Noctua NH-C12P

INTRODUCTION

Any computer enthusiasts would know the importance of keeping the components inside of a system running cool.  This is especially true if you overclock because once pushing the hardware components to their limits, the resultant heat they generate can cause system instability and in some extreme situations ruin the hardware.  Anyone who messes around with their system will know how crappy the retail processor heatsink is in keeping the temperature of the CPU running low.  The retail Intel heatsink is extremely inefficient in the heat conducting department despite the fact it is running at extremely quiet.  Thus, for those who overclock their system, having an after-market heatsink and fan is pretty much a given in order to achieve that perfect overclocking result.

There is no shortage of good CPU heatsink and fan manufactures and Bjorn3D has the priviledge of reviewing many of them.  Today, we have the latest cooler from Noctua, the NH-C12P, which we will put it through our test to see if this heatsink and fan is worth it to you to shed the $69.90 asking price.
 

Noctua: The Company

Noctua arises from a cooperation between the Austrian Rascom Computer distribution 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.

What does Noctua mean?
The little owl, Athene noctua, is the symbol of the Greek goddess Athene, who represents wisdom, science and strategy. She has a marked preference for the most clever among the Greek heroes, like Odysseus, who endure their adventures by the use of savvy consideration instead of mere force.