The new $49 Noctua NH-U12S Redux cooler is a good option for budget gamers, say reviews

These days CPU coolers have become more important than ever as new age processors are getting hotter, and also in-box CPU coolers haven't been provided anymore. So, even if it's…

By Raunak Saha

May 16, 2021

2 min read

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These days CPU coolers have become more important than ever as new age processors are getting hotter, and also in-box CPU coolers haven’t been provided anymore. So, even if it’s a mid-range CPU like Ryzen 5 5600X, which we said in our review requires cooling to unlock its full potential even if it’s a cheap air cooler.

However, not all cheap air coolers are good enough; now here comes the entry of a cheaper solution from Noctua – the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. Though you have the regular Noctua NH-U12S that costs $69 on Amazon, if affording that might be a problem for you, then the new Redux version is for you.

The new $49 Noctua NH-U12S Redux cooler is a good option for budget gamers, say reviews

Specifications

Streamlined, more affordable redux line version of the award-winning NH-U12S heatsink
Slim 120mm size for excellent case, RAM and PCIe compatibility: fits most tower cases (158mm height), doesn’t overhang the RAM slots, doesn’t block the PCIe on most ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards.
Quiet NF-P12 redux-1700 120mm fan with PWM for automatic speed control: full cooling performance under load, near-silent at idle!
Pre-applied high-quality NT-H1 thermal paste & SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, LGA2011, LGA2066 and AMD AM4
Renowned Noctua quality at an attractive price, smart choice for Intel Core i9, i7, i5, i3 (e.g. 11900K, 11700K, 10900K, 10980XE) and AMD Ryzen (e.g. 5950X, 5900X, 5800X, 5600X)

In many reviews by prominent YouTubers like Linus Tech Tips and Hardware Canucks, this entry-level CPU cooler has been appreciated very much because even though it has a low profile, it still manages to cool the CPU as efficiently as it’s bigger brother Noctua NH-U12S.

Taking reference of what Linus said in his video, the new Noctua NH-U12S Redux cooler gives similar cooling with a low profile, though is a bit loud when pushed harder still its quiter than most other air coolers in the same budget.