Noctua NA-FK1 redux, Zweitlüfter-Set für NH-U12S redux, 1700 PWM, 120mm

Den NH-U12S redux hat Noctua auf das Wesentliche reduziert und verspricht damit einen hochwertigen Single-Tower-Kühler zum attraktiven Preis. Im Test prüfen wir auch gleich noch das optionale Lüfter-Upgrade-Kit NA-FK1 redux für eine Push-Pull-Lüfterkonfiguration.

Nach Jahren der Entwicklung konnte Noctua seinen NF-A12x25 endlich der Öffentlichkeit präsentieren und die Wartezeit hat sich gelohnt. In unserem direkten Vergleich ließen wir den hauseigenen NF-F12 antreten, der selber bereits eine sehr respektable Performance abzuliefern vermag. Doch die Mühen Noctua`s haben sich gelohnt. Es wurde an etlichen Stellschrauben gedreht, ein neues Material verwendet, was den Spalt zwischen Rotor und Gehäuse auf ein Minimum reduziert, eine andere Nabenkonstruktion entwickelt sowie etwas am Zubehör gefeilt.

Noctua has released what they are referring to a streamlined, accessibly priced version of their award-winning slim design single tower air cooler NH-U12S. The new cooler is from the Redux lineup hence named NH-U12S Redux. The NH-U12S Redux is a U-type air cooler in 120mm size. It has the same heatsink with a key difference of one less heat pipe. The dimension of the hetasink is 158x125x45mm (HxWxD) without fan. The dimension is 158x125x71mm (HxWxD) with the fan. The weight of the cooler is 755 g with the fan. The cooler is compatible with Intel LGA20XX, LGA115X, LGA1200, and AMD AM4 sockets. This is another difference over the standard NH-U12S as the standard version has support for AM3 sockets as well.

This shouldn’t overshadow the fact though that it is, despite its relatively small stature, an amazingly good CPU cooler. Although the CPU temperatures are clearly much better with the second fan upgrade kit, even without it, the NH-U12S REDUX manages to punch well above its weight while barely making a whisper!

Noctua may not want to say it, but it feels safe to assume their Redux series of fans came about as an answer to those questioning why their products are so expensive. They could have just named these fans something else entirely, but decided to own up completely by stating that the redux series fans had been developed before, and a different color scheme was given to also offer something to those not fans of their tan-and-brown-colored fans. Cut down on accessories included, have a simpler packaging style, use these fans that have been in the market in one form or another, and you now have a fan series that is more affordable.