Noctua
Noctua NH-U12A · Black
Air tower
90
/ 100
From $109
VS
Noctua NH-D15 · RGB wins by 3
Noctua
Noctua NH-D15 · RGB
Air tower
93
/ 100
From $109
Specdex verdict
Noctua NH-D15 · RGB takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Noctua NH-U12A · Black lands at 90 and Noctua NH-D15 · RGB at 93. That puts Noctua NH-D15 · RGB ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Noctua NH-U12A · Black if…
- ✓Multi-socket bracket support
- ✓Quiet fans at idle
- ✓Strong TDP rating
Pick Noctua NH-D15 · RGB if…
- ✓Multi-socket bracket support
- ✓Quiet fans at idle
- ✓Strong TDP rating
Noctua NH-U12A · Black 90
vs 93 Noctua NH-D15 · RGB
Score breakdown
Noctua NH-U12A · Black
90 thermals 90
noise 86
install 88
value 86
Noctua NH-D15 · RGB
93 thermals 93
noise 89
install 88
value 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Noctua NH-U12A · Black | Noctua NH-D15 · RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Air tower | Air tower |
Noctua NH-U12A · Black
Pros
- +Multi-socket bracket support
- +Quiet fans at idle
- +Strong TDP rating
Cons
- −Height may conflict with RAM heatspreaders
- −AIO pump noise varies
- −Installation requires motherboard-off
Noctua NH-D15 · RGB
Pros
- +Multi-socket bracket support
- +Quiet fans at idle
- +Strong TDP rating
Cons
- −Height may conflict with RAM heatspreaders
- −AIO pump noise varies
- −Installation requires motherboard-off
FAQ: Noctua NH-U12A · Black vs Noctua NH-D15 · RGB
Which is better, Noctua NH-U12A · Black or Noctua NH-D15 · RGB? +
Noctua NH-D15 · RGB scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Noctua NH-U12A · Black worth the price? +
At $109, Noctua NH-U12A · Black delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in thermals.
Is Noctua NH-D15 · RGB worth the price? +
At $109, Noctua NH-D15 · RGB delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in thermals.
Does Noctua NH-U12A · Black or Noctua NH-D15 · RGB last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.