Noctua has unveiled the NH-L12Sx77, a low-profile CPU cooler designed specifically for compact, high-performance, and whisper-quiet Small Form Factor systems.
Building upon the success of the NH-L12S, this new variant offers improved cooling capabilities and better compatibility with motherboards and RAM.
Roland Mossig, CEO of Noctua, elaborated on the motivation behind the NH-L12Sx77: “While our NH-L12S has been widely embraced for compact builds, we recognized limitations in RAM compatibility and clearance for taller motherboard components due to its 70mm height. The NH-L12Sx77 addresses this by utilizing available space to enhance compatibility and cooling performance, particularly beneficial for demanding gaming or productivity setups.”
Equipped with 6 heatpipes instead of the previous 4, the NH-L12Sx77 provides greater capacity to manage higher heat loads, making it an ideal choice for maximizing the potential of today’s high-end CPUs, especially within compact enclosures where managing turbo boost modes is challenging.
Beyond performance enhancements, the NH-L12Sx77 offers improved compatibility with motherboards and RAM modules compared to its predecessor. The increased height of the x77 version allows for greater clearance, accommodating larger RAM modules and motherboard heatsinks and shrouds with ease, making it a versatile solution for various configurations.
Similar to the original NH-L12S, the NH-L12Sx77 features a preinstalled fan positioned beneath the fin stack, directing airflow upwards. This configuration is particularly suited for compact cases with perforated panels above the cooler, enabling efficient heat dissipation while minimizing noise from turbulent airflow.
With a height of 77mm, the NH-L12Sx77 is compatible with popular cases such as Fractal Design’s Terra, SilverStone’s Milo ML12, and Louqe’s RAW S1 chassis, as well as numerous others unable to accommodate larger coolers like the NH-C14S or NH-D9L in low-profile mode.
Availability and Pricing
The NH-L12Sx77 is available for purchase today with a suggested retail price of EUR 84.90 / USD 74.90 through Noctua’s official Amazon stores, with other retailers expected to stock it soon.
