Noctua NL-LC1: AIO coolers launch with quiet pump add-on and three sizes
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Noctua's first AIO series is taking shape: the NL-LC1 coolers will launch in three sizes, are based on Asetek Emma V2, and use Noctua's own noise-dampening solution for the pump.
That Noctua is entering the AiO market is no longer a secret, but at Computex the Austrian company has now shared further details. Specifically, this concerns the NL-LC1 series, which is set to launch in three sizes: the NL-LC1-24 with a 240 mm radiator, the NL-LC1-36 with a 360 mm radiator, and the NL-LC1-42 with a 420 mm radiator. The market launch is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. CEST.
Technically, Noctua is using Asetek's Emma V2 platform, but supplements it with several in-house components. These include the NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber, Noctua's own NF-A12x25 G2 and NF-A14x25 G2 fan series, and the SecuFirm2+ mounting system. The coolers are manufactured by Asetek and then finally assembled, tested, and packaged in Taiwan. After installation of the NL-PNA1, each unit is also said to undergo a final acoustic inspection.
Eindrücke zu den Noctua AiOs
The NL-PNA1 is one of the more notable aspects of the series. The attachment sits on top of the pump and is designed to dampen airborne noise as well as reduce vibrations that can be transmitted through the cooler, motherboard, and case. To achieve this, Noctua combines a three-layer insulation structure with a tuned mass-damper system. An open-pored layer targets higher frequencies, a denser barrier is intended to block and reflect lower frequency ranges, while a second open-pored layer is meant to absorb remaining noise components.
Source: Noctua
Noctua combines a three-layer insulation structure with a tuned mass-damper system.
The values
Noctua is not only referring to a lower sound pressure level, but also to a changed sound profile. In its own measurements, the NL-PNA1 is said to typically reduce pump noise by 1 to 4 dB(A) compared with a pump without a cover. Compared with two Asetek Emma V2 covers with displays, Noctua claims an advantage of up to 4 dB(A) or 6.4 dB(A), depending on the comparison. At the same time, these remain manufacturer figures that can depend on pump speed, case, motherboard, resonances, and the test environment.
Another point is the frequency distribution. According to Noctua, the NL-PNA1 provides particularly strong damping above 1,400 Hz. Individual peaks at 340, 500, and 670 Hz are also said to be reduced. This shifts the noise profile more strongly toward lower frequency ranges, which many people perceive as less intrusive. In psychoacoustic terms, loudness, sharpness, roughness, and the combined annoyance factor are said to improve across large parts of the speed range. In terms of tonality, however, Noctua says the NL-PNA1 performs worse at most speeds.
Source: Noctua
According to Noctua, the NL-PNA1 provides particularly strong damping above 1,400 Hz.
The pump itself offers three operating profiles. In Quiet mode, it runs at 750 to 2,100 rpm; in Balanced mode, at 750 to 2,600 rpm; and in manual mode, at 750 to 3,400 rpm. In addition, the AiO monitors the liquid temperature. If it rises above 45 degrees Celsius, the pump is supposed to ramp up automatically. During system startup, it runs at an increased speed for 50 seconds to move air bubbles out of the pump area.
For the fans, Noctua uses a slight speed offset. The 240 mm and 360 mm models use NF-A12x25 G2 fans, while the 420 mm model is fitted with NF-A14x25 G2 fans. The offset is intended to reduce acoustic interactions such as periodic humming or beat frequencies. On the NL-LC1-36, the offset is plus or minus 50 rpm, while on the NL-LC1-42 it is plus or minus 25 rpm.
Bildergalerie
All three models use a 30 mm thick radiator. Including the fans, anti-vibration elements, and screw heads, Noctua specifies a total thickness of 59 mm. The NL-LC1-24 should therefore also be suitable for smaller systems, provided they support a 240 mm radiator and a pump height of 70 mm. The 420 mm version, by contrast, is aimed more at larger cases and high heat loads.
For the mounting system, Noctua lists support for AMD AM5 and AM4 as well as Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851. Offset mounting options for AM5 and LGA1851 are included, which are intended to shift the cooler closer to the respective CPU hotspot. For older Intel sockets such as LGA1200, LGA115x, LGA1366, and LGA775, optional kits are said to be available through Noctua support, provided the technical implementation is feasible.
The recommended prices are 220 euros for the NL-LC1-24, 250 euros for the NL-LC1-36, and 280 euros for the NL-LC1-42. The optionally available NL-ACF1 auxiliary fan is expected to cost 20 euros. It can be attached magnetically to the pump cover and is designed to direct additional airflow over voltage regulators, RAM, M.2 SSDs, and other components around the CPU socket.
Meinung
Source: Noctua
