Compare: NH-U12S chromax.Black vs AXP90-X47 Full Copper

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.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

This cooler features a sleek, low-profile design, making it an excellent choice for compact builds where space is a priority. Its copper construction not only enhances thermal performance but also adds a distinctive look that stands out in any setup.

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.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

Installing this cooler is more involved than a standard cooler due to its low-profile design, which requires it to be screwed in from behind rather than from the top, as is common with most coolers. While the installation is relatively easy if the motherboard is not yet secured in the case, it can be challenging if you attempt to install it with the motherboard already mounted. Additionally, the cooler's brackets are attached via screws that need to be removed and swapped depending on the CPU you're using.

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.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

Given its compact size, it’s no surprise that this cooler won’t top the charts in cooling performance. However, it delivers impressive efficiency for its form factor, outperforming stock coolers of similar size.

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.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

With its high-speed 2700 RPM single fan, this cooler has the potential to produce higher noise levels than typical models. However, given its compact size, it's expected to become audible when delivering high-performance cooling.

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.

AXP90-X47 Full Copper

This cooler’s sleek, low-profile design makes it an excellent choice for compact builds where space is a priority. Its copper construction enhances thermal performance while adding a distinctive look to any setup. While it won’t compete with larger coolers in raw cooling power, it outperforms stock coolers of similar size. The high-speed 2700 RPM fan can produce noticeable noise under heavy loads, which is expected given its compact form factor. Installation is more involved than standard coolers, requiring mounting from behind rather than from the top, making it easier to install before securing the motherboard in the case. Additionally, its brackets must be swapped depending on the CPU, adding an extra step to the process.