Successor to the award-winning NH-L12, the NH-L12S is a compact low-profile CPU cooler that combines excellent compatibility, surprising efficiency and remarkable flexibility. Thanks to its NF-A12x15 PWM, slim 120mm fan, the NH-L12S provides even better quiet cooling performance than the previous model with its 92mm fan. At the same time, the NH-L12S is highly versatile: with the fan installed on top of the fins, the cooler is compatible with RAM modules of up to 48mm in height. With the fan installed underneath the fins, the total height of the cooler is only 70mm, making it suitable for use in many HTPC and Small Form Factor cases. Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s proven NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-L12S is a premium-quality low-profile solution for the highest demands.


Based on the award-winning NH-L12
Having received more than 200 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines, the NH-L12 has become an established reference for low-profile 120mm top-flow coolers. Equipped with the new NF-A12x15 fan, the new S-version provides more flexibility and improved performance in low-profile mode.

Low-profile mode
Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed underneath the fin stack, the NH-L12S stands only 70mm tall. The fan can be installed blowing upwards or blowing downwards in order to match the airflow direction inside the case.

High-clearance mode
Run with the NF-A12x15 fan installed on top, the NH-L12S provides extended clearance underneath the fin stack. This way, it is fully compatible with chipset coolers and RAM modules with heat-spreaders of up to 48mm in height (vs. 35mm in low-profile mode).

NF-A12x15 slim 120mm premium fan
Featuring sophisticated aerodynamic optimisations such as Flow Acceleration Channels, the NF-A12x15 is a premium-grade slim 120mm fan. Its outstanding efficiency allows the NH-L12S to provide even better performance than the previous model with its 92mm fan.

120x25mm fan support
The fan clips supplied with the NH-L12S work not only with the slim NF-A12x15 fan but also with 25mm thick 120mm fans. Users who have extra room inside their cases can thus boost the cooler’s performance by using a standard 120x25mm fan on top (increases total height to 95mm).

SecuFirm2™ mounting system
Noctua's SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Supporting Intel LGA1851, LGA1700 (since 2021), LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156) as well as AMD AM4 and AM5 (since 2019), the SecuFirm2™ mounting included with the NH-L12S is straightforward to install, provides perfect contact pressure and will stand the test of time even under heavy use.

Offset mounting option for AMD AM5
The NH-L12S includes Noctua’s offset mounting bars for AM5 that make it possible to install the cooler shifted towards the south side of the socket by 7mm, thereby achieving better contact quality right above the CCD(s). This improved contact exactly at the processor’s hotspot can significantly reduce CPU temperatures with typical improvements in the range of 1-3°C.

Compatibility with past and future sockets
Complying with the open SecuFirm™ standard, the cooler 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. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets.


NT-H1 thermal compound
Noctua's much-acclaimed NT-H1 is a pro-grade TIM solution that provides minimum thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and outstanding reliability. Chosen again and again by overclockers and enthusiast users worldwide, it has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality thermal compounds.