Noctua NH-P1 Passive CPU Cooler Review

Performance

Given that the Noctua NH-P1 has been primarily designed as a passive cooler, one aspect of our usual testing process that has clearly already been made completely redundant is in regards to the acoustic output. With no fan, there is literally nothing within this CPU cooler that can possibly make any noise. Well, with the only (and exceptionally stupid) exception being that the metal did occasionally make a barely audible ‘ting’ as it reacted to the heat. Additionally, although we will primarily be focusing our result evaluation on the ‘passive’ performance of the NH-P1, we did attach the NF-A12x25 LS-PWM fan to see what impact that would have. Although entirely suitable in its passive mode, if you do opt to go for additional dedicated cooling, this is the fan that Noctua recommends with the NH-P1 and, as such, we feel that this at least warrants checking.

So starting with the passive functionality of the NH-P1. How did it manage to perform? Well, the short answer is, remarkably better than we expected. Yes, we knew it would be decent, this is Noctua after all, but even we’ll concede that the results provided herein our testing is way better than we dared to hope! Is this the ‘high-end’ passive cooler Noctua claims it to be? Well, in many respects, yes.

While clearly not providing the best results we’ve ever seen, the fact that the Noctua NH-P1 is truly comparable with some of the best air and AIO coolers around, in its passive state, is truly remarkable.

Utilising Noctua’s compatibility list (which you can check out here), we can see that the Intel i7-7700K should offer better functionality with the fan installed. Again, a factor clearly indicated in our testing as when the fan was utilised, the results were hugely better. This is, however, entirely to be expected. Remember, in our methodology, we use an ‘open bench’ and given that the Noctua NH-P1 has undoubtedly been designed for use within cases (that will (hopefully) have their own intake and exhaust airflow configuration), this admittedly isn’t the ideal set of circumstances to truly test the ‘passive’ functionality of this cooler.

Even given those limitations, however, the Noctua NH-P1 still managed to provide some excellent results and especially so in overclocked mode. Let us stress though, in no uncertain terms, that the NH-P1 is not recommended for any sort of extended overclocking usage. Not without the NF-A12x25 LS-PWM fan at least. Even Noctua themselves state very clearly that in its passive mode, the NH-P1 is entirely unsuitable for that sort of workload.

In conclusion, although the results are clearly a lot better with the fan in place, does the Noctua NH-P1 successfully work as a truly passive cooler? Well, even in our admittedly unideal test environment, it still managed to provide some excellent results that makes this, quite possibly, the best passive CPU cooler ever created! – Is it better with the fan? Absolutely. In our view though, doesn’t that make the NH-P1 as a ‘passive’ cooler a bit redundant?…

Stock Temperatures

Overclocked Temperatures