Compare: NH-U12S chromax.Black vs Assassin III

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.

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III sports a premium design with two large aluminum heatsink towers, connected by eight heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. The cooler comes with two 140mm PWM fans that provide efficient heat dissipation and a striking appearance. The overall design is sleek and minimalist, with an attractive black finish that complements a wide variety of build themes.

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.

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III features a versatile mounting system compatible with a broad range of Intel and AMD sockets, and the installation process is user-friendly and straightforward. Although there are more steps involved with this cooler's installation, the parts for both Intel and AMD are well-labeled, and the steps are intuitive and easy to follow without much difficulty. It's important to note that this cooler has a large mounting footprint, which may require some consideration in terms of case and RAM clearance. As a result, checking compatibility before purchasing is essential to ensure a hassle-free installation experience.

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.

Assassin III

The Assassin III's dual-tower design and eight heat pipes deliver exceptional cooling performance, making it suitable for even high-end CPUs with high TDPs. The two 140mm PWM fans ensure optimal airflow and cooling performance while maintaining low noise levels, providing an excellent balance between performance and acoustics.

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.

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III fans are engineered to produce minimal noise during regular operation, and they can also be adjusted through the PWM control to find the perfect balance between cooling and noise for your specific needs. In most scenarios, the Assassin III operates at a low noise level, making it a suitable choice for users who value a quiet computing environment.

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.

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III is an impressive dual-tower air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities, quiet operation, and a visually appealing design. Its performance makes it a popular choice for PC enthusiasts seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their high-performance systems.