Noctua NH-C12P

[Nazu]

http://www.noctua.at/images/products/fullsize/noctua_nh_c12p_1.jpg

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=18&lng=en&set=1

I decided to make a thread for this cooler as it might be one of the top coolers atm. Six heatpipes, blows air to the motherboard and has a very good fan bundled. Also it's pretty good value for money at 59€ here (TRUE is 61€, without a fan ofc). I might be getting one as I'm not that pleased with the Xigmatek. If somebody has experience from this cooler share it in this thread please :)

[Spawne32]

I have a sample sitting on my bed right now that im gona be reviewing, but i have like 6-7 different parts that need to be reviewed first over the next 2 weeks or so.

[BIKeINSTEIN]

I love the Noctua finish and build quality. :)
Looking forward to getting a Noctua soon- maybe they have a NH-U12P with 6 pipes in the pipeline. :D

Looks like an XP-90 on steroids. :p:
But i so wish they had some fins extending to the last heatpipes at the 2 sides where they left it bare in the middle- that's a lil more cooling potential wasted imho. :(

[Tw1st3d]

review:
http://overclock3d.net/reviews.php?/cases_cooling/noctua_nh-c12p_cpu_cooler/1

look's nice

[disruptfam]

this looks good may use this in my lan build

[fungry]

Nice. Wish list :D\

@disruptfam: yea i think so too :). Seems to be a very good candidate for the job. Btw, do you know what the clearance is between the PSU and the CPU in your lan box build?

Height (without fan) 91 mm
Height (with fan) 114 mm

[Ar3s]

I love the Noctua finish and build quality. :)
Looking forward to getting a Noctua soon- maybe they have a NH-U12P with 6 pipes in the pipeline. :D

Looks like an XP-90 on steroids. :p:
But i so wish they had some fins extending to the last heatpipes at the 2 sides where they left it bare in the middle- that's a lil more cooling potential wasted imho. :(

its bare so you can mount it with their mounting system and not push pins like i seen others use.

[BIKeINSTEIN]

its bare so you can mount it with their mounting system and not push pins like i seen others use.
Ohh- ok. :)
Checked the installation instructions/pics. :p:
I thought it was to only provide airflow to the mobo components coz i read this >
Sporting 6 heat pipes and the award-winning, psycho-acoustically optimized NF-P12 120mm fan, the NH-C12P achieves excellent performance and outstanding quietness. The down-facing c-type design doesn't only allow for optimal motherboard and case compatibility, but also provides additional cooling for motherboard components through two Airflow-Gaps. Outfitted with the professional SecuFirm™ mounting system and Noctua's much acclaimed NT-H1 thermal compound, the NH-C12P is a premium-class silent cooler through and through.
But maybe they could have left a smaller gap enough for using a screwdriver and had lil more fins on the last pipes:p:

[Nazu]

I'm gonna order this cooler and some other stuff (TR HR-03GT+Noctua NF-B9 :)) tomorrow and I will post results in when I get it.

[disruptfam]

nice

[Retro]

I'm gonna order this cooler and some other stuff (TR HR-03GT+Noctua NF-B9 :)) tomorrow and I will post results in when I get it.
:up:

[BIKeINSTEIN]

I'm gonna order this cooler and some other stuff (TR HR-03GT+Noctua NF-B9 :)) tomorrow and I will post results in when I get it.
Thank you for your time and effort- eagerly waiting for your observations/results. :)

[vladimir]

I should have one here before the weekend. Hopefully, this will fit one of my SLi rigs without many issues.

[Nazu]

Here's few pics :D

http://koti.mbnet.fi/nazu/Kone/IMG_0175.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/nazu/Kone/IMG_0176.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/nazu/Kone/IMG_0186.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/nazu/Kone/IMG_0188.jpg

I'll post temps and and more stuff later but I can say that I'm pretty impressed by the quality of the heatsink+fan :)

[Spawne32]

heres some pictures from the upcoming review im working on this weekend for you guys ;) prolly wont have it done today, maybe tomorrow or sunday, im flat out exhausted today

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/Vilemonster/DSCF2114.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/Vilemonster/DSCF2119.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/Vilemonster/DSCF2134.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/Vilemonster/DSCF2139.jpg

i wasnt particularly happy with the way the lighting was today, but overall they are good, ive had better though, i need to finish a setup where i can get some better simulated lighting.

[Retro]

Here's few pics :D

I'll post temps and and more stuff later but I can say that I'm pretty impressed by the quality of the heatsink+fan :)
I'm not surprised:up:
After switching to the Noctua NF-P12, I was shocked by the quality of their heatsinks.
From a former TRUE user:cool:

[mariosimas]

I´m thinking in replacing my TRUE by this one.

I have the Armor case with the 250 mm fan, and i think that this cooler is the ideal one for this type of case.

But I can´t find him yet in Portugal.

[MpG]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/nazu/Kone/IMG_0186.jpg

Huh? Isn't that an HR-3? :confused:

[Retro]

Huh? Isn't that an HR-3? :confused:
Yes, an HR-03 on the video card:D
Complete with a Noctua fan, excellent video card cooler, the Thermalright.
The picture below that shows the whole deal in the case, with the Noctua cooler and fan on the cpu. Beautiful set-up:up:

[Retro]

heres some pictures from the upcoming review im working on this weekend for you guys ;) prolly wont have it done today, maybe tomorrow or sunday, im flat out exhausted today

i wasnt particularly happy with the way the lighting was today, but overall they are good, ive had better though, i need to finish a setup where i can get some better simulated lighting.

Looking forward to the review:cool:
You mean the lighting for the photos? They are terrific shots:up:

[tiro_uspsss]

:off: Nazu: ur avvys are always a... turn-on :D :p:

[eternaljammer]

Yes, I can't wait until the review. I am very interested in purchasing one. Any good deals out there on one/?

[Spawne32]

Yes, I can't wait until the review. I am very interested in purchasing one. Any good deals out there on one/?

So far i have results of it against the red scorpion S1283 and the TT DuOrb CPU, im looking to test 2 more tonight and then post the results.

[Puttz]

So far i have results of it against the red scorpion S1283 and the TT DuOrb CPU, im looking to test 2 more tonight and then post the results.


Can't wait to see your results.

I just installed mine this past weekend & I love it!!!

Only thing I'm a little leary on is the thermal paste & it's install (twisting HS).

[Spawne32]

The Austria based company Noctua a leader in aftermarket cooling components, has been providing the performance community with silent cooling solutions for years now. From cooling fans to heatsinks, Noctua has been bringing forth the latest technology when it comes to ear friendly cooling. Pioneering the SSO (Self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing), Noctua has been able to build some of the most quiet case fans on the market, while maintaining good airflow. Noctua has matched these amazing fans with heatsinks built specifically for the design, and they are proud to present us with their latest model, the NH-C12P.

Equipped with 6 copper heatpipes, a copper base, and aluminum fins, in an easy to use C-Type design, this new model is set on course to challenge some of the top contenders in the cooling market. Paired with Noctua’s latest fan designs, the NF-P12, this new cooler boasts the latest in silent cooling technology. Only one thing remains, and that is the question of how well it performs in the real world, thats what were here to find out.

http://www.overclockerspulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/dscf2170.jpg

Read the full review here... http://www.overclockerspulse.com/hardware-reviews/silence-and-performance-joined-noctua-nh-c12p-review/#more-635

Edit: changed out the flash charts, here they are...

http://www.overclockerspulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/loadavgchart-copy.png
http://www.overclockerspulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/deltachart.png

[Puttz]

Nice reveiw, Spawnee

Can I ask how you made out with the thermal compound. I'm not sure of the install vs spread (twisting). How much did you use?

I know newbie question, but thier paste is a far cry from Artic Siler.

Thanks.

[Spawne32]

The thermal compound used in the review was arctic silver ceramique, with all the tests i do i use that paste only, its a good generic paste that provides even results across the board for all designs. I never use the included thermal paste in any retail product because it can give unfair advantages as far as cooling performance goes from heatsink to heatsink, but like i mentioned in the review the noctua thermal paste is good stuff. Its important to keep the variables in testing to a minimum. As far as how it was applied, the traditional dot in the center of the CPU IHS works great for this heatsink, as i have found of all heatsinks. Letting the pressure of the mounting spread the paste has been the most reliable application i have found to date. The base was in great condition as you can see from the picture, there was no evidence of distortions and if it isnt noted in the review, then there isnt a problem with it ;)

[Puttz]

The thermal compound used in the review was arctic silver ceramique, with all the tests i do i use that paste only, its a good generic paste that provides even results across the board for all designs. I never use the included thermal paste in any retail product because it can give unfair advantages as far as cooling performance goes from heatsink to heatsink, but like i mentioned in the review the noctua thermal paste is good stuff. Its important to keep the variables in testing to a minimum. As far as how it was applied, the traditional dot in the center of the CPU IHS works great for this heatsink, as i have found of all heatsinks. Letting the pressure of the mounting spread the paste has been the most reliable application i have found to date. The base was in great condition as you can see from the picture, there was no evidence of distortions and if it isnt noted in the review, then there isnt a problem with it ;)

I agree smooth as a baby's bottom & flat as glass. I read the reveiws about thier paste & decide to try it.

I think I'll clean it up & try silver this weekend.

Curiosity is not knowing...lol

Thanks for all your work on these threads. It has helped a great deal.

[mariosimas]

did you tested in open testbed or inside a case ?

[Ar3s]

@Spawn32 did you test with the fan pointing upwards as well ?

[Spawne32]

did you tested in open testbed or inside a case ?

All the tests are done on an open testbed, and i only tested it with the one fan position as thats how the retail product is supposed to have it setup :up: Thats what we are testing for, the performance of the product as the company ships it in the box, and how they instruct you to use it. Any thing else falls under the label as modding, and quite frankly all that testing is quite time consuming. Especially when i run 2 hour load tests on all the heatsinks.

[PCModifiers]

Thanks for the great info Nazu and Spawne32. I really think this will be the heatsink I go with. Spawne32 I have about the same board (DFI P35 LT) and I am trying do decide on orientation. I was originally thinking to have the heat pipes pointing down (its one of the 3 recommended ways to mount it) but from your picture it looks like the pipes would hit the stock DFI NB heatsink. However I don't see any compatibility problems on Noctua's page about either of our two boards. So in theory it would fit fine that way. What do you think?

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_nh_c12p&lng=en

[Spawne32]

Ill check tomorrow to see how the clearance is with the stock DFI chipset cooler, ultimately you run into problems with every cooler these days, however u said u were thinking of orienting it with the heatpipes down? I dont think thats recommended by Noctua..

http://www.overclockerspulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/nh_c12p_orientation.jpg

[DualCore]

in this review i see better temps in the position #2 :up:

http://www.tt-hardware.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11555

[Spawne32]

in this review i see better temps in the position #2 :up:

http://www.tt-hardware.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11555

Interesting, is there any mention in there of changes in the ambient temperature of the case they tested it in though?

[DualCore]

mm i don't know , maybe some user that can speak French tell us :confused:

[DualCore]

what u think to use this noctua with corsair ram ? i having now serious problem finding a nice cooler :confused: because i'm using a am2 dfi ut 790fx mobo and ocz reaperX memory , but this can be a good option, i'm calculating the size of ram heatsinks doesn't affect like the reaperX, something like this:

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7908/corsairnoctuasizesmall2ko3.jpg

[theToX]

what u think to use this noctua with corsair ram ? i having now serious problem finding a nice cooler :confused: because i'm using a am2 dfi ut 790fx mobo and ocz reaperX memory , but this can be a good option, i'm calculating the size of ram heatsinks doesn't affect like the reaperX, something like this:

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7908/corsairnoctuasizesmall2ko3.jpg

if i am reading your post correctly you are having a hard time finding a cooler that will clear the dominator ram heatsinks right? if so I have the 790FX-m2rs board with 2GB of dominator ram as well as 2gb of g.skill ram. I ran into the same problem initially but found that using the Thermalright S-Clip let me mount an ultima-90 with only clearance issues due to the fan being mounted on the memory side of the heatsink. here is a pic for reference(i know its not the greatest but it might give you an idea). this noctua cooler also looks like it would do the job nicely.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/thetox/DSC01531.jpg

[Spawne32]

what u think to use this noctua with corsair ram ? i having now serious problem finding a nice cooler :confused: because i'm using a am2 dfi ut 790fx mobo and ocz reaperX memory , but this can be a good option, i'm calculating the size of ram heatsinks doesn't affect like the reaperX, something like this:

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7908/corsairnoctuasizesmall2ko3.jpg

Ill check the clearances for you later today ;)

[DualCore]

Ill check the clearances for you later today ;)

tnks bro :up:

[PCModifiers]

Ill check tomorrow to see how the clearance is with the stock DFI chipset cooler, ultimately you run into problems with every cooler these days, however u said u were thinking of orienting it with the heatpipes down? I dont think thats recommended by Noctua..

http://www.overclockerspulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/nh_c12p_orientation.jpg

Heatpipes down, like in the first tower case image.

[Spawne32]

hope these help some

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/Vilemonster/DSCF2182.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/Vilemonster/DSCF2177.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/Vilemonster/DSCF2178.jpg

[DualCore]

tnks Spawne32 , this pic is exactly that i supposed , with this noctua can use tall heatsinks like dominators :up:

[Darkatom]

So how is its performance compared to a TRUE ?

[Spawne32]

So how is its performance compared to a TRUE ?

Youll see all of that and more during the heatsink showdown 2, but for now, it faired well against the S1283 red scorpion :up: only downside is the price is considerably high, but..quality is outstanding

[Darkatom]

Whats the eta on the showdown review :) ?

[Spawne32]

Whats the eta on the showdown review :) ?

this summer, prolly round the end of july/august, dont know for sure yet

[Darkatom]

Dont know if this review has been posted but it shows the c12p beating out the true during the quad core test.

http://www.dragonsteelmods.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7370&Itemid=38

[Spawne32]

Dont know if this review has been posted but it shows the c12p beating out the true during the quad core test.

http://www.dragonsteelmods.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7370&Itemid=38

i dont see where it beats the TRUE? i find it highly unlikely as well.

[ultimeus]

From the review i've seen, it perfoms worse than NH-12P from 1-2 degres on load, so compared to TRUE it gives 3-4 degres on load.

[Miwo]

Coolerguys is selling this now for $72.99

ouch!

[mariosimas]

Coolerguys is selling this now for $72.99

ouch!

47,30 €, not bad :D

[mariosimas]

I already have this cooler, and in my system (using the same Noctua fan in both) looses only 1-2 ºC to the TRUE.

Not bad i think.

[Puttz]

I already have this cooler, and in my system (using the same Noctua fan in both) looses only 1-2 ºC to the TRUE.

Not bad i think.

I've been playing with this cooler for a couple weeks now & found that using Silver Artic 5 lowered my temp 3-4 degrees from the paste Noctua includes.

Next step is lapping so I can get past 4.1 with comfortable temps, all on air. Who knows, maybe I'll cosider H2O.

[Miwo]

I already have this cooler, and in my system (using the same Noctua fan in both) looses only 1-2 ºC to the TRUE.

Not bad i think.

not bad at all! Consider that its also a topdown and will help cool the mosfets, ram, and northbridge. I'm looking for a topdown cooler myself, and am torn between the new Noctua and the Enzotech Ultra-X, both of which seem to be good coolers. Enzotech is $15 cheaper here though

[mariosimas]

I've been playing with this cooler for a couple weeks now & found that using Silver Artic 5 lowered my temp 3-4 degrees from the paste Noctua includes.

Next step is lapping so I can get past 4.1 with comfortable temps, all on air. Who knows, maybe I'll cosider H2O.

I use the coolaboratory paste :D

[Puttz]

All I can say is it an amzing cooler.

I think a little lapping to get copper to copper will be the edge I need to reach 4.4 on air.

[Ar3s]

not bad at all! Consider that its also a topdown and will help cool the mosfets, ram, and northbridge. I'm looking for a topdown cooler myself, and am torn between the new Noctua and the Enzotech Ultra-X, both of which seem to be good coolers. Enzotech is $15 cheaper here though

Enzotech has just 4 heatpipes tho but comes with AS5 & a ADDA fan.

[BadNizze]

Enzotech has just 4 heatpipes tho but comes with AS5 & a ADDA fan.

It´s an DELTA fan :D

[destr0yer]

Excelent cooler!

extreme low noise & good temps! I have a zalman 8700 NT and have gains of 5-10ºc and eliminate the noise!

little test:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/joaopgod/templog.jpg

cpu: E8400 @1.3375 - 4005 mhz

[linczs2000]

It´s an DELTA fan :D

When ENZOTECH called it ULTRA-X,there was a DELTA fan in the box.

But ENZOTECH calls it EXTREME-X,there is aN ADDA fan in the box.

http://www.enzotechnology.com/extreme_x.htm

[Nazu]

I dunno what's my problem with the temps but I think it's the poor airflow in the case. Q6600 G0 @ 3.6GHZ 1.50v at idle and the temps are 49, 51, 48, 51 when browsing in the net and listening music. When I'm gaming it's well over 70 degrees for every core. The fan is at full speed on the Noctua.