Cooler FAQs

Which Noctua CPU coolers are compatible with AMD AM5?
AM5 (LGA 1718) is AMD’s current socket for its next-generation Ryzen 7000 (Zen 4) series processors. Please refer to our socket compatibility overview in th...
Mon, 2 Oct, 2023 at 1:37 PM
Is the high weight of Noctua coolers dangerous for the CPU, motherboard or socket?
No. Noctua coolers possess an extremely reliable SecuFirm™ mounting system. Thanks to the screw connection with the backplate on the rear side of the mother...
Thu, 1 Sep, 2022 at 4:11 PM
Can I install a Noctua cooler in my system from Acer, Dell, HP or Lenovo?
Prebuilt systems from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands often use motherboards which differ slightly from the specifications issued by Int...
Tue, 23 Jan, 2024 at 2:25 PM
Is there a plastic protection cover at the base of my Noctua cooler?
Noctua CPU coolers are shipped with a plastic protection cover at the bottom side of the cooler, which protects the contact surface against scratches and ot...
Mon, 21 Nov, 2022 at 10:21 AM
How much torque should be applied when tightening the screws of a Noctua CPU cooler?
All screws should be tightened gently until they stop, without using excessive force. Please do not exceed the following values for maximum tightening torqu...
Wed, 6 Sep, 2023 at 10:46 AM
Should I take off the CPU cooler before transporting my system?
As it is not possible to reliably calculate or control the forces that act upon a system during transport (e.g. in shipping), we generally recommend, for sa...
Wed, 23 Nov, 2022 at 9:54 AM
Why is the baseplate of Noctua coolers convex and has tiny grooves in it?
Baseplate grooves As most of today's PC enthusiasts use high-viscosity thermal compounds, the contact surface of Noctua coolers is optimised for use wi...
Mon, 20 Feb, 2023 at 2:05 PM
In which orientation should top-flow coolers (NH-C series, NH-L12 & NH-L12S) be installed?
When using top-flow coolers in a tower-style case, we strongly recommend installing the cooler with the heatpipes in horizontal position or with the bends o...
Mon, 20 Feb, 2023 at 2:05 PM
I have installed my CPU cooler, but there is no contact between my CPU cooler and CPU?
Please verify that you have installed the fastening brackets correctly: Please proceed to our installation manuals, if you need more detailed instr...
Fri, 4 Nov, 2022 at 9:35 AM
Can I attach additional fans onto Noctua CPU coolers?
Additional fans can be installed on all Noctua U-type and D-type cooler. Although it is technically compatible and easy to do, it will yield minimal improve...
Mon, 20 Feb, 2023 at 2:04 PM
My motherboard prevents the installation of the NH-L9a(-AM4) CPU cooler, what can I do?
The CPU cooler can be installed on such motherboards using the NM-APS3 plastic spacers as shown below. If you would like to install the CPU cooler on a moth...
Mon, 20 Feb, 2023 at 2:04 PM
Can the NH-L9i be used on AM4?
The NH-L9i has been designed for the Intel LGA115x platform. While it can be installed without any problems on most AM4 motherboards using the NM-AM4-L9aL9i...
Tue, 18 Oct, 2022 at 2:21 PM
What’s the difference between NH-D15 and NH-D15S?
The NH-D15S is an asymmetrical single fan version of the NH-D15 that has been tailored to provide superior RAM and PCIe compatibility. In particular, the NH...
Mon, 2 Oct, 2023 at 1:40 PM
Does the coating of the chromax.black coolers affect performance?
Thanks to thoroughgoing optimisations of the coating material and process, the chromax.black models provide the same, renowned quiet cooling performance as ...
Thu, 1 Sep, 2022 at 5:10 PM
Why is my CPU temperature so high?
Please note that results in reviews might show different results as many tests are conducted in open test bench configurations outside a chassis, which allo...
Mon, 2 Oct, 2023 at 1:41 PM
Buying guide: Which Noctua CPU cooler should I buy?
Noctua offers a wide selection of CPU coolers for various demands and purposes. Use the following criteria to select the model that works best for you: ...
Mon, 21 Nov, 2022 at 10:57 AM
I changed my CPU and need a new mounting kit, where can I order one?
We provide mounting upgrades for Noctua CPU coolers free of charge, so if you would like to continue using your Noctua cooler on a new socket, we will send ...
Tue, 20 Feb, 2024 at 11:34 AM
83mm (MP83) vs. 78mm (MP78) mounting pitch, which kit do I need?
Depending on the model, most Noctua CPU coolers feature a mounting pitch (distance between the spring-loaded mounting screws) of either 83mm (coolers with t...
Thu, 21 Mar, 2024 at 3:37 PM
How can I check if all my PC components (CPU, Motherboard, Case & RAM) are compatible with my Noctua CPU cooler?
The Noctua Compatibility Centre (NCC) lets you quickly identify which Noctua CPU cooler is compatible with which CPUs, RAM, motherboards and cases. It provi...
Wed, 4 Oct, 2023 at 4:28 PM
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