Noctua NH-C12P CPU Cooler Review

Fan Design

To get a definitive look at the Noctua NF-P12 fan one should read our Noctua NF-P12 120mm Fan Review


Here we have the Noctua NF-P12 which can operate at three speeds with the included attachments; 1300 RPM (which we will use for all the tests), 1100 RPM and 900 RPM. These are the assoicated speeds with CFM ratings:

1300 RPM = 54.3 CFM
1100 RPM = 46.2 CFM
900 RPM = 37.3 CFM

Other than that, this fan has a number of advantages versus the competition.

Nine Blade Design



Many of the most popular fans on the market have seven blades which are great for moving air in an open environment but start choking when part of their incoming or outgoing airflow is blocked. Noctua has decided to use a 9-bladed fan design which is made especially for high impedance applications where its static pressure benefits of more blade surface area can come into play. In principle, this type of design can move more air through restrictive spaces than its seven-finned counterparts.

For more information about this Nine Blade Design, please go here: Noctua.at - sound-optimised premium components "Designed in Austria"!


Vortex Control Notches



Another feature that distinguishes the NF-P12 from all of the other fans on the market is the distinct notches on each fan blade. Noctua dubs these indents “vortex control notches” and they are slightly offset from one blade to the next. They are supposed to cut down on the vortices generated by the leading edge of each blade so it doesn’t interfere with the movement of the next blade. This in turn should cut down on the amount of noise generated by this product.

For more information about these notches, please go here: Noctua.at - sound-optimised premium components "Designed in Austria"!


SC Drive



This part is a bit more technical than I can accurately describe but “SC Drive” stands for a Smooth Commutation Drive. This technology basically cuts down on the amount of motor noise emanating from the NF-P12.

For more information about the SC Drive, please go here:
Noctua.at - sound-optimised premium components "Designed in Austria"!


SSO Bearing



By now all of us should know that bearings play a huge roll in both the noise output and the life expectancy of fans. Some fans use fluid dynamic bearings while others use sleeve or ball bearings but Noctua has gone a different route with their SSO bearing. With an MTBF of over 150,000 hours and more technical jargon than you can shake a stick at, it is best if you read Noctua’s technical page to learn more about this marvel of engineering: Noctua.at - sound-optimised premium components "Designed in Austria"!

If there is one area which causes the most controversy when it comes to Noctua fans it has to be their colour scheme. This fan is made from beige coloured plastic with brown fan blades and rotor housing. This color scheme is certainly not for everyone; however, its amazing performance should make up for any real or imagined color faux pas it may cause. If one absolutely hates this color scheme and could not possibly imagine using such an interestingly colored fan, the fact that the mounting system is only wire brackets will make mounting any (most likely inferior yet more esthetically pleasing) fan you wish to the NH-C12P cooler very easy indeed.


On the positive side, the fan cable is nice and long and is completely sleeved. It is always nice when the manufacturers take the time to do this as it does make for a both a cleaner/neater install while also helping to keep air flow restrictions to a minimum.