Noctua NH-L12Sx77 - perfect cooler for cases like Terra, Milo 12, RAW S1

Noctua consistently demonstrates that it has a clear plan for its products. This plan doesn't just involve new coolers but also improving existing products that still make sense in the market. One such cooler is the NH-L12, which has been upgraded to the L12Sx77. The upgrade includes an increase in the height of the cooler, improving compatibility with various RAM modules. Noctua has also managed to increase the number of heat pipes in this cooler, thereby enhancing its cooling performance.

Noctua NH-L12Sx77 - Introduction, specifications

The cooler itself is quite small, reaching a height of only 77mm. Even this slight increase (compared to its predecessor, the L12S) of 7mm has contributed to creating a space of 44mm under the cooler, thereby increasing compatibility with tall RAM modules. The packaging is therefore quite compact but includes everything you are accustomed to from Noctua (from thermal paste to a screwdriver...).

Specification

Noctua NH-L12Sx77 – Design

As I mentioned at the beginning, the new model features a larger number of heat pipes – while the predecessor had 4, the L12Sx77 has 6. According to Noctua's ratings of coolers, the cooling performance has increased by nearly 12%. The design remains almost the same, with a fan at the bottom of the cooler, which measures 120x120x15mm, blowing warm air away from the motherboard. The logic here is clear: most ITX cases have perforated side panels, significantly preventing the accumulation of warm air inside the case. If you want even more space between the motherboard and the cooler, you can move the fan to the top of the cooler.

The ends of the heat pipes are not the usual "pointed" style but are nicely rounded.

For comparison NH-L12 vs NH-L12Sx77

Noctua NH-L12Sx77 - Installation

The SecurFirm 2 mounting bracket is one of the best on the market, and by best, I also mean the easiest to install. Combined with a very detailed manual, even those attempting to install Noctua coolers for the first time can do so successfully. Due to the design of the cooler, the L12Sx77 needs to be attached to the bracket through the cooler – for this purpose, there are two designated openings. Before installation, I recommend removing the fan to avoid damaging its blades.

Test Setup

Noctua NH-L12Sx77 - Results

I test every cooler, even if it's not designed for it, first at the frequency I use to test all coolers. An overclocked processor at this frequency generates approximately 220W of waste heat. If the cooler cannot handle this frequency, the processor is downclocked to a lower limit of 4500MHz, where it generates around 140W of waste heat.

The Noctua NH-L12Sx77 cannot handle 220W, but it manages the lower frequency with ease. Only when I set the fan speed below 1000 RPM it was unable to cool the processor effectively.

For such a small cooler, this is an excellent result.

Noctua NH-L12Sx77 - Conclusion

Noctua has once again proven its expertise with coolers (as if there were any doubts!) by releasing an improved version that will delight many ITX build enthusiasts. Pair this cooler with cases like the Fractal Design Terra, Silverstone Milo 12, or Loque RAW S1, and you won't have to worry about any significant performance loss. Yes, the cooler can't handle CPUs overclocked to the maximum, but it isn't designed for such "extreme" overclocking anyway.