Final Thoughts on the Noctua NH-L12Sx77
Cooling a small form factor system can definitely be frustrating, especially with cases getting smaller and smaller. Noctua wants to elevate some of that stress with the NH-L12Sx77 CPU cooler. Right off the bat before you even order the cooler you can go on the Noctua website and see if it is compatible with your case. Unlike just listing specifications of the cooler you can actually look up your case and see if its compatible with the cooler, which for sure is nice.
Beyond that this cooler is very easy to install. I was really impressed that you didn’t have to remove the fan at all during installation. This means that once you take the cooler out of the box it is ready to install and you don’t have to worry about having room to re-install a fan later during installation.
The cooler will likely sit over your memory slots, so if you have RGB memory this could be a bummer. The cooler does have enough clearance to sit over most memory modules, even with the fan installed on the bottom of the cooler. Keep in mind you can move the fan to the top of the cooler for more memory clearance.
In terms of performance, for its size the cooler does quite well. Although it is in the bottom of our test group, but keep in mind we mostly test super high-performance air coolers that are not meant at all for small form factor systems. I think if you have a performance to mid-range CPU you’ll be satisfied with the performance of the NH-L12Sx77, especially considering it can fit in some of the smallest cases out there.
Right now you can pick this cooler up at our favorite online retailer for $74.90. I have to say this price seems a bit high. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Noctua NH-L12Sx77 CPU Cooler an 8 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Fits in some of the smallest cases out there
– Good overall performance
– Easy installation
– Do not need to remove fan for installation
– Adequate RAM clearance
Cons:
– Price
– Covers memory
