Compare: NH-U12S chromax.Black vs AK500

Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black manufacture's image

Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black

Compare To Another Cooler
Displayed below are comprehensive data and graphs that compare the Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black to the DeepCool AK500, showcasing critical qualitative and performance metrics. Performance metrics are further segmented into distinct graphs while leveraging the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, illustrating how each cooler performs under various varying CPU power levels. This allows for a clear comparison of their relative performance and sound output when under different heat loads. The comparison is conducted under the following conditions:
  • Case: Praxis Wetbench
  • Ambient Temperatures: 23°C
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Pick Another CPU)

CPU Cooler Details

Metric Cooler 1: NH-U12S chromax.Black Cooler 2: AK500
Cooler Name NH-U12S chromax.Black AK500
Fan 1 Name NF-F12 PWM chromax.Black.swap FK120
Manufacture Rated dBa 22.4 25.9
Number of Heat Pipes 5 5
Full Size (WxHxD): 125x158x71 mm 127x158x117 mm
Heatsink (WxHxD) 125x108x45 mm 127x105x89 mm
Air Cooler Rating: Install 8 (Easy) 9 (Easy)
Manufacture's Link NH-U12S chromax.Black Manufacture's Link AK500 Manufacture's Link

Product Links

Link Type Cooler 1: NH-U12S chromax.Black Cooler 2: AK500
Amazon.com

Fan Details for CPU Cooler:


Fan 1

Metric Cooler 1 Cooler 2
Fan Name NF-F12 PWM chromax.Black.swap FK120
Fan Location Front Front
Fan Flow Type Push Push
CPU Only Fan No No
Max RPM 1500 1850
Fan Size (mm) 120 120
Fan Width (mm) 25 25
Manufacture Rated dBa 22.4 28.0
Manufactured Rated Airflow (cmf) 55.0 69.0
Manufactured Rated Air Pressure (h2o) 2.6 2.2
Number Of Pins 4 4
PWM Fan Yes Yes
Bearing Type SSO2 Fluid Dynamic
Watts (W) 0.60 1.44
Current (A) 0.05 0.12
Max Volts 12.00 12.00


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.

AK500

The AK500 air cooler is like the AK400 but has a bigger radiator for better cooling. It has a smooth black top and comes with a single 120mm black fan, perfect for people who like a simple design. The one-tower aluminum radiator is really good at getting rid of heat, which helps keep your CPU cool. This small and low-key cooler works well and fits easily into all kinds of computer setups, making it an awesome choice for anyone who wants something that looks good and works great.


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.

AK500

The AK500 has DeepCool's more modern installation designs as of 2023, which has more components than most for an easy install. The backplates are held down by single hand screwed nuts that also serve to hold the mount from the other side. This makes it easy to place the backplate correctly during the installation. The remaining portion of the install is similar to that of Noctua's typical installation, which makes it easy, but also can make the uninstallation challenging if the thermal paste sticks well to the CPU.




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.

AK500

The AK500 delivers impressive cooling performance for its size, attributed to its four heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin array on the heatsink. It is well-suited for up to moderate-level processors; however, it might not be the best choice for high TDP CPUs or those looking to overclock their systems.


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.

AK500

This CPU cooler offers average cooling performance and operates at a moderate noise level. While it may not be the quietest option on the market, it maintains a comfortable balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance. This cooler is suitable for users who are not particularly sensitive to noise and are seeking a cost-effective solution for maintaining stable temperatures in their systems without demanding top-tier cooling or silent operation.


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.

AK500

This cooler has a moderately difficult installation, especially for AMD CPUs, due to its unique mounting setup. The installation process is similar to the AK400. The AK500 has a compact design, moderate cooling performance, and above-average noise levels. With a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the cooler is suitable for various PC builds, offering a balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance for users seeking cost-effective solutions without top-tier cooling or silent operation.


AMD 5600X CPU Box Image

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Pick Another CPU

CPU Details:

Metric Value
Brand AMD
Cooler Name Ryzen 5 5600X
CPU Socket AM4
Cores 6
Thread Count 12
Max Temperature 95°C
Base Clock 3.7GHz
Max Boost Clock 4.6GHz
Cache L1
Cache L2 3MB
Cache L3 32MB
Processor Power Base 65W
Manufacture's Link Ryzen 5 5600X Manufacture's Link

Product Links

Link Type Value
Amazon.com

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