The NH-U12S Redux is the newest version of Noctua’s NH-U12S. A Redux edition streamlines high compatibility, quality and efficiency in its performance. If you are looking for a cooler that takes less space but is just as good as any cooler, then our Noctua NH-U12S Redux review is just the read for you.
This single-tower cooler may follow its predecessor’s design, but it adds quieter and faster functions and applications to it. It has added accessories that make it compatible and easy to install. With that, let’s check out this product in our Noctua NH-U12S Redux review.
Noctua NH-U12S Redux Packaging
Before we jump right into our Noctua NH-U12S Redux review, we should check out the items that go with the product.
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux comes in a medium-sized grey and maroon package. You will see the logos and features highlighted all over the package. Sadly, no images can be seen outside the box.
All around, you will notice several descriptions regarding the product’s functions and features. With that, let’s look inside.
To open the package, remove the latch from the top cover and gently lift it. There, you will be greeted with a cardboard cover that stays on top of the product. Inside, the fan can be seen attached to the cardboard mould.
Under the fan, you will notice a small cardboard box. This cardboard box holds the mounting system for the fan. It contains all the essential components to make sure your fan is connected and secure on your PC.
Noctua NH-U12S Redux Review – Design and Functionality
Alright, now let’s head over to study its design and functionality in our Noctua NH-U12S Redux review. Learning about how they came up with the product will help us understand it.
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is one of Noctua’s Redux edition coolers. It is absolutely perfect for high-performing processors or gaming rigs. They offer a wide variety of features that take your computer to the next level.
Noctua was innovative enough to work around a cooler that stays the same size as a regular PC fan. Most coolers are elongated with 2 to 4 fans on them and with long and lengthy tubbing. This, on the other hand, was built to maximise internal capacity without sacrificing productivity.
Our Noctua NH-U12S Redux goes by a flashy silver aluminium theme. It follows the NH-U12S design in terms of shape, material and more.
With the NF-P12 Redux fan attached to the cooler through clips, you can even replace or upgrade the fan later.
As long as the CPU fans are 120 millimetres in size, you can always look to change it. Plus, it features the same reliable heatsink layout as the previous version. By that, it guarantees its 100% compatibility rate with most RAM modules.
Other than that, the cooling tower also features four pipes that lead to the base plate. These pipes help manage the airflow directly to the base plate. Thanks to that, it makes the base plate tolerate the demands of high-performing processors.
Besides providing efficiency in stabilising the processor, it also acts as a regular PC fan. It also reduces heat levels by mitigating the airflow inside the PC. This removes heat trapped in certain areas of your pc and prevents overheat that can damage any internal components.
Lastly, the cooling tower comes with anti-vibration pads that keep the NH-U12S Redux cooler secure to the processor and motherboard.
With all that’s been said, the NH-U12S Redux is well designed and caters to the needs of both the average gamer and average worker.
Key Features of the Noctua NH-U12S Redux
Moving away from the product’s physical properties, we now talk about the features of the product in our Noctua NH-U12S Redux review.
Streamlined Redux Edition
NH-U12S Redux’s design and concept were based primarily on its predecessor, the NH-U12s. It is recognised to be one of the best slim 120 single-tower coolers in the business today. It has already received multiple awards and recommendations from around the world.
Moreover, it has proven its reliability and efficiency due to the original NH-U12S. The defining difference is the reduction of its core which is a quieter and quality-made cooler. It also comes with streamlined accessories that easily syncs well in any PC system.
With Noctua’s reputation on the line, you are sure to get the value you deserve with this product. They are well-renowned across the globe, so it’s only fair to expect nothing less from such a company.
Classic Design
NH-U12S Redux keeps the timeless single-tower cooler design. Thanks to that concept, it can fit in most modern mid- or high-end PC cases. It stands 158 millimetres tall and 125 millimetres wide to stay clear of the top PCIe slot. This makes it optimal for most motherboards.
100% RAM Compatibility
Its slim design, together with the 45-millimetre fin depth, allows it to not overhand the RAM slots. By that, it allows the user full access to all the memory modules. Due to this, you can easily achieve 100% compatibility rates with any modules.
NF-P12
NF-P12 is the fan model used for the NH-U12S Redux. It is specifically made for pressure-demanding programs and applications. This fan is a favourite among silent cooling users. Even with the 1700 rotational speed, it offers quiet spins during most of the run time.
Other than the silent feature, it grants the user a massive boost in performance when necessary. It comes with automatic speed control that supports PWM.
Precision Management
The base plate for the NH-U12S Redux contains a minimal convex copper base that is necessary for optimal contact quality. This is to guarantee the quality of your PC’s power toleration and management.
Multi-socket Mounting System
Our Noctua NH-U12S Redux uses Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system. This mounting system provides a range of quality and safety features that allow easy installation for a number of processors.
It keeps to the simplicity of its instalment and provides near perfect contact pressure. With that on your cooler, it will allow the device to stand the test of time during heavy use.
Free Mounting Upgrade
Noctua has several coolers that may be more expensive than the last. With that, they offer mounting upgrade kits for the NH-U12S Redux that will be free if technically possible. This makes it a safe long-term investment as you can hope to obtain this in the future when needed.
Pre-Applied NT-H1
One thing to note is the pre-applied NT-H1 thermal compound. This thermal compound has been a premium selected option for most overclockers and enthusiasts worldwide. It has established itself for the quality it has provided for older users for many years.
6-Year Warranty
Noctua and its products are renowned for the outstanding quality and service they provide. True to its legacy, NH-U12S Redux does not stay short of this. Like all Noctua fans, the NF-P12 Redux comes with an MTTF rating of more than 150,000 hours.
This entire package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty. By that, you are ensured of the investment you will put in when purchasing this product.
Specifications
Our Noctua NH-U12S Redux review will now check the technical aspects of this product.
Cooler Specifications
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux size goes around 158 by 125 and 45 millimetres without the fan. With the fan, it remains the same, but the depth changes to 71 millimetres. It weighs only 755 grams which is light.
Regarding the material, it has nickel-plated copper for the base and heat pipes. The cooling fins stay aluminium.
The Noctua Standardised Performance Rating for this fan goes to 129. It has a 120 by 120 and 25 fan compatibility ratio.
Fan Specifications
For the NH-U12S Redux, it uses the NF-P12 Redux-1700 PWM fan model. Furthermore, an SSO bearing, 1700 maximum rotational speed and a 450 minimum rotational speed.
Regarding the maximum airflow, it goes up to 120,2 m*3/h and maximum acoustical noise 25,1 dB(A). It also has a voltage range of 12V. The Mean Time To Failure range is greater than 150.000 h.
Hands-on with the Noctua NH-U12S Redux
When testing this cooler, we found the NH-U12S Redux to be surprising. Thanks to its small size and four directional pipes, the flow of the air currents can be directed straight to the processor.
It helped distribute the airflow around the pc, which lowered the overall temperature in the motherboard.
Unlike liquid cooling, the NH-U12S Redux didn’t take up much space and was easy enough to install and set up. We didn’t need to worry about space and wiring as it easily fits into our PC rig.
Overall, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux did its job of keeping our PC cooled and safe from dangerous temperature levels. Apart from that, it allowed us to perform better because it allowed us to ask for more power.
Noctua NH-U12S Redux Review Summary
Before we summarise our Noctua NH-U12S Redux review, we should inform you about our verdict regarding this product.
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is a single-tower cooler that does what it needs to do. It stabilises your temperature levels, helps manage airflow and allows you to perform better. Furthermore, it makes your PC more spacious as it takes up less space than most coolers.
Thanks to its design and heatsink layout, you can enjoy gaming or work for hours without having to question its reliability. Together with SecuFirm2 and the NF-P12, these put the NH-U12S Redux to work and make it efficient in its productivity.
Basically, we can say we are aware of the features and functions this product offers. We recommend this product for the average user and anyone looking for a cooler with less space consumption. If you are interested in this product or any of Noctua’s products, then click here.
