Moving onto acoustic results, which may be more relevant for a CPU cooler to be used within an HTPC, we find that the NH-L12S produces around 30dB of noise at a 20cm distance. This measurement is taken with the side panel off, which would obviously reduce noise output somewhat. We also didn’t test the low-noise adaptor to ensure we stay true to our test methodology, though this should only be relevant in the load tests. For a small cooler with a 15mm fan, as opposed to the 25mm fans usually found on CPU coolers, the noise levels are good.
Loading up the CPU for 20 minutes and reading the acoustics proves that the cooler is incredibly capable, even when pushed hugely outside of its operating window. The lower fan speeds of the X62 account for lower noise, and vice versa for the Arctic Freezer.
Loading up the CPU for 20 minutes and reading the acoustics proves that the cooler is incredibly capable, even when pushed hugely outside of its operating window. The lower fan speeds of the X62 account for lower noise, and vice versa for the Arctic Freezer.
