Compare: NH-U12S chromax.Black vs Wraith Prism

Design and Aesthetics:

NH-U12S chromax.Black

The NH-U12S chromax.Black features a single-tower design with a slim aluminum heatsink and a single 120mm NF-F12 PWM fan. This design ensures efficient heat dissipation while maintaining compatibility with various system configurations, including those with tall RAM modules. Aesthetically, the NH-U12S chromax.Black adopts a black color scheme, providing a sleek and modern appearance that complements various build themes.

Wraith Prism

The Wraith Prism cooler, although not the best at keeping things cool and quiet, does a good job for the CPUs that it comes bundled with. It showcases a stunning design featuring customizable RGB lighting, adding a touch of personalization to your PC build. Its well-crafted, slim construction ensures compatibility with a variety of cases, including those with limited height clearance.

Install Notes:

NH-U12S chromax.Black

The NH-U12S 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-U12S offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

Wraith Prism

Installing the Wraith Prism cooler is a straightforward process, thanks to its compatibility with AMD's mounting system. Some users may encounter minor challenges when securing the backplate, but with care and patience, most builders will find the installation hassle-free.

Cooling Performance:

NH-U12S chromax.Black

The performance of the NH-U12S is commendable due to its five 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. While it may not offer the same level of cooling performance as its bigger sibling, the NH-U12A, the NH-U12S still provides reliable cooling under various workloads and can handle moderate levels of overclocking under certain CPUs.

Wraith Prism

When it comes to keeping your computer cool, the Wraith Prism cooler does a good job, especially with the CPUs it comes with. It might not be the best for super powerful processors, but for most people, it keeps things cool enough even when you're gaming or working on heavy stuff. We test it using the normal, slower setting, so it works well right when you start using it, providing a reliable and visually appealing cooling solution.

Noise Performance:

NH-U12S chromax.Black

One of the standout features of the NH-U12S is its quiet operation. The included 120mm NF-F12 PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-U12S is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during normal computer use.

Wraith Prism

The Wraith Prism cooler is pretty quiet compared to the basic coolers that usually come with CPUs. It has a special fan design and air flow system that keeps the noise down without making it less effective at cooling.

Summary:

NH-U12S chromax.Black

The Noctua NH-U12S is a reliable and efficient air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its single-tower design and slim profile make it compatible with various system configurations, and its exceptional build quality ensures long-lasting performance. For users seeking a dependable cooling solution for their systems, the NH-U12S is a great choice.

Wraith Prism

The Wraith Prism cooler is a top contender in the market for those looking for an efficient and visually striking cooling solution. Its solid performance, customizable design, and competitive pricing make it a highly recommended choice for a wide range of PC builders.