Compare: NH-U12S chromax.Black vs Hyper 212 EVO V2

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.

Hyper 212 EVO V2

The Hyper 212 EVO V2 has a unique design with its fan bracket, which sets it apart from most other coolers. While this gives it a different look, it also pushes the fan out far enough that it might interfere with the first RAM slot. This shouldn't be an issue if you're only using two RAM slots, but something to keep in mind.

As for the overall feel of the cooler, it seems a bit lighter and cheaper than other coolers of a similar size. This might not be a deal-breaker, but it's worth mentioning.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO V2

It's more difficult than most to install, especially for AMD coolers. The cooler doesn't use the AMD backplate, and its own backplate isn't labeled, making it hard to figure out how to orient it based on the pictures provided. The backplate might feel loose on the motherboard at first, but it should become secure once the cooler is screwed into the mounting system. While the installation is an improvement from the EVO V1, it's still more complicated than most coolers, which can be a turn-off for beginners.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO V2

This cooler has below-average cooling performance compared to other coolers on the market. That means it might not be the best choice if you need top-of-the-line cooling for your PC, especially if you're into gaming or heavy processing tasks.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO V2

Unfortunately, the Hyper 212 EVO V2 is louder than most other coolers on the market. This means that you might experience more noise while your PC is running, which could be a drawback if you're sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet workspace. If having a quiet PC setup is important to you, it's worth considering other coolers with better noise profiles.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO V2

The Hyper 212 EVO V2 has its pros and cons. It's got a unique design, a decent noise profile, but its performance is below average, and the installation process can be challenging. It's better suited for people who feel more comfortable putting together a computer, and not the best choice for beginners. If you're looking for a cooler that's easy to install with better performance, you might want to consider other options.