Compare: NH-U12S chromax.Black vs Hyper 212 Halo Black

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 Halo Black

This cooler boasts a sleek, all-black RGB design that adds a stylish touch to any setup. Its compact size ensures it doesn't overpower the overall look and is ideal for builds where space is limited. Additionally, the cooler offers a sleek top that hides the coolers 4 heat-pipes. Moreover, it includes a sleek top cover that conceals its four heat pipes, contributing to a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.

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 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a distinctive installation design that is somewhat more complex than the standard design found in modern coolers. Initially, the mounting brackets are attached to the cooler, which is then secured to the motherboard at four points. While the process is straightforward, ensuring an equal connection at all four points can sometimes be challenging when handling the cooler.

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 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is small but works better than many other coolers. But, if you have a very strong computer or want to make it run faster than usual, this cooler might not keep it cool enough.

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 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is quieter than many other coolers tested and provides better cooling for the amount of noise it makes. However, this efficiency comes with the trade-off of achieving only moderate cooling performance.

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 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a unique, slightly complex installation and a sleek, all-black RGB design that suits any compact setup well. Although straightforward to install, ensuring even connection at all motherboard points can be tricky. Its design cleverly hides the heat pipes for a clean appearance. While it outperforms many coolers in terms of noise-to-cooling ratio, it's best for standard use rather than high-powered CPUs or extensive overclocking, due to its moderate cooling performance.