Noctua NH-U12P: Top Performance AND Silence
by Wesley Fink on March 20, 2008 8:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Overclocking and Performance Scaling
With outstanding performance at stock speed, we pushed the Noctua NH-U12P in our performance scaling tests to see if this air-cooler delivers similarly impressive performance when pushed hard in overclocking. As cooling solutions do a better job of keeping the CPU at a lower temperature, it is reasonable to expect the overclocking capabilities of the CPU will increase. In each test of a cooler, we measure the highest stable overclock of a standard X6800 processor under the following conditions:
CPU
Multiplier: 11x (Stock 11x)
CPU Strap: 266 (stock) or 333 (overclocked)
CPU voltage: 1.5875V at max overclock
NB Voltage: 1.70V
FSB Voltage: 1.40V
SB Voltage: 1.20V
Memory is set to Auto timings on the P35. This removes memory as any kind of impediment to the maximum stable overclock. As FSB is raised the linked memory speed increases in proportion. For this reason, we maintain memory speed as close as possible to CPU strap settings to prevent memory becoming an issue in CPU testing. This means 3.33GHz uses a 333 strap and runs 10x333, 3.73GHz uses a 333 strap and runs 11x339, and 3.90GHz is a 333 strap and 354x11. The stock speed test is a 266 strap and 11x266. We may move in the future to a 3.0GHz stock speed with a 333 strap and 9x333 settings for complete consistency, but since we are not measuring raw computer performance in our cooling benchmarking this becomes a moot point. The same processor is used in all cooling tests to ensure comparable results.
The stock single-fan Noctua reaches 3.91GHz in our overclocking tests, a result exceeded only by our top Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme. Even more impressive is the performance achieved when we use two NF-12P fans in a push-pull arrangement, with a top overclock of 3.94GHz. This matches the Thermalright Ultra120 eXtreme as the best air-cooler ever tested at AnandTech.
This superb overclocking performance combines with silent operation, with noise floors below our quiet system level. Noctua appears to have developed a cooler that combines top performance with incredibly low system noise. With the Noctua kit and the NF-P12 fan, you no longer have to choose between top performance or lowest noise. The NH-U12P can give you both - even if you add a second NF-12P fan in push-pull for ultimate cooling.
Performance Scaling
Performance scaling charts for the Noctua NH-U12P use a scale with zero on the bottom and 75C on the top. Keep in mind that the lower line is the best performance in this presentation of the data - lower temperatures represent better performance.
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The NH-U12P performance scaling at idle is impressive. It is all but a mirror image of the superb Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme running a Scythe S-FLEX fan. When we add a second NF-P12 fan in a push-pull setup, the Noctua is in a class by itself. Temperatures drop another 3C or so and the performance curve is all but flat from 3.73GHz to the top speed of 3.94GHz. If you recall from past test results, a flat curve (shallower slope) indicates a cooler is still in its effective cooling range.
Next, we compare cooling efficiency of the Noctua NH-U12P under load conditions to the retail HSF and other recently retested CPU coolers. Load testing can be very revealing of a cooler's efficiency. Again, we like to see a relatively flat line, which often means we are at the limits of our CPU rather than the coolers. A line with a steep slope indicates a cooler is nearing the end of its ability to cool effectively.
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Under load test conditions, the stock NH-U12P again matches the top Thermalright. The single-fan NH-U12P tops out at 3.91GHz while the Ultra-120 eXtreme continues on to 3.94GHz. Temperatures under load at tested speeds are all but the same in faster speeds, while at lower speeds the NH-U12P is actually a bit better performer. These results are very impressive.
Adding a second fan in push-pull again creates a new performance class with the Noctua NH-U12P. Cooling on average is 2C to 3C better than our previous top performer. That may sound like a small amount, but in cooling this difference is significant. With two fans, the Noctua extends to 3.94GHz and sets a new record for best cooling performance at the highest speed we have been able to achieve in air-cooling with this CPU.
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n7 - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
I can't believe no one here knows Thermaltake sells additional clips for fans for their coolers.You don't have to do any ghetto zip tie mods either.
Simply purchase an extra set of clips, install two Noctuas, & you have what i run:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9930/img2383cop...">http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9930/img2383cop...
I am a huge Noctua fanboi too.
I own over 15 of their fans, as they just exude quality with their lovely sleeved cables, nice design & color, & low RPM adaptors, nevermind the packaging.
But as much as i like Noctua, they don't make the best CPU heatsinks. Not yet anyway.
So i use a TRUE + their fans.
Syzygies - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
It's Thermalright, not Thermaltake. What isn't clear is that buying additional clips also buys you additional gel strips. That's the only part one can actually use, as the Thermalright clip holes are sized for one fan clip, not two. Been there. Zip ties are wonderful, they're my universal modeling clay.Sargon - Monday, March 24, 2008 - link
Yes, buying the additional clips will get you additional gel strips. You do not use the same holes but the ones next two it. In other words you just place the second clips over one cooling fin.The reason I actually posted is that I just replaced a Scythe Ultra Kaze (3000rpm) with two of these Noctura fans om my Thermalright 120 Extreme (push/pull). Not only is the setup very quite it works very well due to the air pressure these fans produce.
n7 - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
Sorry, i'm asleep :(I have a TT case...but run a TRUE.
FWIW, i'd rate the Noctua cooler + fan as a better overall package.
But for those wanting the best, a TRUE + a couple P12 fans is a bit better...though you might have the lap the TRUE (poor TR QC IMO vs. excellence from Noctua in that regard).
And yes, i know the holes are technically designed for just one set of clips, but i didn't find it impossible to clip in a second set by any means.
KainAT - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
I think many users know that they sold that separately.But if you dont buy the clips when you buy your heatsink or any other hardware you may need to pay extra for the shipping and just for a par of clips.
Thermalright could give 1 USD on price for the cooler including 2 pairs if they want, but this is the important part of the noctua service as I see.
Also, gheto is not really difficult.
On the other hand, Thermalright has 2 holes for thwe clips and the other ones even they can be used for clips are not really meant for it as you can see.
Anyway. Im not defending Noctua or anything here. Im big Thermalright user so I have no problems there.
Finally, for the reviewer: When you said about the Noctua inluding the fan which is another cost, you may also want to say that thay also include the NT-H1 Thermalpaste and also has a value for the user.
Regards.
Kain.
Ytterbium - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
Could you test the Thermalright IFX-14, this looks like an interesting designWesley Fink - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
The early versions of the IFX-14 were not competitive with the other top coolers from Thermalright. Thermalright has promised us a revised version for months now but we have yet to receive it.In our converstaions with Thermalright we have been clear that we can't recommend the IFX-14 unless it actaully outperforms the U120 eXtreme since the IFX-14 costs a good deal more. Perhaps your question will light a fire.
KainAT - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
Im in this with you.For the ones who really want to know the performance, I already did the tests,. and yes, the TRUE wins by 2-3 degrees depending on wattage created when OCing. The more heat you create, the more difference (which ios ionly 1 degree or 2 aprox).
What you can do to have 2 fans on TRUE is simple. One clip for one side and one clip to another.
I have some photos for you here:
http://bandwidth.se/view/6253">http://bandwidth.se/view/6253
http://bandwidth.se/view/6254">http://bandwidth.se/view/6254
I think the analisys on this working on TRUE is not the most properly because the article is from Noctua, not thermalright.
Anyway, the analysys later would be very good :)
varneraa - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
Given how close the 120-Extreme is in performance to the stock noctua unit, I wonder how a 120-Extreme with push-pull fans would do?poohbear - Friday, March 21, 2008 - link
i know, i hate it when reviewers just omit these questions that they KNOW everybody will be asking. c'mon anandtech, why give us a review of a TRUE without a push/pull config and test the other heatsink with it?