For years, Noctua has been synonymous with top-tier (brown) air coolers, as evident from the reviews we’ve published on 8Bitz. Anyone searching for low noise and top-tier build quality would struggle to look past a model from the Austrian company. The NH-D15 G2, which we tested a few months ago, remains a benchmark for anyone who prioritizes quiet operation.
In June 2026, however, Noctua took its next major step. It launched its first-ever AIO liquid coolers, the NL-LC1 series, moving beyond its exclusive focus on air cooling.
The new series is available in 240, 360, and 420 mm versions and is built on the Asetek Emma V2 platform. That’s where the similarities with a typical AIO end, though. Noctua added its own touches, including the new NF-A12x25 G2 fans, the NL-PNA1 anti-vibration system for the pump, and the familiar SecuFirm2+ mounting system, aiming to give the liquid cooler the same character we’ve come to expect from its products.
In this review, we test the two smaller models in the range, the NL-LC1-24 and NL-LC1-36. The 420 mm model was left out of testing, as most users are unlikely to choose such a large radiator for their build.
So the question is simple: does Noctua manage to justify the high price of its first AIO, or is this just another premium liquid cooler with a premium price tag?
Technical Specifications
| Spec | NL-LC1-24 | NL-LC1-36 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AIO Liquid Cooler | AIO Liquid Cooler |
| Platform | Asetek Emma V2 | Asetek Emma V2 |
| Radiator dimensions | 279.5 x 120 x 30 mm | 399.5 x 120 x 30 mm |
| Weight (unboxed) | 1,608 g | 1,979 g |
| Radiator material (fins/tubes) | Aluminium fins & tubes, steel frame | Aluminium fins & tubes, steel frame |
| Cold plate | Copper, skived-fin micro channels, 55.5 x 55.5 mm | Copper, skived-fin micro channels, 55.5 x 55.5 mm |
| Fans | 2x NF-A12x25 G2 PWM (Sx2-PP) | 3x NF-A12x25 G2 PWM (PPA/PPB/PPA) |
| Pump block height | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Pump RPM range | 750–3400 RPM (Manual), max balanced 2600, quiet 2100 | 750–3400 RPM (Manual), max balanced 2600, quiet 2100 |
| Pump noise | <5 dB(A) quiet, 7.8 dB(A) balanced, 14.9 dB(A) manual | <5 dB(A) quiet, 7.8 dB(A) balanced, 14.9 dB(A) manual |
| Tubing | EPDM braided, 400mm, OD 12.5mm | EPDM braided, 410mm, OD 12.5mm |
| Socket compatibility | AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954 | AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954 |
| NSPR | 210 | 248 |
| Warranty | 6 years | 6 years |
| Price (MSRP) | €219.90 | €249.90 |
| Price in Greece | ~€240–245 (July 2026) | ~€249–275 (July 2026) |
| Info | NL-LC1-24 official site | NL-LC1-36 official site |
A note on NSPR: Noctua uses its own performance benchmark (Noctua Standardized Performance Rating) to compare coolers. The NL-LC1-36 scores 248, versus 228 for the NH-D15 G2, meaning roughly a 9% performance improvement over the company’s best air cooler.
Test System
| Component | Model |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X w/ PBO, 150W PPT |
| Motherboard | ASRock Fatal1ty X370 Gaming-ITX/ac, BIOS 7.40 |
| RAM | 2x8GB (32GB) G.Skill Trident Z RGB 4266 @3000MT/s C16 1.35V |
| GPU | MSI GT 710 |
| PSU | Cooler Master 650W |
| Case/bench | Open bench |
| Software | Windows 10, HWiNFO, AIDA64, Cinebench R24 (stability) |
| Thermal paste | Whatever the cooler manufacturer supplies |
| CPU settings | PBO, PPT: 150W, TDC: 120A, EDC: 150A. C-states disabled |
How We Test Coolers (2026)
At 8Bitz, we test every air cooler and liquid cooler on the same system, with locked hardware and identical settings across every review. We use the same CPU, the same motherboard, the same RAM, and keep the same BIOS profile so the CPU’s behaviour doesn’t shift from test to test.
Measurements are taken in an office environment rather than a climate-controlled chamber. To keep results comparable regardless, we always log ambient temperature and work with Delta T, how many degrees above room temperature the CPU runs during each test. This means a cooler that keeps the CPU 50°C above ambient (say, 23°C) is directly comparable to one that keeps it 48°C above ambient at 25°C.
For temperatures, we use HWiNFO to log the peak CPU temperature under load. The load test runs via AIDA64 (or Cinebench) for at least 10 minutes to let the system reach a steady state. Where possible, we also log motherboard VRM temperatures, since these are affected very differently by a large air cooler compared to an AIO.
We measure noise using a smartphone app at a fixed distance from the cooler, in a quiet room. We first record the room’s noise floor, then measure system noise at the noise-normalised point (Run A) and at 80% fan RPM (Run B). Airflow is measured with a UNI-T UT363 anemometer, in m/s at the fan outlet, at the same points each time, looking for the peak reading achievable. Alongside temperatures, we also track average CPU clock speed and fan RPM, to see not just how cool the system stays but whether a cooler lets the CPU sustain higher clocks under steady load.
Installation and Build Quality
Let’s start with something that struck us right away: the NL-LC1 naming doesn’t do buyers many favours in understanding what they’re purchasing. The “NL-” prefix adds extra complexity to an already dense lineup without conveying much useful information.
Getting to the substance, though, first contact with the cooler is clearly positive. Build quality sits at the level we expect from Noctua, with SecuFirm2+ remaining the benchmark in its category. It feels sturdy, robust, and built to last for years rather than for a single generation or a couple of upgrade cycles.
The mounting bracket is exceptionally solid and offers additional offset options for AMD (AM4/AM5), such as -7 mm, which helps improve contact with Ryzen 7000 and newer CPUs.
The NL-LC1-36 packaging with the 360mm radiator (left) and the three NF-A12x25 G2 fans. Right: the SecuFirm2+ mounting system on AMD’s AM4 socket.
Before Installation: Compatibility and Clearance
Before starting the build, it’s worth confirming there’s enough space inside the case.
The pump stands 70 mm tall, and with the optional NL-ACF1 fan attached it reaches around 81 mm, noticeably taller than a typical AIO without a display. The radiator itself is 30 mm thick, slightly more than the usual 27 mm. In compact builds, it’s worth checking available clearance before purchasing.
The Installation Process
Installation isn’t difficult, but it falls a bit short of what we’d call plug-and-play or ideal. That kind of effortless installation method simply doesn’t exist yet.
The CPU block is fairly bulky, which limits visibility around the mounting points. In practice, access becomes noticeably easier if you temporarily remove the RAM, though the graphics card shouldn’t get in the way.
The screws sit at the base of the socket, and tightening is done via the nuts (pre-installed on the block) using the included T20 Torx screwdriver.
Torx Instead of Philips
This brings us to another important point. Noctua uses Torx almost everywhere — on the mounting system, the fans, and the radiator’s case mounting. So the included screwdriver will be a valuable companion throughout the build, beyond being a nice collector’s item.
For more experienced builders, this is a plus, since Torx significantly reduces the risk of stripping screw heads. Those used to a simple Phillips screwdriver may need a little adjustment time.
Watch the Fan Screws
The fan screws have no mechanism to limit over-tightening. In practice, we tightened until we felt resistance and stopped there, otherwise there’s a risk of damaging the fan’s plastic corner mount.
Manual and Correct Orientation
The manual is among the best we’ve seen for an AIO. It doesn’t just cover installation steps but also explains correct radiator orientation to avoid air bubbles collecting in the CPU block.
One important detail: the reservoir should never sit lower than the block, to prevent air entering the pump and shortening its lifespan.
Pump Speed Switch
On the side of the CPU block there’s a switch for pump speed (Quiet / Balanced / Manual), easily accessible without disassembly. For our tests, we selected Manual and let the pump run at 100%, around 3,000 RPM.
Fans and Cabling
The NL-LC1-360 ships with three NF-A12x25 G2 fans, arranged as PPA / PPB / PPA. The middle fan (PPB) runs about 50 RPM faster than the others, to avoid beat frequency — the annoying acoustic resonance that can occur when several identical fans spin at nearly the same speed.
It’s worth checking the markings on the back of the fans before installation to ensure they’re fitted in the correct order.
The Optional NL-ACF1 Fan for VRM, RAM, and Motherboard Cooling
Noctua offers the small NL-ACF1 (80mm) as an optional extra, which attaches magnetically to the CPU block and targets VRM, RAM, and nearby M.2 drives. Its usefulness becomes especially clear on systems where the AIO removes the airflow an air cooler would otherwise provide.
In our tests, on an ASRock Fatal1ty X370 Gaming-ITX/ac, we observed VRM thermal throttling under load (AIDA64 + HWiNFO) during our standard benchmarks without the fan installed. With the fan fitted, throttling disappeared and RAM temperatures dropped by around 10 degrees Celsius.
For SFF/ITX systems or motherboards with weaker VRMs, this is a particularly useful addition. On larger cases with strong VRM cooling, it’s probably unnecessary. The only downside is that the large Y-cable adds noticeably to cable clutter.
A note on the extra height with the fan installed: the pump stands 70mm tall, and with the extra ACF1 fan it reaches 110mm, considerably more than a typical liquid cooler (without an additional display). The radiator itself is 30mm thick, slightly more than the standard 27mm we usually see.
Installation Verdict
The installation experience sits at the high standard we expect from Noctua. The excellent mounting system, the detailed manual, and the build quality make the process particularly pleasant.
On the other hand, the bulky CPU block, the exclusive use of Torx, and the need for extra care on certain details mean this isn’t the “easiest” AIO on the market.
Temperatures, Run A: Low-Noise Conditions
For our first measurement, we lock the fans at a (low) level where they’re barely audible to the naked ear. The goal here was to assess the efficiency of both coolers under low-noise conditions, as someone would use them for everyday gaming or work.
Run A: RPM & Airflow
| NL-LC1-24 | NL-LC1-36 | NH-D15 G2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPM | 970 (60%) | 1057 (60%) | 662 (45%) |
| Airflow (m/s) | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| CPU AVG MHz | 3982 | 3984 | 4000 |
Temperatures, Run B: 80% Fan RPM
In the second, more demanding scenario, we raised fan speed to 80% to see how the coolers respond when fans start working more aggressively.
Run B: RPM & airflow
| NL-LC1-24 | NL-LC1-36 | NH-D15 G2 | |
| RPM @ 80% | 1420 | 1420 | 1200 |
| Airflow m/s | 2,1 | 2,2 | 2,3 |
| CPU AVG MHz | 3984 | 3978 | 3975 |
Verdict and Score
Noctua didn’t enter the AIO space to chase the “performance queen” crown or to impress with raw numbers, including price. Instead, its first attempt follows a far more restrained philosophy, and that might be its most interesting aspect, as it feels like a first step towards something even more ambitious, with the Thermosiphon system reportedly on the horizon for 2027. Its entry into the liquid cooling market was about carrying its philosophy into a new format: quiet, reliable, with an emphasis on detail, built on a platform (Asetek) that offers one of the best foundations available.
For a first attempt, the result is genuinely convincing. This is a product that’s clearly been carefully thought through, with all the familiar Noctua flair applied in just the right dose. The NL-LC1 series is built on the Asetek Emma V2 platform, which is already a stable, proven foundation for AIO solutions, refined here with a handful of Noctua’s own tweaks.
The first point of differentiation is the reinforced water block featuring the NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber. This solution applies tuned-mass damping principles to reduce pump vibration and noise. In practice, this translates into noticeably smoother pump behaviour, particularly at idle and under low loads.
The second major element is the NF-A12x25 G2 fans, which on the 360mm and 420mm versions come with a speed offset between them. This is designed to avoid resonance and beat-frequency effects, which occur when multiple identical fans spin at near-identical speeds, creating an annoying periodic hum.
The third element is the now-familiar SecuFirm2+ mounting system, which essentially carries Noctua’s air-cooling DNA into the AIO world. Overall, it’s clear Noctua took Asetek’s base platform and elevated it with its own targeted refinements and carefully considered details, losing points mainly on pricing, where €220 and €240 will face stiff resistance from many competing models on the market.
Who Is the Noctua NL-LC1 For?
It’s aimed at users who prioritize quiet operation and want a system free of RGB and “luxuries” like displays and unnecessary features. It’s also ideal for anyone already invested in the Noctua ecosystem who wants the familiar mounting system and the high build quality — of both the product and its accessories.
What We Liked
- Low pump noise
- Top-tier NF-A12x25 G2 fans
- SecuFirm2+ mounting system
- Well-written manual
- Excellent VRM/RAM cooling with the optional NL-ACF1 fan
- 6-year warranty
What We Didn’t Like
- High price
- Torx everywhere (not for everyone)
- The brown-beige colour scheme is love-it-or-hate-it, with no black (Chromax Black) version on the horizon yet
- Convoluted naming
DESIGN
GRADE
