Compare: NH-U12S Redux vs Frost Spirit 140

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.

Frost Spirit 140

The Frost Spirit looks very similar to the Frost commander and is a sleek CPU cooler with a design reminiscent of the Peerless Assassin 120. This cooler features a dual-tower heatsink with 4 large heat pipes with the heat pipe ends are hidden from view. Sporting gray and silver tones, the Thermalright logo shows on the top of the heatsink. Despite its larger radiator, the Frost Spirit uses a single 120mm fan in front and a 140mm fan between the heatsinks, giving it a distinct, asymmetrical look.

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.

Frost Spirit 140

The cooler installation is quite similar to Noctua's easy setup and is identical to the Frost Commander's setup. However, during installation, securing the fans to the heatsink requires more effort (relative to the Phantom Spirit or Peerless Assassin), which is due to the metal securing the fans requiring much more effort to place. For this reason, it's also a lot easier to slightly bend the heatsink fins, but this can be fixed by bending it back with a credit card.

Additionally, like Noctua coolers, the Frost Spirit faces challenges in uninstalling when trying to break the thermal paste seal between the cooler and CPU, as it doesn't easily slide or twist off. This can be an issue if the thermal paste forms a strong bond.

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.

Frost Spirit 140

The Frost Spirit delivers impressive performance for its size, rivaling Noctua's offerings. Capable of cooling some of the more powerful CPUs without being overly bulky, this cooler can also manage overclocking for specific CPUs. As a result, the Frost Spirit is a strong contender for a wide variety of computer setups.

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.

Frost Spirit 140

The Frost Spirit excels in providing an impressively silent operation, setting it apart from its sibling, the Frost Commander 140. The lower fan RPM of this cooler plays a substantial role in reducing noise levels when compared to the Frost Commander. Furthermore, it boasts a noise profile that can be likened to that of the NH-D15, making it an optimal selection for individuals who prioritize a noise-free environment.

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.

Frost Spirit 140

The Frost Spirit CPU cooler offers a sleek design resembling the Frost Commander and Peerless Assassin 120. It requires extra effort to secure the fans to the heatsink due to the metal's firm placement. Despite its larger radiator, the Frost Spirit maintains a compact size with a single 120mm front fan and a 140mm fan between the heatsinks. It delivers impressive performance, rivaling Noctua's offerings, and is capable of effectively cooling powerful CPUs and managing overclocking. Notably, it stands out for its remarkably quiet operation, surpassing the noise levels of the Frost Commander 140, with a noise profile similar to the NH-D15. Overall, the Frost Spirit is a stylish, powerful, and quiet CPU cooler suitable for various computer setups.