Noctua NH-U12S DX-3647 (LGA3647) CPU Cooler Review

Noctua NH-U12S DX-3647 (LGA3647) CPU Cooler Review

Today we’re starting a new segment of our cooler reviews. This new series of reviews will be based around server and workstation processors which also require proper cooling. However, servers and workstation users aren’t looking for the same things as gamers, and as such, we think these reviews are very relevant. We’re kicking the series off with a review of Noctua‘s NH-U12S DX-3647. As the name suggests, it’s an LGA3647 cooler for the latest Xeon Scalable processors with a TDP of up to 205W.

Noctua NH-U12S DX-3647

Noctua started the DX series of coolers specifically for the Xeon families. The NH-U12S DX-3647 features a larger, custom-designed contact surface, fitting the Scalable processors perfectly. The cooler supports both square and narrow type LGA3647 platforms, making it perfect for all boards. That is a fact further aided by the 120mm size which should eliminate any type of clearance issues. Especially dual-socket boards will have issues with larger coolers.

It is based on the proven NH-U12S heatsink and it is equipped with two of Noctua’s award-winning, PWM controlled NF-A12x25 120mm fans. Together, it all provides an excellent balance of performance, compatibility and quietness. All the things you look for in a CPU cooler.

The installation will be a quick and easy walk through the part as the NH-U12S DX-3647 comes with pre-applied NT-H1 thermal compound and features the SecuFirm2 mounting system.

Features

You can check out the full features of this product below, but there are some points we would like to highlight. Firstly, as this is the smaller alternative to Noctua’s larger CPU coolers, it has great RAM clearance. Particularly if you wish to install both fans, the Noctua NH-U12S  is a great choice.

In addition to this, the overall excellent design of the cooler itself means that getting this into your system should be no problem at all.

Specifications

For in-depth specifications, please visit the official product page here.

What Noctua Had to Say

“Many people tend to think that high CPU core counts and state-of-the-art performance have to go hand in hand with loud cooling fans” says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “Our new DX-3647 line coolers for Intel’s LGA3647 based Xeon processors prove that this does not have to be the case. Whether it’s a high-end workstation or a 4U server, these coolers allow massive computational power to be combined with whisper-quiet operation!”

Please note that the video above is for the normal NH-U12S and not the DX version. Besides the mounting system and baseplate, the two should be identical.

Packaging and Accessories

There can be no surprise when it comes to the packaging. After all, it’s a Noctua product. We get a simple brown box with a sticker on top which holds all the goodies. The sticker has a picture of the included cooler from the front and side as well as the product name. Else, there isn’t much on the outside.

All the accessories are nicely packed inside, making sure everything arrives as it should and in one piece.

Parts and Accessories

In terms of parts, there’s everything you’ll want. We get mounting options for narrow and square LGA3467 boards, a y-cable for motherboards with just a single CPU FAN header, a screw-tool, and the installation manual.