If you are a gamer and you put a lot of effort into an efficient CPU, you should also focus on the best CPU cooler. Most currently available gaming CPUs have a view function. If you don't get the right CPU cooler, you may not be able to keep temperatures in check.
Use:If you buy something through our links, we may receive a commission. see oursdisclosureOpinion.
Among the best options for the excellent CPU coolers currently available, here are some unique options that we will compare to get the best possible options. We will examine the three capable options, namely de Quiet Dark Rock 4, Noctua NH – U12S,jCooler Master Hyper 212 Evo.
Table of contents
be Quiet Dark Rock 4 – An Overview
Dark Rock 4 has long remained a standout option, and version 4 takes the lead from there. In terms of performance, it works almost the same as its predecessor. It comes with two fans: the Silent Wings 3 PWM edition with 120mm and 135mm sizes.
The installation is very helpful and you will also find that it offers an easy installation procedure. In terms of looks, it was considered one of the best you could find. It is considered to be the best dual tower CPU cooler ever. The cooler has a black coating that gives it a really understated look. The surface is also designed with ceramic particles, which would help heat exchange more effectively.
Advantages
- Quieter operation.
- exceptional aesthetics
- a great performance
In contrast
- The assembly needs some improvement.
Noctua NH – U12S – A short test
In complete contrast to be Quiet! We just discussed here; the Noctua NH – U12S offers you a single-tower CPU cooling functionality. You also have access to the Chromax line of plug-ins, which add further value to the aesthetic.
Montage is one of the great options you would find. Noctua relies on the SecuFirm2 mounting kit. Installation is quite easy with a minimal number of components. Installation is precise and secure with little to no flexibility. Aesthetics are good enough, but the fan can ruin your experience a bit. However, Chromax plugins can be great options.
The cooler's quiet performance has always been recognized as one of the best thermal cooling solutions available. Tests show that the CPU cooling performance is perfect enough. The higher price might not be something you're comfortable with.
Advantages
- Outstanding cooling performance.
- The fans have the highest standards.
In contrast
- The expensive price of a single tower cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo: a preview
It may be one of the older options for a CPU cooler, but it's kept the standards alive. In fact, the fact that it has remained popular with the best CPU coolers over the years shows that they have been excellent in almost every way.
The installation consists of two steps, but despite that, the process is simple and easy to follow. It would offer you the best secure connectivity. If you think about the aesthetics, you'll find that it's pretty basic and simple. Aesthetics are irrelevant here. You can't find any of the fancy items with the cooler.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo can be an excellent option. Despite its release in 2011, it still lives up to the hype to this day. Essentially a better cooler in a simple package.
Advantages
- Great performance considering the price.
- Simple and easy to understand installation.
In contrast
- Aesthetics may not be a good option.
Comparison between the three CPU coolers: be quiet Dark Rock 4 vs. Noctua NH-u12s vs. Hyper 212 Evo
After reviewing all three CPU coolers, here is a simple comparison based on a few key parameters.
Performance
The performance of the three competing chillers was conducted under controlled conditions. The Noctua NH U12S performs quite well but falls short in performance as it is a single tower cooling system. However, it still works well enough in most areas. In terms of performance, however, the be Quiet Dark Rock 4 has the edge.
aesthetics
If you think aesthetics shouldn't matter if you want performance, we'd say you live in a different world. Yes actually. The days belong to RGB, and other high-end aesthetics and options play an integral part in deciding on the best CPU cooler. As we said before, the be Quiet Dark Rock 4 is one of the perfect dual tower CPU coolers when looking at the looks or the aesthetics. Noctua's offering is less about aesthetics, instead the Chromax range of plugins can significantly improve appearance on a larger scale.
Montage
The ease of installation and comfort are what I prefer the most. The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo offers the easiest assembly. It offers you seamless and effortless connectivity and installation. to calm oneself down! You seem to have understood the issues users faced in the previous generation of CPU coolers. The installation options in be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 has been greatly improved and expanded. The one that beats all the others in this build is the Noctua NH – U12S, which has redefined the installation process with the SecuFirm2 mounting kit.
The comparison table: be quiet Dark Rock 4 vs. Noctua nh-u12s vs. Hyper 212 Evo
After reviewing these great options and their features, here is a full comparison in a head-to-head chart.
properties and functions | Silent Dark Rock 4 | Noctua NH U12S | Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo |
Height | 162,8 mm | 158mm | 159mm |
TDP | 250W | 165W | 150W |
Weight | 1130 Gramm | 755 Gramm | 465 Gramm |
Plug Compatibility | LGA 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011(-3) Cuadrado ILM / 2066, AM2(+) / AM3(+) / AM4 / FM1 / FM2(+) | Intel LGA2066, LGA2011-0 and LGA2011-3 (square ILM), LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 and AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ (requires backplate), AM4 with NM-AM4- uxS | LGA 2066/2011-v3/2011/1151/1150/1155/1156/1366, AMD® AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1 |
Lover | 1x Silent Wings 3 von 120 mm, 1x Silent Wings von 135 mm | Ventilador premium NF-F12 PWM | 120-mm-PWM-Weitbereichslüfter |
Finally
Well it should be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 that takes the lead in terms of all the features and functionality together. The Noctua NH-U12S has some nice features, like quieter operation and secure installation. But, the expensive price would be something to watch out for.
More comparisons to read:
- Corsair Hydro H60 vs Hyper 212 Evo CPU cooler spec comparison
- Noctua NH-D14 vs. NH-D15 CPU cooler specification comparison
- Thermaltake Floe Riing 360 vs. Corsair H150i CPU cooler in comparison
- Corsair H115i vs H100i v2 liquid CPU cooler specs comparison
Affiliate Disclosure: Faceofit.com is a participant in the Affiliate Program of Amazon Services LLC. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQs
What is the difference between NH-U12S Redux and 212 Evo? ›
The fan in the NH-U12S Redux has a life expectancy of 150,000 hours while the fan of the CM 212 EVO has a life expectancy of 40,000 hours which is abysmal. Not only that but the fan in the CM 212 EVO is also significantly louder at 36 dBA versus 25 dBA with the NH-U12S Redux.
Is Noctua U12S worth it? ›Noctua is a popular brand and when it comes to having a silent PC, there's nothing better than a cooler from Noctua. Take the Noctua NH-U12S CPU cooler that does a great job at keeping the temps low while being incredibly silent.
Is the Hyper 212 Black Edition quiet? ›Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Cooling System - Quiet, Sleek and Precise, 4 Continuous Direct Contact Heat Pipes with Fins, Silencio FP120 Fan.
What is the difference between NH-U12S chromax black and NH-U12S? ›The NH-U12S chromax. black is identical to the regular version except for its black colour. The NH-U12S redux is a streamlined, more affordable version of the NH-U12S. As such, it is perfect for users who are looking for a highly compatible, no-frills 120mm cooler that doesn't break the bank.
What is the max speed of Noctua NH-U12S? ›Specifications | NH-U12S TR4-SP3 |
---|---|
Max. Rotational Speed, ±10% | 1500 RPM |
Max. Rotational Speed with L.N.A. ±10% | 1200 RPM |
Min. Rotational Speed ±20% | 300 RPM |
Max. Airflow | 54.9CFM |
PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor
The NF-F12 120mm fan supplied with the NH-U12S supports PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the motherboard. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 1500 to 1200rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptor for even quieter operation.
For example, the standard NF-F12 PWM emits a noise level of 22.6dB(A) at its maximum speed of 1500rpm whereas the NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 PWM emits a noise level of 29.7dB(A) at its maximum speed of 2000rpm.
Is Noctua a Chinese company? ›Noctua is an Austrian computer hardware manufacturer of CPU-coolers and computer fans which is primarily aimed at the enthusiast market.
Which Noctua air cooler is the best? ›The Noctua NH-D15 is one of the company's best-performing air coolers. It can handle high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X, thanks to its high cooling capacity due to its size, and has whisper-quiet fans. Noctua's NH-D15 is one of the highest-performing CPU fan coolers available.
Is the Hyper 212 EVO quiet? ›Considering the low noise levels of the Hyper 212 Evo v2 even at full speed, having a quality fan curve which favors higher fan RPM is beneficial for any system installation.
Is Dark Rock Pro 4 quiet? ›
Seven high-performance copper heat pipes are included, and a dual-tower layout accommodates two Silent Wings fans. The Dark Rock Pro 4 comes with a 120mm and 135mm fan from Be Quiet, known as Silent Wings Fan 3. They produce almost little audible noise while yet doing a superb job.
Are Noctua coolers quiet? ›Noctua's premium cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb quietness, exceptional performance and quality.
How much power does NH-U12S draw? ›It comes with a superb fan that is dead quiet and consumes only 0.6W.
Is NH-U12S enough for 5800X? ›It'll use all the cooling you can give it. For the 5800X, the NH-U12A is highly recommended.
What is the TDP rating of NH-U12S Redux? ›Cooler Specification | |
---|---|
Material | Nickel plated Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins) |
NSPR | 129 |
Max. TDP | see NSPR |
Fan compatibility | 120x120x25 |
Best High-End Silent CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15
The dual fan design drastically increases airflow, which allows your system to run quietly and hassle-free.
Every Noctua fan I've tried has good circuitry and bearings. That means there's no clicking or whirring of motors and bearings when the fan is at low speed, so the only noise the fan makes is really through air movement. Every Noctua fan also has a 6 year warranty...
Why are Noctua fans so quiet? ›The new material produces fewer vibrations, which means less noise. But there's another, way more interesting reason for using Sterrox. Noctua's new A-series fan has a tiny tip clearance—the space between the fan blades and the housing—of about 0.5 mm.
What fan speed is best for cooling? ›As mentioned above, the ideal fan speed setting in cooling mode is high fan speed. Later on in the night, we recommend reducing this to medium or low speed. The ideal mode for your air conditioner is to select either heating or cooling mode, not auto mode.
Which Noctua fan is best for exhaust? ›For best results in all types of application, Noctua recommends the NF-A12x25. Alternatively, the NF-F12 is a pressure-optimised fan that excels on heatsinks and radiators and the NF-S12A is an airflow-optimised fan that provides excellent results as a case fan and in other low- to mid-impedance applications.
Can I add another fan to NH-U12S? ›
For users who want to achieve even better performance by adding a second, optional NF-F12 fan to create a push/pull setup, the NH-U12S includes fan clips and an extra set of custom-designed anti-vibration pads that allow to off-set the rear fan by 5mm to improve acoustics in dual-fan mode.
Which fan design is the quietest? ›Aerodynamic blade design: Laminar airflow is quietest. Blades that change their pitch (twist) and chord (width) between hub and tip promote laminar flow by managing the relative vector velocities of the incoming airflow and advancing blade.
Which fan makes less noise? ›2X More Silent: SilentPro fans are designed to offer superior air comfort with a low noise level. Most conventional fans operate at 64 dB whereas SilentPro operates at 52 dB thereby making it twice more silent than other fans.
Why do people love Noctua fans? ›Designed in Austria, Noctua's premium cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb quietness, exceptional performance and thoroughgoing quality.
Is Noctua better than Arctic? ›As far as the thermal paste is concerned, the Noctua NT-H2 was 1c better than its predecessor, which is consistent with my colleague Aaron Lai's review in 2019. Meanwhile, there was no measurable difference between the ARCTIC MX-5 and the Noctua NT-H2, which is an excellent result.
Who owns Noctua? ›Martin Guyot - Owner - Noctua Partners | LinkedIn.
How long Noctua fans last? ›Like all Noctua fans, the NF-F12 features an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and comes with a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty.
What is the #1 cooler? ›Yeti Tundra 65
The Tundra 65 boasts the most impressive all-around performance out of any cooler we tested. Through numerous rounds of our intensive insulation testing, the Tundra 65 continued to outlast the rest in keeping contents at safe temperatures for consumption.
Nimble Cooler motor is best for your cooler. It comes with 100% Fresh copper and in cell cover which is best for motor.
Which cooler brand is better? ›Best Air Coolers in India | Price* | Easy EMI (9 months)* |
---|---|---|
Bajaj MD 2020 Personal Air Cooler | Rs. 8,299 | Rs. 922/mo |
Maharaja Whiteline Rambo AC-303 Air Cooler | Rs. 7,490 | Rs. 882/mo |
Crompton Ozone 75 Air Cooler | Rs. 10,449 | Rs. 1161/mo |
Symphony DiET 12T Air Cooler | Rs. 5,799 | Rs. 644/mo |
How is Noctua quiet? ›
The latest version of Noctua's advanced Smooth Commutation Drive system ensures superb running smoothness by eliminating torque variations and switching noises. This makes the fan remarkably quiet even at very close distances.
Is Hyper Evo 212 good? ›Taking all of this into account, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2 is a good CPU cooler with a 120mm fan, with decent cooling performance while being reasonable in noise.
How loud is the Hyper 212? ›Product Name | Hyper 212 Black Edition |
---|---|
Fan Airflow | 42 CFM (Max) |
Fan Air Pressure | 2.9 mmH2O |
Fan MTTF | 160,000 Hours |
Fan Noise Level | 6.5-26 dBA |
Dark Rock 4 includes a single Silent Wings fan, measuring 135mm. Last but not the least, the overall noise level for the Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 is a mere 10.5, 15.6, and 21.4 decibels, at 50%, 75% and 100% fan speed respectively.
How many decibels is the be quiet Dark Rock 4? ›Model | Dark Rock 4 |
---|---|
Socket compatibility AMD | AM5 / AM4 |
Overall noise level ( dB(A) ) @ 50/75/100% (rpm) | 10.5 / 15.6 / 21.4 |
Number of fans | 1 |
Decoupled fan mounting | ✓ |
The Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 is an excellent CPU cooler if you value a great balance between acoustic attenuation and thermal performance. At $74.90 USD, its strengths wholly outweighs its weaknesses.
Are Deepcool fans loud? ›Maxing out at just 28dbA under full load, the extremely silent FK120 fan is exceptionally designed for quiet noise levels.
Is a Noctua cooler worth it? ›Considering the mid-range pricing for a high-end CPU air cooler coupled with the impressive thermal performance, we would say the Noctua NH-D15 is definitely worth it.
Should I use Noctua low noise adapter with other fans? ›While they may work with many other fans, use with third party fans is not officially supported by Noctua, is at the customer's own risk and will void the warranty. The adaptors are strictly not to be used with fans that draw more than 2.5W of power.
Is the U12S better than the U9S? ›NH-U9S is small and suits low profile situations and has decent cooling performance. NH-U12S sits in the middle with a good balance of size and cooling performance under its belt. NH-U14S is the best of the bunch in terms of cooling, but it also costs more and is the biggest in terms of size and weight.
Is the Noctua NH-U12S compatible with? ›
Compatibility with past and future sockets
Complying with the open SecuFirm™ standard, the NH-U12S can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided by Noctua free of charge.
Supported AMD Sockets | AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, FM1, FM2, FM2+ |
---|---|
Heatsink Material | Nickel, Copper |
CPU Cooler Overall Height | 6.22" / 158.00 mm |
CPU Cooler Length x Width | 2.8 x 4.9" / 71.0 x 125.0 mm |
Weight | 1.66 lb / 755 g |
- Corsair CPU Cooler. Corsair has always been a trusted supplier of PC components and accessories for a lot of users. ...
- Cooler Master CPU Cooler. ...
- Noctua CPU Cooler. ...
- EKWB CPU Cooler. ...
- Enermax CPU Cooler. ...
- ARCTIC CPU Cooler. ...
- MSI CPU Cooler. ...
- Scythe CPU Cooler.
Motherboards for Ryzen 7 5800X | Chipset | Form Factor |
---|---|---|
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard | AMD B550 | ATX motherboard |
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (WiFi 6) | AMD B550 | ATX motherboard |
Gigabyte B550M AORUS Motherboard | AMD B550 | Micro ATX motherboard |
Yes - Using one now. Individual cases / fans setups will produce different results but, I run a stock 5900X with PBO (full-tilt 4900 MHz). CPU draw peaks around 140w total - settles in around +50 degrees above ambient (22 in my study when the screen shot below was taken). No under-volt /downclock needed.
Is Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO still good? ›The Hyper 212 EVO V2 delivered decent cooling performance while being quiet at low loads. Taking all of this into account, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2 is a good CPU cooler with a 120mm fan, with decent cooling performance while being reasonable in noise.
Is Noctua NF p12 Redux good? ›Noctua fans are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the redux edition models feature an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and come with a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty.
What is the difference between Hyper 212 EVO V2 and 212X? ›The Hyper 212X is a replacement of the Hyper 212 EVO. There are no major differences between the two, but Cooler Master has tweaked the design in a few places and claims to have made some manufacturing improvements to benefit performance. Although larger than the TX3i, the 212X is not an especially big cooler.
Which Cooler Master Hyper is best? ›- Hyper 212.
- ML240L RGB V2.
- MM711 60G.
- MasterBox TD500.
- ML360R.
- CK552.
- Cosmos C700M E-ATX.
- SickleFlow 120 V2.
Exclusive LDB design with sealed construction features the highest dustproof level of IP6X and longer lifespan of up to 160,000 hours.
What is the most popular Noctua cooler? ›
The Noctua NH-D15 is one of the company's best-performing air coolers. It can handle high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X, thanks to its high cooling capacity due to its size, and has whisper-quiet fans. Noctua's NH-D15 is one of the highest-performing CPU fan coolers available.
What is the best Hyper 212? ›The Hyper 212 Black Edition offers better installation and great performance, easily one of the best air cooling solutions. The aluminum top cover and nickel plated jet black fins give the Hyper 212 Black Edition a more premium exterior appeal .
What is the max fan speed of Hyper 212 Evo? ›Product Number | RR-2V2E-18PK-R2 (New packaging & LGA1700 support) |
---|---|
Fan Power Consumption | 1.8W |
Warranty | 2 years |
Cooler Type | Air Cooler |
Series | Hyper |
The Corsair Hydro Series H60 AIO CPU cooler is our first choice for the best CPU coolers designed for Ryzen 7 5800x. This is a comparatively budget-friendly CPU cooler compared to many other options and hence, the most popular pick in the lot.