

Given its compact size, it’s no surprise that this cooler won’t top the charts in cooling performance. However, it delivers impressive efficiency for its form factor, outperforming stock coolers of similar size.

Noise Performance:

NH-U12A chromax.Black

One of the standout features of the NH-U12A is its quiet operation. The two included 120mm NF-A12x25 PWM fans are designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-U12A is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

With its high-speed 2700 RPM single fan, this cooler has the potential to produce higher noise levels than typical models. However, given its compact size, it's expected to become audible when delivering high-performance cooling.

Summary:

NH-U12A chromax.Black

Overall, the Noctua NH-U12A is a high-performance air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its single-tower design and exceptional build quality make it a top choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for high-performance systems.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

This cooler’s sleek, low-profile design makes it an excellent choice for compact builds where space is a priority. Its copper construction enhances thermal performance while adding a distinctive look to any setup. While it won’t compete with larger coolers in raw cooling power, it outperforms stock coolers of similar size. The high-speed 2700 RPM fan can produce noticeable noise under heavy loads, which is expected given its compact form factor. Installation is more involved than standard coolers, requiring mounting from behind rather than from the top, making it easier to install before securing the motherboard in the case. Additionally, its brackets must be swapped depending on the CPU, adding an extra step to the process.