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Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT vs Noctua NH-D12L: Comparison
Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT vs Noctua NH-D12L: the noise level difference
These two are close on paper, and noise level is the only measure that separates them at all: Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT 33.8 dBA against Noctua NH-D12L 22.6 dBA. Fan count runs the same way, 2 on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus 1 on the Noctua NH-D12L, another win for Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT. Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT also leads on airflow, 89 CFM on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus 60.09 CFM on the Noctua NH-D12L. Add warranty to that, 5 years on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus 6 years on the Noctua NH-D12L, and the pattern holds. Noctua NH-D12L also leads on max speed, 1700 RPM on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus 2000 RPM on the Noctua NH-D12L. Add static pressure to that, 2 mmH2O on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus 2.34 mmH2O on the Noctua NH-D12L, and the pattern holds.
Which should you buy, Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT or Noctua NH-D12L?
The Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT is the one to take for 280W-class CPUs where a 280mm radiator fits but 360mm doesn't and builders already using Corsair iCUE for fan and RGB control. It is the wrong buy for builders starting fresh who'd rather use Corsair's newer iCUE Link ecosystem. The Noctua NH-D12L suits builds with tall heatsink-covered RAM modules and quiet-focused mid-range and upper-mid-range CPUs, though it is not the pick for extreme overclocks needing maximum dual-fan airflow and buyers wanting RGB aesthetics.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT and Noctua NH-D12L differ on cooler type?
Yes. Cooler Type reads AIO Liquid on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus Air Tower on the Noctua NH-D12L.
Is the PWM Control the same on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT and Noctua NH-D12L?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Corsair
- Noctua NH-D12L
- Noctua
Cooler Type
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- AIO Liquid
- Noctua NH-D12L
- Air Tower
Series
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Noctua NH-D12L
- Noctua NH-D12L
Model Number
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- CW-9060069-WW
- Noctua NH-D12L
- NH-D12L
Socket Compatibility
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- AMD AM4/AM5/sTRX4/sTR4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
- Noctua NH-D12L
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X
Tower Layout
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Not Applicable
- Noctua NH-D12L
- Dual-Tower
Fan Count
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 2Best
- Noctua NH-D12L
- 1-50%
Noise Level
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 33.8 dBA
- Noctua NH-D12L
- 22.6 dBABest
RGB Lighting
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Yes
- Noctua NH-D12L
- No
Fan Size
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 140 mm
- Noctua NH-D12L
- 120 mm
Max Speed
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 1700 RPM-15%
- Noctua NH-D12L
- 2000 RPMBest
Airflow
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 89 CFMBest
- Noctua NH-D12L
- 60.09 CFM-32%
Static Pressure
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 2 mmH2O-15%
- Noctua NH-D12L
- 2.34 mmH2O
PWM Control
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Yes
- Noctua NH-D12L
- Yes
Warranty
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NH-D12L
- 6 yearsBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT if you want the higher fan count (2 vs 1) and the higher airflow (89 CFM vs 60.09 CFM).
Choose Noctua NH-D12L if you want the lower noise level (22.6 dBA vs 33.8 dBA), the higher max speed (2000 RPM vs 1700 RPM) and the higher static pressure (2.34 mmH2O vs 2 mmH2O).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT | Noctua NH-D12L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 H115i Elite Capellix XT
8.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-rounded 280mm AIO with genuinely improved fans over the standard Elite Capellix, best for builders already committed to Corsair's classic iCUE ecosystem.
Noctua NH-D12L
8.3 / 10 Expert Rating
An excellent no-compromise pick when tall RAM rules out a standard dual-fan tower.