Compare: NH-U12S chromax.Black vs Mugen 5 Rev. C

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.

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The Mugen 5 Rev. C features a single-tower design with a large aluminum heatsink and a single 120mm Kaze Flex fan. This design ensures efficient heat dissipation while allowing compatibility with different system configurations, including those with tall RAM modules. Aesthetically, the Mugen 5 Rev. C has a sleek and modern appearance with a silver and black color scheme that complements various 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.

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. C comes with a mounting system that offers compatibility with a wide variety of Intel and AMD sockets. The installation process is relatively straightforward, thanks to the detailed instructions and high-quality components provided. This cooler employs a similar method to the Noctua installation, but with a slight alteration in the male and female connectors on the cooler's mounting system. This modification allows for easy installation and removal of the cooler. However, to ensure optimal cooling performance, it's essential to carefully follow the instructions and achieve proper mounting.

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.

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The performance of the Mugen 5 Rev. C is exceptional due to its six 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 some high-end models with high TDPs. The cooler can handle moderate levels of overclocking on mid-level CPUs and provides reliable cooling under demanding situations, making it a popular choice among PC enthusiasts.

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.

Mugen 5 Rev. C

One of the standout features of the Mugen 5 Rev. C is its quiet operation. The included 120mm Kaze Flex fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Scythe fans are known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the Mugen 5 Rev. C upholds this reputation. Users can expect quiet cooling even during moderate workloads or gaming sessions.

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.

Mugen 5 Rev. C

The Mugen 5 Rev. C is a high-performance air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its single-tower design and sleek aesthetics make it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their PC systems.