Noctua NH-L12S vs Thermalright AXP120-X67 Black ARGB Low Profile CPU Air Cooler with Quite 120mm T

Overview of the Noctua NH-L12S and Thermalright AXP120-X67

The Noctua NH-L12S and Thermalright AXP120-X67 are both low-profile CPU coolers designed to cater to compact builds, but they differ significantly in price and features. The Noctua NH-L12S is priced at C$87.95, while the Thermalright AXP120-X67 comes in at a more budget-friendly C$38.79. This stark price difference raises the question of whether the Noctua cooler justifies its higher cost through superior performance and build quality.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the Noctua NH-L12S is a compact, premium-quality cooler with a total height of 70mm. This makes it suitable for ITX and HTPC systems where space is a premium. It features a highly optimised NF-A12x15 120mm fan that supports PWM and includes a Low-Noise Adaptor, ensuring quiet operation. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 has a slightly lower profile at 67mm and a robust design made from aluminum fins on a copper base. While both coolers are designed for effective heat dissipation, the NH-L12S's premium components may offer enhanced longevity and performance, especially under load.

Cooling Performance

Cooling performance is crucial for any CPU cooler, and both the Noctua NH-L12S and Thermalright AXP120-X67 have their merits. The NH-L12S is highly regarded as the improved successor to the award-winning NH-L12, making it particularly effective for CPUs with moderate heat loads, such as AMD's Ryzen 7900X3D. Meanwhile, the AXP120-X67 features six heat pipes that utilise AGHP technology, optimising performance whether mounted horizontally or vertically. While the NH-L12S may excel in more demanding scenarios, the AXP120-X67 is also engineered for efficient cooling, albeit for less intensive tasks.

Noise Levels

When considering noise levels, the Noctua NH-L12S stands out with its Low-Noise Adaptor, which provides automatic speed control for ultra-quiet operation. This feature is particularly appealing for users prioritising silence in their builds. Conversely, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 operates at a maximum noise level of 26.1 dB(A) with its PWM fan running at up to 1800 RPM. While this is relatively quiet, the NH-L12S is designed specifically for quieter performance, making it a preferable choice for those who need a near-silent cooling solution.

Installation and Compatibility

Both coolers offer straightforward installation processes, but the Noctua NH-L12S has an edge with its SecuFirm2 mounting system, which provides compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5. The AXP120-X67 is also versatile, supporting Intel sockets from 1150 to 2066 and AMD AM4, but it may not cover as many newer sockets as the NH-L12S. Additionally, the NH-L12S includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste, which enhances its installation value by providing excellent thermal conductivity right out of the box.

Aesthetics and RGB Features

In terms of aesthetics, the Noctua NH-L12S remains true to its brand identity, featuring a neutral colour scheme that blends well with most setups. However, it lacks RGB lighting, which is a significant selling point for many users today. The Thermalright AXP120-X67, on the other hand, comes equipped with ARGB capabilities, allowing users to customise the cooler's lighting to match their build. This feature could be a deciding factor for gamers or PC builders looking for visual flair in their systems.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

The price-to-performance ratio is a crucial aspect to consider when comparing these two coolers. The Noctua NH-L12S, at C$87.95, is positioned as a premium option that offers advanced features and superior build quality. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 is significantly more affordable at C$38.79, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, the lower price comes with some compromises in cooling efficiency and noise levels, which may impact performance in high-demand scenarios.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Noctua NH-L12S and the Thermalright AXP120-X67 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require a high-performance, low-noise cooler with broad compatibility and are willing to invest more, the Noctua NH-L12S is the clear choice. However, if you are looking for an economical solution that still delivers solid performance, particularly for less demanding CPUs, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 is an excellent option. Consider your cooling requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget before making a decision.