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Published: May 5, 2008 | Source: Noctua | Author: Llwyd Johnson

Noctua NH-C12P CPU Cooler

Introduction
 
Until recently, the Austrian cooling company Noctua were a name most were not familiar with. In past months, however, with the addition of the market topping NF-P12 fan and the outstanding NH-U12P CPU cooler (which received our Best In Class award) to their already solid line of products, Noctua have earned a much deserved spot at the top of the enthusiast’s shopping list.
 
For those who are still not familiar with the company, there is a large amount of information about their background on their About Noctua page. For those who don’t fancy a lengthy read, an idea of the company’s background can be gleaned from the extract:
 
 
 
 
Noctua arises from a cooperation between the Austrian Rascom Computerdistribution Ges.m.b.H and the Taiwanese Kolink International Corporation and entertains a development partnership with the Austrian Institute of Heat Transmission and Fan Technology (Österreichisches Institut für Wärmeübertragung und Ventilatorentechnik, ÖIWV). These connections form the key to the achievement of our goal: The partnership with the ÖIWV permits the application of scientific measurement instrumentation, methods of calculation and simulation technology in the R&D process. Rascom’s long, customer-oriented experience in developing and distributing sound-optimised high-end products ensures a clear focus on the users’ needs. The use of Kolink’s advanced manufacturing technology and ultra-modern production plants allows us to efficiently implement our technical edge and provide solutions of the highest standard in quality and performance.
 
As you can see, the company has an impressive pool of experience and knowledge from which they can draw to aid them in their goals of creating the highest quality cooling solutions. With the results seen in reviews we have carried out of previous Noctua products, it’s almost hard to believe that improvements can be made. Luckily for us, however, Noctua clearly do not share this view and have produced their new CPU cooling solution, the NH-C12P. The new cooler utilizes a fairly low profile copper and aluminium heatsink with 6 heat pipes and one of Noctua’s NF-P12 120mm fans. So on paper, things are definitely promising.
 
 
Packaging
 
The packaging of Noctua products previously seen here at Overclock3D has not failed to impress. All the packaging has been more than sturdy and there has never been any question in the level of protection it has offered. Thankfully the NH-C12P packaging has followed suit.
 
Packaging Front  Packaging Back

 

 Using the same brown colour scheme and style box as the previous NH-U12P we’ve seen, the box conveys a massive amount of information about the cooler inside. Each visible surface carries either a diagram or specifications of both the heatsink and the fan.
 
Packaging Top  Packaging Side
 
Once inside the packaging, it is clear the same level of attention has been paid to the internals of the box. The cardboard casing of the actual cooler provides a more than adequate level of protection for the heatsink and fan.
 
Packaging Insides
 
 Inside the separate little box you can see to the left, Noctua have packed everything you will need to mount your new cooler:
 
Package Contents
 
As you can see, the package contains both LGA775 and AM2 mounting systems, a packet containing retention springs, sound dampers, fan brackets, low noise adapters and a tube of Noctua’s own NT-H1 thermal paste. Along with this, users are provided with one of the best illustrated and clearly worded instruction manuals I’ve seen.