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Corsair H100x vs Noctua NH-U12S Redux: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair H100x and Noctua NH-U12S Redux?
On height the spread is 485%, Corsair H100x 27 mm against Noctua NH-U12S Redux 158 mm, so Corsair H100x takes it. On noise level there is little in it, 27 dBA on the Corsair H100x versus 25.1 dBA on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. Add fan count to that, 2 on the Corsair H100x versus 1 on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux, and the pattern holds. They differ on cooler type too, AIO Liquid on the Corsair H100x versus Air Tower on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. Socket compatibility is not the same on both, AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200 on the Corsair H100x versus AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux.
Which should you buy, Corsair H100x or Noctua NH-U12S Redux?
Buy the Corsair H100x for builders who don't want RGB software ecosystems and mainstream 240mm-radiator cases, though it is not the pick for RGB-themed showcase builds and users already invested in iCUE or CAM ecosystems. The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is the one to take for budget mainstream builds on AM5/LGA1700 and buyers who want Noctua reliability without flagship pricing, though it is the wrong buy for High-TDP overclocked flagship CPUs and RGB-themed builds. Our rating of the Corsair H100x (7.6/10): A dependable, uncomplicated 240mm AIO for builders who just want liquid cooling without the software layer. Our rating of the Noctua NH-U12S Redux (7.8/10): Noctua's mounting and acoustics at Hyper 212 money, an easy budget recommendation.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Rgb lighting read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Corsair H100x
- Corsair
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- Noctua
Cooler Type
- Corsair H100x
- AIO Liquid
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- Air Tower
Series
- Corsair H100x
- Corsair H100x
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
Model Number
- Corsair H100x
- CW-9060065-WW
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- NH-U12S redux
Height
- Corsair H100x
- 27 mmBest
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- 158 mm-485%
Socket Compatibility
- Corsair H100x
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X
Fan Count
- Corsair H100x
- 2Best
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- 1-50%
Noise Level
- Corsair H100x
- 27 dBA
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- 25.1 dBABest
RGB Lighting
- Corsair H100x
- No
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair H100x if you want the lower height (27 mm vs 158 mm) and the higher fan count (2 vs 1).
Choose Noctua NH-U12S Redux if you want the lower noise level (25.1 dBA vs 27 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair H100x | Noctua NH-U12S Redux |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Corsair H100x
7.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable, uncomplicated 240mm AIO for builders who just want liquid cooling without the software layer.
Noctua NH-U12S Redux
7.8 / 10 Expert Rating
Noctua's mounting and acoustics at Hyper 212 money, an easy budget recommendation.