For a complete overview of the bundled accessories, we’ve filmed an unboxing video which shows you what you’ll receive in the box. Check out the Noctua NL-LC1-36 Unboxing Video.
The NL-LC1-36 is equipped with three NF-A12x25 G2 120mm fans, giving the cooler a premium foundation from the outset. As the latest evolution of Noctua's flagship fan design, the NF-A12x25 G2 has been engineered to deliver exceptional airflow, static pressure and acoustic efficiency, making it particularly well suited for radiator duties. The three-fan arrangement ensures full coverage across the 360mm radiator while maintaining the low noise levels that have become synonymous with the Noctua brand. Combined with the cooler's overall design philosophy, these fans play a significant role in achieving an excellent balance between cooling performance and quiet operation.
Supporting the fan array is a 360mm aluminium radiator based on Asetek's flagship Emma V2 platform. The radiator utilises a 20 FPI (fins per inch) fin density that has been specifically optimised for strong cooling performance at lower fan speeds. Rather than relying on more restrictive louvered fin designs, Asetek employs non-louvered fins that reduce airflow impedance and better suit the quieter operating characteristics of the NF-A12x25 G2 fans. The result is a radiator design that extracts excellent thermal performance without requiring aggressive fan speeds to do so.
At the heart of the LC1 sits the Asetek Emma V2 pump, the company's most advanced closed-loop liquid cooling platform to date. Emma V2 introduces a redesigned closed impeller, optimised internal flow paths and a new high-torque three-phase motor, all of which contribute to increased coolant flow, improved efficiency and reduced vibration compared to previous generations. Noctua has further enhanced the platform through the integration of its proprietary NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber, making the NL-LC1 series the world's first all-in-one liquid coolers to feature this technology. By combining acoustic soundproofing with a tuned-mass damper effect, the NL-PNA1 simultaneously reduces both air-borne pump noise and structure-borne vibrations, helping the cooler achieve exceptionally refined acoustics.
One of the more unique features of the LC1 is the integrated profile switch that allows users to select between three distinct pump operating modes. Quiet mode prioritises minimal noise output by restricting pump speed to approximately 2100 RPM under normal conditions. Unless coolant temperatures exceed 45°C and trigger the safety ramp function, the pump remains within this reduced operating range, resulting in exceptionally low acoustic output during everyday workloads.
Balanced mode serves as the middle ground and will likely be the preferred setting for most users. In this profile, pump speed is limited to approximately 2600 RPM while coolant temperatures remain below 30°C. As liquid temperatures increase, additional control headroom becomes available, allowing pump speeds to gradually scale towards approximately 3400 RPM by 45°C. This intelligent behaviour ensures the pump does not run faster or louder than necessary while still providing additional cooling capacity when thermal demand increases.
For users seeking maximum control, Manual mode unlocks the full operating range of the Emma V2 pump regardless of coolant temperature. This allows the pump to operate at speeds up to approximately 3400 RPM even when the coolant remains near ambient temperature, providing a direct and predictable PWM-to-RPM response.
Completing the cooling assembly is a large 99.95% pure CU1100 copper cold plate featuring a 32.5 x 22.5mm skived microfin array. The generous contact area provides excellent coverage for modern desktop processors, while the dense microfin structure and optimised liquid distribution system ensure efficient heat transfer from the CPU into the cooling loop.
Aesthetically, the LC1 stays firmly within Noctua’s unmistakable design language, featuring the brand’s signature beige and brown NF-A12x25 G2 fans. It’s a deliberately understated look that prioritises function over flash, avoiding any form of RGB lighting in favour of a clean, professional appearance. The pump housing follows the same minimalist approach, with a restrained, utilitarian finish that blends seamlessly into most builds. The end result is a cooler that looks purpose-built rather than decorative, appealing to users who prefer a cohesive, distraction-free system aesthetic.
