Compare: NH-U12S Redux vs Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

Noctua NH-U12S Redux manufacture's image

Noctua NH-U12S Redux

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Dark Rock Pro 5 Cooler Manufacture Image

Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

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Displayed below are comprehensive data and graphs that compare the Noctua NH-U12S Redux to the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance), 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 Redux Cooler 2: Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Cooler Name NH-U12S Redux Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Fan 1 Name NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM Silent Wings 4-BQ5 Performance
Fan 2 Name Silent Wings-BQ5 Performance
Manufacture Rated dBa 25.1 23.3
Number of Heat Pipes 4 7
Full Size (WxHxD): 125x158x45 mm 136x168x145 mm
Heatsink (WxHxD) 124x108x45 mm
Air Cooler Rating: Install 8 (Easy) 9 (Easy)
Manufacture's Link NH-U12S Redux Manufacture's Link Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance) Manufacture's Link

Product Links

Link Type Cooler 1: NH-U12S Redux Cooler 2: Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Amazon.com

Fan Details for CPU Cooler:


Fan 1

Metric Cooler 1 Cooler 2
Fan Name NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM Silent Wings 4-BQ5 Performance
Fan Location Front Front
Fan Flow Type Push Push
CPU Only Fan No Yes
Max RPM 1700 2000
Fan Size (mm) 120 120
Fan Width (mm) 25 25
Manufacture Rated dBa 25.1
Manufactured Rated Airflow (cmf) 70.7 68.7
Manufactured Rated Air Pressure (h2o) 2.8 2.5
Number Of Pins 4 4
PWM Fan Yes Yes
Bearing Type SSO Fluid Dynamic
Watts (W) 1.08 2.40
Current (A) 0.09 0.20
Max Volts 12.00 12.00

Fan 2

Metric Cooler 1 Cooler 2
Fan Name Silent Wings-BQ5 Performance
Fan Location Mid
Fan Flow Type Mid
CPU Only Fan Yes
Max RPM 1700
Fan Size (mm) 135
Fan Width (mm) 25
Manufacture Rated dBa
Manufactured Rated Airflow (cmf) 116.6
Manufactured Rated Air Pressure (h2o) 1.8
Number Of Pins 5
PWM Fan No
Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic
Watts (W) 0.34
Current (A) 0.28
Max Volts 12.00


Design and Aesthetics:


NH-U12S Redux

The NH-U12S redux features a single-tower design with a slim aluminum heatsink and a single 120mm NF-P12 redux-1700 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 redux adopts a more neutral gray color scheme, providing a sleek and modern appearance that complements various build themes.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

This cooler features a sleek black design that stands out. The signature Be-Quiet fan adds a unique touch, breaking away from the cooler's boxy appearance. Additionally, the top of the cooler boasts a clean design, contributing to a polished and refined look for your setup.


Install Notes:


NH-U12S Redux

The NH-U12S Redux 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 Redux offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

The Dark Rock Pro 5 marks a notable advancement over its predecessors, featuring a mounting system that aligns with those of most mainstream coolers. This iteration enhances the design by securing the mounting bracket directly to the cooler, a change from the prior generation. Fan installation sees improvements too; the front fan comes pre-attached, ensuring perfect alignment, while the middle fan is designed to slide in from the top, secured by the top mount instead of side brackets. These enhancements significantly improve the cooler's setup and performance compared to the previous generation. Additionally, given the option to change the power speed on the top of the cooler, the middle fan has a 5 pin connector to facilitate this functionality, which forces you to use their connection rather than direct control through the motherboard.




Cooling Performance:


NH-U12S Redux

The performance of the NH-U12S redux is solid, thanks to its four 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, from mainstream to some high-end models. While it may not offer the same level of cooling performance as the original NH-U12S, the NH-U12S redux still provides reliable cooling under various workloads and can handle moderate levels of overclocking.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

There are two modes to this cooler, the performance mode and the quiet mode. The cooler selected covers the performance mode of the cooler. Overall, this cooler provides better cooling than the average cooler tested. However, this cooler get's puts to its limits when placed under high loads. With that in mind, if you're looking to place this cooler on a CPU that produces a lot of heat, you may want to consider other options. Check out our temperature graphs to see how the cooler performance on your respective CPU.


Noise Performance:


NH-U12S Redux

The NH-U12S redux maintains Noctua's commitment to quiet operation. The included 120mm NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-U12S redux upholds this reputation. Users can expect quiet cooling even during normal computer use.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

In regards to sound, this cooler is quieter than the average cooler between 60% fan speed and 90% fan speed. However as the fan approaches 100%, the noise level is more in line with what to expect from an average cooler.


Summary:


NH-U12S Redux

The Noctua NH-U12S redux is an affordable and efficient air cooler that offers good cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its single-tower design and slim profile make it compatible with various system configurations, while its more neutral color scheme adds a modern touch. For users seeking a cost-effective cooling solution without compromising on quality, the NH-U12S redux is an excellent choice.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

The Dark Rock Pro 5 features an improved mounting system and pre-attached fans for easier setup, with an option to adjust fan speed directly on the device. Its sleek black design and signature quiet fan contribute to both aesthetics and performance, offering enhanced cooling in both performance and quiet modes. Although it outperforms average coolers under moderate loads, it may struggle with high-heat CPUs. Noise levels are lower than average until the fan reaches full speed, where it aligns with typical cooler sounds.


AMD 5600X CPU Box Image

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

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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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