Introducing the 5 Best Noctua CPU Cooler LGA1151 For 2023. When it comes to cooling your CPU, Noctua stands as a reputable brand known for their exceptional quality and performance. As we look ahead to the year 2023, it's crucial to stay updated with the best CPU coolers for the latest LGA1151 socket. In this article, we will explore the top five Noctua CPU coolers specially designed for the LGA1151 socket, showcasing their advanced features, effective cooling capabilities, and overall value. Whether you are a gaming enthusiast or a professional in need of reliable cooling solutions for your high-performance CPU, this list will guide you in making an informed decision.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is a high-performance CPU cooler that offers excellent cooling performance and compatibility. Designed to fit most tower cases, it features a slim 120mm size that doesn't overhang RAM slots or block PCIe slots on most ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards. The included NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM fan provides automatic speed control for optimal cooling performance under load while remaining near silent at idle. With pre-applied high-quality NT-H1 thermal paste and the SecuFirm2 mounting system, installation is easy on both Intel and AMD platforms. The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is a smart choice for users looking for a reliable and affordable CPU cooler.
Key Features
- Streamlined, more affordable version of the award-winning NH-U12S heatsink
- Slim 120mm size for excellent compatibility with cases, RAM, and PCIe slots
- Quiet NF-P12 redux-1700 120mm fan with PWM for automatic speed control
- Pre-applied high-quality NT-H1 thermal paste & Secu Firm2 mounting system
- Renowned Noctua quality at an attractive price
Specifications
- Color: Grey
- Dimension: 6.22Lx4.92Wx1.77H
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance
- Quiet operation
- Easy installation
- High-quality construction
- Attractive price point
Cons
- Compatibility issue with certain motherboards
- Missing some small features compared to other Noctua products
The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is a top-notch CPU cooler that delivers exceptional cooling performance without breaking the bank. With its slim profile and excellent compatibility, it fits seamlessly into most tower cases and ensures efficient cooling for your CPU. The included NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM fan operates quietly, providing optimal cooling performance under load while remaining nearly silent at idle. The pre-applied NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system make installation a breeze on both Intel and AMD platforms. While there may be some compatibility issues with certain motherboards, the overall quality and performance of the NH-U12S Redux make it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable CPU cooling solution.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is a premium low-profile CPU cooler designed for Intel LGA1200 and LGA115x sockets. It features a proven premium heatsink with an all-black design, making it compatible with various color schemes and RGB LEDs. With a height of only 37mm, it can fit in ultra-compact HTPC and Small Form Factor cases, while ensuring 100% RAM and PCIe compatibility on all ITX, Micro-ATX, and ATX motherboards. The cooler comes with a renowned NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan, offering excellent cooling performance under load and whisper-quiet operation at idle. It includes the high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation. This Noctua cooler is backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty and is a great choice for Intel Core i7, i5, or i3 processors.
Key Features
- Proven premium heatsink with an all-black design
- Only 37mm height for ultra-compact cases
- Renowned NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan for high performance and low noise
- Includes high-end thermal paste and easy installation mounting system
- Backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.74Lx3.74Wx1.46H
Pros
- Fits in tight spaces and offers 100% compatibility
- Quiet operation with excellent cooling performance
- Comes with high-quality thermal paste
- Easy to install on compatible Intel sockets
- Backed by a long warranty period
Cons
- May not provide sufficient cooling for higher-end CPUs
- Limited clearance for airflow in certain motherboard configurations
- Mounting screws require motherboard removal for installation
The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is an impressive low-profile CPU cooler with an all-black design. It offers excellent compatibility, quiet operation, and easy installation. While it may not be suitable for cooling high-end CPUs or systems with limited airflow, it excels in compact HTPC and Small Form Factor cases. The inclusion of high-quality thermal paste and a 6-year warranty further enhances its value. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient cooling solution for your Intel Core i7, i5, or i3 processor, the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Noctua NH-D15 is a state-of-the-art dual-tower CPU cooler designed for optimal cooling performance. With a successor to the classic NH-D14, it has received numerous awards and recommendations from hardware websites and magazines. The cooler features two highly optimized NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation. It includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and the SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on various Intel and AMD sockets. With its renowned Noctua quality and six-year manufacturer's warranty, it is the perfect choice for Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors. The Noctua NH-D15 delivers exceptional cooling efficiency, quiet operation, and a stylish design.
Key Features
- Dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes
- 2x NF-A15 PWM 140mm fans with PWM support
- Low-Noise Adaptors for ultra-quiet operation
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste
- Secu Firm2 mounting system for easy installation
- Renowned Noctua quality with 6-year warranty
Specifications
- Color: Brown
- Dimension: 6.50Lx5.91Wx5.31H
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance for overclocking or silent systems
- Quiet operation and low noise level
- Easy installation with Secu Firm2 mounting system
- High-quality thermal paste included
- Backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons
- Large size may not fit in smaller cases
- May require adjustment for RAM height clearance
- Installation can be complicated for beginners
- Sharp fins can be dangerous if mishandled
The Noctua NH-D15 is a top-tier CPU cooler that offers exceptional cooling performance, quiet operation, and easy installation. With its dual-tower design and high-quality NF-A15 fans, it effectively keeps your processor cool, whether you’re overclocking or aiming for a silent system. The included thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system further enhance its convenience. While it may be large and require some adjustments for RAM clearance, its performance and reliability make it an excellent choice for both Intel and AMD processors. If you prioritize effective cooling and a quiet computing experience, the Noctua NH-D15 is a premium CPU cooler worth considering.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Noctua NH-L9i is a premium low-profile CPU cooler designed for Intel LGA1200 and LGA115x sockets. With a compact height of only 37mm, it is perfect for small form factor builds, HTPCs, and ITX systems. The cooler features a highly optimized NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan with PWM support, ensuring automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation. It is compatible with RAM and PCIe slots due to its 95x95mm footprint. The Noctua NH-L9i comes with the high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation. Backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty, it is an excellent choice for Intel Core i7, i5, or i3 CPUs with moderate heat load.
Key Features
- Ultra-compact low-profile cooler with 37mm total height
- 100% compatibility with RAM and PCIe slots
- Highly optimized NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan with PWM support
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and Secu Firm2 mounting system
- Renowned Noctua quality backed by a 6-year warranty
Specifications
- Dimension: 3.74Lx3.74Wx0.91H
Pros
- Compact design ideal for small form factor builds
- Quiet operation with automatic speed control
- Easy installation with high-quality thermal paste
- Excellent performance for moderate heat load CPUs
Cons
- Requires access to the underside of the motherboard for installation
- Lapping on the bottom of the cooler may affect performance
The Noctua NH-L9i is an exceptional low-profile CPU cooler that delivers top-notch performance in a compact form. It is perfect for users who require efficient cooling in small form factor systems or HTPCs. The cooler’s quiet operation, easy installation process, and compatibility with RAM and PCIe slots make it a premium choice for Intel Core i7, i5, or i3 CPUs with moderate heat load. While there are limitations with installation and some concerns regarding the lapping quality on the bottom of the cooler, the overall performance and reliability of the Noctua NH-L9i make it an excellent investment for computer enthusiasts and builders.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is a dual-tower CPU cooler that provides efficient and quiet cooling performance. With its extra-wide design, dual fans, and 6 heatpipes, it is suitable for overclockers and silent-enthusiasts. The cooler comes in an all-black design that complements various color schemes and RGB LEDs. It includes high-end thermal paste and a mounting system for easy installation on Intel and AMD CPUs. Backed by a 6-year warranty, this cooler is a popular choice for Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors. Overall, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is a proven and reliable CPU cooler that offers excellent cooling efficiency and quiet operation.
Key Features
- Proven premium heatsink with all-black design
- Extra-wide 140mm dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes
- Dual-fan design with NF-A15 140mm fans and PWM
- Easy installation on Intel and AMD CPUs
- 6-year manufacturer's warranty
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 6.50Lx5.91Wx5.31H
Pros
- Proven premium heatsink with excellent cooling efficiency
- All-black design complements various color schemes
- Dual-fan design for automatic speed control
- Easy installation with included thermal paste and mounting system
- Backed by a 6-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons
- Large size may require additional case clearance
- Mounting system can be complicated for some users
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is a top-notch CPU cooler that delivers exceptional cooling performance and quiet operation. Its dual-tower design, dual fans, and 6 heatpipes ensure efficient heat dissipation, making it a great choice for overclockers and silent PC enthusiasts. The all-black design adds a sleek and stylish touch to any build, and the included thermal paste and mounting system make installation a breeze. While the size of the cooler may be a concern for some users, its outstanding cooling capabilities make it worth the extra space. With a 6-year warranty backing it up, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is a reliable and high-quality option for keeping your CPU cool.
Buyer's Guide: noctua CPU Cooler LGA1151
Buying a CPU cooler for your LGA1151 socket can be a challenging task with the multitude of options available. To help you navigate through the sea of choices, we have put together a comprehensive buyer's guide. Whether you are a gaming enthusiast, an avid video editor, or just someone seeking optimal cooling performance, this guide will ensure you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a noctua CPU cooler specifically for LGA1151, keep the following factors in mind:
- Thermal Performance: Look for a cooler that offers excellent heat dissipation to keep your CPU cool even under heavy loads.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the cooler is specifically designed for LGA1151 socket to avoid any compatibility issues.
- Noise Level: If noise reduction is a priority, consider a cooler with low acoustic output or one that comes with noise-reducing features.
- Footprint and Clearance: Check the dimensions of the cooler to ensure it fits within your computer case and allows clearance for other components like RAM modules.
- Ease of Installation: Choose a cooler with a straightforward installation process to avoid any frustrations during setup.
Types of noctua CPU Coolers
Noctua offers a range of CPU coolers tailored for LGA1151 socket, including:
- Air Coolers
- These coolers feature a heatsink with multiple heat pipes and a fan for efficient cooling.
- Known for their reliability and quiet operation.
- Examples: NH-D15, NH-U12S, NH-L9x65.
- Low-Profile Coolers
- Designed for small-form-factor cases with limited space.
- Offer a compact cooling solution without compromising performance.
- Examples: NH-L12S, NH-L9i, NH-L9x65.
- All-in-One Liquid Coolers
- These coolers use liquid to dissipate heat from the CPU efficiently.
- Provide excellent cooling performance and come with customizable RGB lighting options.
- Examples: NH-D15 chromax.black, NH-U12A, NH-U12A chromax.black.
Installation Tips
While installing a CPU cooler, keep the following tips in mind:
- Read the Manual: Always refer to the manufacturer's installation manual for precise instructions tailored to your specific cooler model.
- Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a thin layer of thermal paste between the CPU and the cooler's base to ensure optimal heat transfer.
- Secure Mounting: Double-check that the cooler is securely mounted on the LGA1151 socket to prevent any accidental damage or performance issues.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep your noctua CPU cooler performing at its best:
- Regular Dusting
- Gently remove dust build-up from the heatsink and fan blades to maintain optimal airflow.
- Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage.
- Fan Cleaning
- If the fan accumulates dust, use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean it.
- Ensure the fan is disconnected from power before cleaning.
- Thermal Paste Replacement
- Over time, thermal paste may degrade and lose its effectiveness. Clean and reapply thermal paste periodically to maintain efficient heat transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5 Best Noctua CPU Cooler LGA1151 For 2023
Check the manufacturer’s specifications or product description for compatibility information. Only choose coolers specifically labeled as compatible with LGA1151.
Liquid coolers often provide better cooling performance compared to air coolers, especially in extreme overclocking scenarios. They also contribute to a neater aesthetic with their sleek designs.
Yes, noctua CPU coolers are designed to handle overclocking. However, the specific overclocking potential depends on the cooler’s model, your CPU, and other factors. Refer to your CPU and cooler specifications for guidance.
Yes, noctua CPU coolers are known for their quiet operation. They employ advanced fan technologies and noise-reducing features to ensure a peaceful computing experience.
While a large CPU cooler may provide excellent cooling performance, it may not be necessary for non-gaming PCs. Consider your usage patterns and CPU’s thermal requirements before choosing a cooler size.
