1. Product Overview
The Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition is a premium low-profile CPU cooler designed for quiet Small Form Factor (SFF) builds, specifically optimized for the Louqe Ghost S1 enclosure. It features a single NF-B9 92mm PWM fan and the latest SecuFirm2 mounting hardware for broad compatibility with modern CPU sockets.
Image 1.1: The Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition low profile CPU cooler, showcasing its compact design and fan.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in your package:
- NH-L12 heatsink
- NF-B9 PWM 92mm premium fan
- Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
- NT-H2 next-gen thermal compound
- SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system (for Intel and AMD)
- Installation manual (digital version available via QR code on packaging)
Image 2.1: Contents of the Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition retail box, including the cooler, fan, mounting hardware, and thermal paste.
3. Compatibility
The NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets:
- Intel: LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3
- AMD: AM5, AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM1, FM2(+)
For detailed CPU compatibility lists, please refer to the official Noctua website.
RAM Clearance:
The cooler offers flexible RAM clearance depending on the fan's position:
- Low-Profile Mode (Fan underneath heatsink): 35mm RAM clearance. Suitable for bare RAM sticks or very low-profile modules.
- High-Clearance Mode (Fan on top of heatsink): 48mm RAM clearance. Accommodates most RAM modules with heat-spreaders.
Note that the first RAM slot may still have restrictions depending on motherboard layout, even in high-clearance mode. Consider using the second RAM slot for dual-channel configurations if the first slot is obstructed.
4. Setup and Installation
The SecuFirm2™ mounting system ensures secure and reliable installation. Follow the steps below for your specific CPU socket type.
4.1. General Preparation
- Ensure your motherboard is removed from the PC case for easier access.
- Clean the CPU surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove any old thermal paste.
- Apply a small dot of the provided NT-H2 thermal compound to the center of the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS).
4.2. Intel LGA Installation
- Attach the appropriate backplate (if your motherboard does not have a pre-installed one) to the rear of the motherboard, aligning the holes with the CPU socket.
- Secure the mounting bars on the front side of the motherboard using the provided spacers and thumbscrews. You can orient the mounting bars either alongside the RAM slots or at a 90-degree angle to them, depending on your preferred cooler orientation and RAM clearance needs.
- Place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the spring-loaded screws with the mounting bars. Tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern until they are firmly seated.
4.3. AMD AM Installation
- Remove the pre-installed black retention brackets from your motherboard.
- Place the AMD spacers on top of the motherboard's backplate (grey for AM4, white for other compatible AMD sockets).
- Install the AMD mounting bars. Noctua provides two sets: long ones for installation alongside RAM slots, and short ones for the top and bottom of the CPU. Choose the set that best suits your desired cooler orientation and RAM clearance.
- Place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the spring-loaded screws with the mounting bars. Tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern until they are firmly seated.
5. Fan Configuration and Operation
The NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition comes with a single NF-B9 92mm PWM fan. This fan can be configured in two primary positions:
- Default (Low-Profile) Mode: The fan is installed underneath the heatsink, resulting in a total cooler height of 70mm. This mode offers maximum compactness.
- High-Clearance Mode: The fan is installed on top of the heatsink, increasing the total cooler height to 85mm but providing greater RAM clearance (up to 48mm).
The NF-B9 PWM fan operates at up to 1600 RPM, pushing 55 CFM with a noise level of 17.6 dB(A). The included Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.) can be used to reduce fan speed and noise further if desired.
Image 5.1: The cooler in its default low-profile configuration with the fan mounted underneath the heatsink.
Image 5.2: The heatsink of the NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition, showing its C-type design and heatpipes.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean dust from the heatsink fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the fan is not spinning during cleaning.
- Thermal Paste: Reapply thermal paste every 2-3 years, or if the cooler is removed and reinstalled. Use a high-quality thermal compound like Noctua's NT-H2 for best results.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
- High CPU Temperatures:
- Verify proper installation of the cooler and even pressure on the CPU.
- Ensure sufficient thermal paste application.
- Check for adequate airflow within your PC case.
- Clean any dust accumulation on the heatsink or fan.
- Fan Noise:
- Ensure the fan is securely mounted and not touching any cables or components.
- Consider using the Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.) if noise is excessive.
- Check fan settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI.
- RAM Clearance Issues:
- If using tall RAM modules, ensure the fan is in High-Clearance Mode (on top of the heatsink).
- Adjust mounting bar orientation if possible to shift the cooler away from RAM slots.
For further assistance, please visit the official Noctua support website.
8. Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5.04"L x 5.9"W x 2.49"H (128mm L x 150mm W x 63.2mm H) |
| Brand | Noctua |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop CPUs (Intel LGA, AMD AM sockets) |
| Noise Level | 17.6 Decibels (with NF-B9 PWM fan) |
| Material | Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1600 RPM (NF-B9 PWM fan) |
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds (approx. 500g) |
| Item Model Number | NH-L12 Ghost S1 |
| UPC | 841501100222 |
9. Warranty and Support
The Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition CPU cooler comes with a 6-year manufacturer's warranty, ensuring peace of mind regarding product quality and reliability.
For technical support, FAQs, and additional resources, please visit the official Noctua website:
