The Noctua NL-LC1-24, the company’s first all-in-one liquid CPU cooler, has been released. It utilizes the Asetek Emma V2 platform and incorporates several of Noctua’s signature acoustic optimizations.
Initially priced at approximately $220, the cooler delivers cooling performance that surpasses expectations while maintaining minimal noise levels. Testing showed it beating even the company’s renowned NH-D15 G2 HBC air cooler by a significant margin when operating under load.
The physical design includes a 240mm aluminium radiator mounted on a steel frame. This unit measures 279.5mm in length, 120mm in width, and 30mm in thickness. The water block itself is 70mm thick and features a centrifugal impeller with ceramic sleeve and shaft bearings.
A key technical component is the NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber. This element employs a sophisticated three-layer soundproofing design. It consists of a dense sound barrier situated between layers of acoustic foam, further complemented by a floating silicone mount designed to dampen water block vibrations, thereby reducing both perceived and actual noise output.
For airflow, the cooler ships with two NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans. The comprehensive accessory kit is extensive, including a Torx screwdriver, NT-H2 thermal paste, a cleaning wipe, an AM5 thermal paste guard, and a metal logo faceplate. Furthermore, the SecuFirm2+ mounting system offers support for multiple sockets: Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954, AMD AM5, and AMD AM4.
Users can optionally add an NL-ACF1 auxiliary fan, which is held magnetically, providing airflow to surrounding components such as VRMs, RAM, and SSDs. The installation process is described as straightforward, aided by individually packaged accessories and a clear setup poster.
Performance testing conducted on an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K system demonstrated the cooler’s efficiency. Under heavy load, the NL-LC1-24 outperformed the NH-D15 G2 HBC in a dual-fan configuration by six degrees Celsius. Acoustically, it operated at six dB(A) lower than the air cooler’s single-fan setup and eight dB(A) lower compared to its dual-fan configuration.
The pump operates through three dedicated speed modes: quiet mode runs at 2100 RPM with noise below 5 dB(A); balanced mode is set at 2600 RPM, producing 7.8 dB(A); and manual mode functions at 3400 RPM, resulting in 14.9 dB(A).
Review feedback highlighted the inclusion of the NF-A12x25 G2 fans and the pump noise absorber as factors contributing to its strong performance. While noting the organizational benefits of individually packaged accessories, the reviewer pointed out that the exclusive use of Torx screws might inconvenience users who lose the provided screwdriver. Additionally, clarification on the pump mode slider switch labels was suggested.
The NL-LC1-24 is currently available solely in Noctua’s signature brown color scheme, though a chromax.black variation is expected later. The product received an APH Recommended Award and achieved a final numeric rating of 8.1 out of 10, earning praise as a
Source: APH Networks