Cooler FAQs

Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with 13th generation Intel Core CPUs (Raptor Lake)?
Intel's 13th generation Core processors (code name Raptor Lake-S) use the same LGA1700 socket as the 12th generation models (Alder Lake-S). Therefore, ...
Mon, 2 Oct, 2023 at 1:45 PM
How can I check if my Noctua CPU cooler already includes AM4/5 mounting parts?
Please refer to our socket compatibility overview in the Noctua Compatibility Centre (NCC) to see which Noctua CPU cooler models support socket AM5 out of t...
Mon, 2 Oct, 2023 at 1:46 PM
What is the difference between LGA2011 Narrow ILM and LGA2011 Square ILM?
There are two different types of ILM (Independent Loading Mechanism) for Intel’s LGA2011 based Xeon CPUs: Square ILM with 80x80mm hole spacing and Narrow IL...
Thu, 2 May, 2024 at 11:38 AM
How can I check if my Noctua CPU cooler already includes LGA1700/LGA1851 mounting parts?
There are three easy ways to verify that your cooler already includes LGA1700/LGA1851 mounting parts: Check the socket compatibility specifications on ...
Wed, 18 Sep, 2024 at 4:26 PM
What is the RAM clearance of my Noctua CPU cooler?
If you already have a motherboard and RAM for your future build, you can verify your memory module, socket and cooler combination is compatible by entering ...
Thu, 24 Oct, 2024 at 1:21 PM
Why should I use the offset mounting bars and what can I expect?
Newer AMD CPUs are designed in a way so that the CPU's hotspot is located towards the bottom (south-side) of the processor. This is due to AMD's chi...
Thu, 11 Apr, 2024 at 3:04 PM
Which offset mounting bars do I need for my cooler?
Please refer to the table below to check which offset bars are required for which cooler model. Regular and chromax.black models use the same mounting hardw...
Tue, 2 Jul, 2024 at 11:14 AM
Why are the offset AM5 mounting bars subject to service charges whereas other mounting kits are free-of-charge?
Noctua has been offering mounting upgrade-kits for various platforms free-of-charge since 2006 and remains committed to providing this type of compatibility...
Tue, 13 Jun, 2023 at 5:36 PM
How can I make my Noctua cooler compatible with a delidded AMD AM5 CPU?
The NM-DD1 is only compatible with AMD AM5 CPUs!  We do not offer spacers for Intel CPUs because installing Noctua CPU coolers on delidded 12/13th generati...
Wed, 28 Jun, 2023 at 1:24 PM
Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with delidded AMD AM5 CPUs (NM-DD1)?
The NM-DD1 is only compatible with AMD AM5 CPUs!  We do not offer spacers for Intel CPUs because installing Noctua CPU coolers on delidded 12/13th generati...
Tue, 2 Jul, 2024 at 11:18 AM
Why is the NH-L9i incompatible with Intel's LGA1700/LGA1851 socket?
Due to a decrease of the stack-up-height (height from the motherboard PCB to the top of the CPU heatspreader) from LGA115x/1200 to LGA1700/LGA1851, the NH-L...
Wed, 18 Sep, 2024 at 4:23 PM
Does my AMD motherboard come with a backplate and how do I proceed with the installation?
The SecuFirm2™ mounting system requires a standard AMD backplate (either plastic or metal) with screw threads as shown in the pictures below. These backplat...
Wed, 9 Aug, 2023 at 9:12 AM
Are Noctua CPU coolers compatible with Intel's 14th generation Core processors?
Intel’s 14th generation Core processors (i9-14900K, i9-14900KF, i7-14700K, i7-14700KF, i5-14600K, i5-14600KF) use the same LGA1700 socket as the 12th and 13...
Mon, 16 Oct, 2023 at 3:37 PM
Which heatsink cover is right for me?
Our heatsink covers are an add-on accessory for our coolers. Product Compatible Coolers NA-HC1 chromax.black.swap NH-U12S NH-U12S chromax.bla...
Mon, 29 Jan, 2024 at 4:26 PM
How can I ensure both case and RAM compatibility with my NH-D15?
The front fan of the NH-D15 overhangs the RAM slots on many motherboards. If your RAM modules are no taller than 32 mm: Out of the box, the NH-D15 allo...
Thu, 17 Oct, 2024 at 1:33 PM
What is meant by north, south, east and west side of the motherboard?
When looking at the front side of a motherboard so that the I/O panel is at the left side of the motherboard, the north side will be the towards the top edg...
Mon, 26 Aug, 2024 at 10:51 AM