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Noctua NH-U12S redux in the test: The expensive, cheaper version of the classic

Jul 6, 2021

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Noctua presents the NH-U12S redux as a budget version of the NH-U12S. Although the quality of the redux cooler is superior to any criticism, the high purchase price in combination with the reduced scope of delivery does not allow easy classification of the tower cooler. It's good, but not an insider tip for small budgets.

Table of contents

1 The expensive, cheaper version of the classic < ol>
Noctua NH-U12S redux in detail

2 Measurement results and conclusion

Test system and methodology
Measurement results
Conclusion

Up until a few years ago, Noctua was known for its uncompromising nature: the coolers are expensive and the fans are basically in the company colors. The color scheme polarizes, but the (presumably) desired effect that a Noctua product has recognition value has undoubtedly been achieved. However, the manufacturer has begun to soften this stringency: A black industrial series of fans offered the option of bypassing the beige-brown color mixture (even if industrial fans are less intended for private users due to their high maximum speed) and the slimmed-down redux fan series in Gray is supposed to offer Noctua products at a more affordable price.

While the manufacturer now offers coolers as so-called chromax models with black fans, the newly introduced NH-U12S redux (from 49 euros) follows the gray color scheme: The tower cooler is a slightly stripped-down NH-U12S that comes at a lower price is offered.

Noctua states that redux models should be reduced to the essentials. Specifically, this means that the manufacturer does not issue brand new fans as redux versions, but rather well-known models. The scope of delivery also suffers: fans from the redux series arrive at the customer with no more than four fastening screws. In contrast to the extensive equipment of the regular models, redux versions have a disadvantage here, but Noctua has a six-year guarantee and promises that the quality should remain unchanged. The NH-U12S redux must be the first redux cooler in the test to show whether the red pen has been applied in the right places and whether it can keep what the manufacturer promises.

Noctua NH-U12S redux Design: Tower size (L × W × H): 45 × 125 × 158 mm (without fan)
71 × 125 × 158 mm (with fan) Weight: 550 g (without fan)
755 g (with fan) heat pipes: copper (nickel-plated), 4 × 6 mm (Ø)
copper base (nickel-plated) fins: aluminum (nickel-plated),?
spacing:? Radiator mounting: two-stage bracket with fan back plate (model 1): 1 × 120 × 120 × 25.0 mm
oil pressure bearing
450 – 1,700 rpm
120.2 m³/h
25.1 dBA
4-pin PWM fan (model 2): - Fan assembly: Fastening: wire bracket
Decoupling: fan frame Compatibility: AMD: Socket/AM3 (+)/AM2 (+)/AM4
Intel: LGA 2066/2011/LGA 1200/115x Price: from 49 €

Noctua NH-U12S redux in detail

The NH-U12S redux relies on a slimmed-down version of the NH-U12S. Instead of five heat pipes, only four are used. In addition, the heat pipes are no longer soldered to the fins of the radiator. Apart from that, the two coolers share the same basic structure. In contrast, the NH-U12A (test) goes in the other direction, because it is based on the same construction, but with seven heat pipes and two NF-A12x25 (test) fans in a completely different price range.

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Noctua NH-U12S redux: No savings measures apparent at first glance

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The processing of the NH-U12S redux is beyond any doubt. The fins of the radiator are very clean and have no sharp edges. Hidden under the layer of thermal paste is a nickel-plated base plate made of copper, which creates a straight support surface for the CPU.

Series fans and scope of delivery

Instead of the NF-A12x25 with the NH-U12A and the NF-F12 with the NH-U12S, the NH-U12S redux uses an NF-P12 redux. Noctua has been offering this 120 mm fan since 2011, followed by the gray redux model in 2018. It is specified with a speed interval of 450 to 1,700 rpm, with between 200 and 1,650 rpm being achieved via PWM in the test system. The fan works in the low speed range free of annoying running noises and thus qualifies itself for silent systems without any problems.