Noctua NH-L12S vs Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is the more budget-friendly option at C$63.68, while the Noctua NH-L12S is priced at C$87.95. This represents a difference of C$24.27, making the Thermalright cooler a more appealing choice for those looking to save on costs without sacrificing performance. For users who are conscious of their budget but still want a quality cooling solution, the Thermalright option provides a compelling alternative.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Noctua NH-L12S is compact and has a low-profile design at 70mm total height, making it ideal for small form-factor cases like ITX and HTPC systems. In contrast, the Thermalright PS120SE stands taller at 154mm, which may limit compatibility with some chassis models. The Noctua cooler is built with premium-quality materials and features a highly optimised NF-A12x15 120mm fan, while the Thermalright model boasts an aluminium heat sink and a pure copper base for effective heat dissipation. Thus, if space is a concern, the Noctua is the winner in design.

Cooling Performance

The Noctua NH-L12S is marketed as a deluxe choice suitable for CPUs with moderate heat loads, indicating its effectiveness in cooling performance. It utilizes an optimised fan with PWM support and a Low-Noise Adaptor, ensuring ultra-quiet operation. The Thermalright PS120SE is designed with a double PWM fan setup that can achieve a fan speed of up to 1500 RPM, which combined with its efficient heat dissipation design, offers good cooling performance as well. However, the specifics of the Noctua's cooling capabilities tailored for high-performance CPUs make it a strong contender for users needing robust cooling solutions under load.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many PC builders. The Noctua NH-L12S is designed for ultra-quiet operation, thanks to its optimised fan and Low-Noise Adaptor. While specific decibel ratings are not provided for the Noctua, its reputation in the market suggests that it operates significantly quieter than many alternatives. On the other hand, the Thermalright PS120SE has a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A). This means that while the Thermalright is relatively quiet, the Noctua may offer an even quieter experience, which could be a deciding factor for users prioritising silence in their builds.

Installation Process

The installation of the Noctua NH-L12S has been simplified with the included SecuFirm2 mounting system, which supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, ensuring easy compatibility. This cooler comes with high-end NT-H1 thermal paste, making the installation process straightforward. The Thermalright PS120SE also offers compatibility with various CPU sockets, including Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM4/AM5, and provides corresponding mounting plates. Both coolers are designed for user-friendly installation; however, the Noctua's inclusion of thermal paste and its streamlined installation system give it an edge in this category.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetics can be important for many users, especially those who invest in custom PC builds. The Thermalright PS120SE stands out with its high-brightness LED atomizing ARGB fan blades, offering up to 17 modes of light effects that can be managed and synchronised through the motherboard. This can add a visually striking element to a gaming or high-performance build. In contrast, the Noctua NH-L12S opts for a more utilitarian look without RGB lighting. Users who appreciate a sleek, understated design may prefer the Noctua, while those looking for vibrant lighting effects will likely favour the Thermalright.

Compatibility

Compatibility is crucial when selecting a CPU cooler. The Noctua NH-L12S is compatible with a range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, and AM4/AM5. This wide compatibility makes it versatile for various builds, especially for those using newer CPUs. The Thermalright PS120SE also supports a variety of CPU sockets, including LGA1700, LGA1200, and AM4/AM5, ensuring that it can fit in most modern builds as well. However, the Noctua's offset mounting option for better efficiency may provide an additional advantage, particularly in tight spaces.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Noctua NH-L12S and the Thermalright PS120SE ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If budget is your primary concern, the Thermalright PS120SE is the more economical choice, offering solid performance at a lower price of C$63.68. However, if you prioritise a compact design, quieter operation, and superior build quality, the Noctua NH-L12S at C$87.95 may be worth the extra investment. Each cooler has its strengths, making them suitable for different types of users, whether you're building a quiet workstation or a vibrant gaming rig.