With the NL-LC1 series, Noctua is entering the all-in-one liquid cooling market for the first time, thereby expanding its product portfolio, which had previously focused on air cooling. The Austrian manufacturer has enjoyed an excellent reputation among PC enthusiasts and professional users for many years. High-quality craftsmanship, exceptionally quiet operation, and long-term reliability have always been hallmarks of the company. With the new NL-LC1 AiO series, Noctua aims to bring these well-known strengths to the field of liquid cooling. Find out today in our review of the Noctua NL-LC1-36 all-in-one liquid cooler whether the manufacturer has succeeded.
Noctua NL-LC1-36 Review: Technical Details
General Specifications |
|
| Dimensions (with fan, L x W x H) | 399.5 x 120 x 55 mm |
| Weight (with fan) | 1979 g |
| Compatibility with AMD | AM5 / AM4 |
| Intel Compatibility | LGA1700 / LGA1851 / LGA1954 |
| Cooling Performance |
N/A |
| Warranty | 6 years |
| Price |
€ 256.12 * |
Radiator Specifications |
|
| Type | Soldered Radiator |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 399.5 x 120 x 30 mm |
| Material | Aluminum |
Fan Specifications |
|
| Number of fans | 3 |
| Fan Model | NF-A12x25 G2 PWM |
| Bearing Type | Hydrodynamic bearing (FDB) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 120 x 120 x 25 mm |
| Fan speed | 0 – 1,800 rpm |
| Max. Noise Level | 22.5 dB(A) |
| Max. Airflow | 107.3 m³/h |
| Max. air pressure | 3.14 mm H₂O |
| Rated voltage (fan) | 12 V |
| Rated current (fan) | 0.15 A |
| Rated power (fan) | 1.8 W |
| Connection (fan) | 4-pin PWM |
| Fan cable length | 210 mm + approx. 470 mm (Y-splitter & extension) |
Pump Specifications |
|
| Pump Type | Asetek Emma V2 |
| Dimensions | approx. 80 mm Ø x 70 mm height |
| Heat sink material | Copper |
| Rotational Speed (Pump) | 750 ~ 3400 rpm ± 6% |
| Max. noise level | <14.9 dB(A) |
| Rated voltage (pump) | 12 V |
| Rated current (pump) | 1.7 A |
| Rated power (pump) | 6 W |
| Connection (pump) | 4-pin PWM |
| Cable length (pump) | approx. 480 mm |
| Hose length |
410 mm |
| Special Features | 3 speed modes (silent: max. 2100 rpm, balanced: max. 2600 rpm, manual: max. 3400 rpm) |
Packaging & Contents
Even at first glance, Noctua remains true to its familiar design language. The NL-LC1-36 comes in a sturdy cardboard box featuring the brand’s signature brown and white color scheme. The front features a product image alongside the key features, while the sides and back provide detailed information on technical details, specifications, and supported sockets. As is customary with Noctua, the packaging is of high quality and conveys the impression of a premium product even before unboxing.
This high-quality impression continues inside the box. All components are neatly separated from one another and securely housed in cardboard compartments and protective inserts, effectively preventing damage during shipping. In addition to the radiator-pump combination, the package includes the three NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans as well as all mounting hardware for current Intel and AMD platforms (SecuFirm2+ mounting system), a tube of NT-H2 thermal paste, a magnetic logo plate, a Y-cable or extension cable for the fans, and, of course, a detailed, illustrated installation guide. Overall, the package contents are extensive and leave little to be desired, so nothing should stand in the way of a hassle-free installation.
Design & Build Quality
The Noctua NL-LC1-36 features a classic 360-mm aluminum radiator with a black powder-coated finish. Visually, the AiO has a deliberately understated look and completely forgoes RGB lighting or flashy design elements. Instead, the focus is on a functional and timeless design that integrates seamlessly into nearly any system. However, the manufacturer has placed a subtle “Asetek x Noctua” logo on the side of the radiator. At 30 mm thick, it is slightly larger than the standard size, so it’s best to double-check the dimensions inside your case before purchasing. The build quality leaves an impeccable impression: All fins are cleanly machined, the paint finish is evenly applied, and the threads for fan mounting are precisely machined.
The radiator is connected to the cooler via two black-sheathed rubber hoses, each approximately 410 mm long. The tightly woven fabric sheathing not only gives the hoses a high-quality appearance but also protects them from abrasion and kinking. At the same time, the hoses are pleasantly flexible, which makes installation easier, especially in larger cases. Noctua uses swivel connectors on the pump side, making it easier to align the hoses during installation and significantly reducing the tension placed on them.
Noctua also takes a functional rather than flashy approach with the pump block. The compact pump unit is based on the current Asetek Emma V2 platform but has been enhanced with several in-house innovations from the Austrian manufacturer. Particularly notable is the pre-installed NL-PNA1 pump sound absorber, which sits between the mount and the pump housing. This elastic decoupler reduces the transmission of vibrations to the motherboard, thereby minimizing disruptive resonances. It is also designed to absorb sound. The top of the pump cover features a simple design and bears only the recessed Noctua logo. A colored, magnetic logo plate is also included in the package. Between the two swivel joints, the manufacturer has also installed a small switch that controls the pump’s maximum rotational speed. There are three profiles: Silent, Balanced, and Manual. On the underside of the cooling block, a large copper plate is visible, which is designed to absorb heat from the CPU.
Optionally, you can also purchase Noctua’s NL-ACF1 for €20. This is an 80-mm fan with a magnetic mount that can be installed above the pump block and is designed to cool the voltage regulators, RAM modules, and M.2 SSDs located near the CPU socket. To install it, simply remove the logo plate and attach the fan. It connects via a standard PWM connector.
To cool the radiator, Noctua includes three NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans, which are among the manufacturer’s most powerful 120-mm fans and are truly premium products. Compared to the first generation, the fan blades, motor, and aerodynamics, among other features, have been further optimized to increase both airflow and static pressure. Thanks to the exceptionally narrow blade gap and high-quality SSO2 bearings, the fans promise high efficiency combined with low noise levels. The maximum speed is 1,800 RPM, and the fans are conveniently controlled via PWM. There’s also nothing to criticize when it comes to build quality: Noctua’s signature beige-brown color scheme is cleanly executed, all plastic parts are precision-manufactured, and the fans have an overall extremely high-quality feel. The manufacturer includes a 3-way Y-splitter and an extension cable for connection.
With a radiator size of 394 × 120 × 27 mm, the NL-LC1-36 is primarily designed for high-performance gaming and workstation systems. It supports current AMD sockets up to AM5 as well as Intel platforms up to and including LGA1851. In addition to the proven SecuFirm2+ mounting system, the package also includes a tube of NT-H2 thermal paste and a comprehensive set of mounting accessories. As is customary with Noctua, the manufacturer also offers a six-year warranty on the entire water cooling system. Overall, the NL-LC1-36 makes an excellent impression in terms of both design and build quality and lives up to the brand’s premium standards in every respect. Of course, the unusual color scheme remains a matter of personal taste and may not be to everyone’s liking.
Noctua NL-LC1-36 Review: Installation
For the performance test, we’re using a test system mounted on a benchtable. This allows us to rule out factors such as heat buildup inside the case. The test system consists of the following components.
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400 @ 3.8 GHz at 1.175V
- MSI B350 PC Mate*
- Patriot Viper 16 GB DDR4-3000
- TeamGroup T-Create Classic PCIe 4.0 DL*
- Gigabyte AORUS GTX 1060 6G
- LC-Power LC550 V2.31 Platinum Series 550W*
As is typical for Noctua, installing the NL-LC1-36 is pleasantly straightforward. Thanks to Noctua’s proprietary SecuFirm2+ mounting system, the installation process differs only slightly from the manufacturer’s well-known air coolers, allowing experienced Noctua users to get the hang of it right away. The included multilingual installation guide walks you through the process step by step and features large illustrations and a clear layout. This should allow even less experienced users to complete the installation without any problems. It’s also worth noting that Noctua uses Torx screws throughout. A compatible screwdriver is included in the package.
Depending on the platform used, the installation procedure varies slightly. On current AMD systems, the factory-installed motherboard backplate is reused. After removing the original plastic brackets, the spacers and mounting rails are installed before the pump block is placed on top and securely fastened using two spring-loaded screws. For Intel systems, however, a dedicated backplate is included, which is first attached to the back of the motherboard. The spacers and mounting brackets are then installed using the same method. A notable positive feature is that Noctua clearly labels all components and color-codes them according to their respective sockets, which virtually eliminates the risk of mix-ups. For AMD AM5 processors, Noctua also offers an offset mounting position, which can further improve cooling performance depending on the processor.
The approximately 410 mm long, flex-sheathed hoses, along with the swivel fittings on the pump housing, further simplify the positioning of the water cooling system and ensure that it can be installed without major difficulties even in larger midi or full-tower cases. However, the NT-H2 thermal paste must be applied manually during installation, as it is not pre-applied to the base plate at the factory. Additionally, the fans must be attached to the radiator before it can be placed inside the case.
Noctua has also put a lot of thought into cable management. All necessary adapters and connection cables are included in the package, allowing you to connect the fans and the pump without any additional accessories. Overall, the installation leaves a thoroughly positive impression. The SecuFirm2+ system remains one of the best mounting solutions on the market, combining high stability with ease of use. Additionally, the option for offset mounting with the AM5 socket is very practical and easy to implement.
Cooling Performance and Noise Level
As already mentioned in the previous section, we’re using an AM4 system based on the Ryzen 5 1400 and the MSI B350 PC Mate as our test hardware. The Ryzen is overclocked to 3.8 GHz at a CPU voltage of 1.175V. To heat up the processor, we ran it at full load for 30 minutes per scenario using Prime95 (Small FFTs). We then recorded the CPU temperature using the CPUID Hardware Monitor, and the room temperature remained at approximately 20 °C throughout the measurements.
| wdt_ID | CPU-Kühler | Temperatur Minimaldrehzahl (in °C) | Temperatur 50% PWM (in °C) | Temperatur 100% PWM (in °C) | Minimale Lüftergeschwindigkeit (in U/min) | Lüftergeschwindigkeit bei 50% PWM (in U/min) | Lüftergeschwindigkeit bei 100% PWM (in U/min) | Minimale Pumpengeschwindigkeit (in U/min) | Pumpengeschwindigkeit bei 50% PWM (in U/min) | Pumpengeschwindigkeit bei 100% PWM (in U/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | Thermaltake TH280 V2 ARGB | 0,00 | 46,60 | 45,90 | 550 | 1.200 | 1.800 | 680 | 2.100 | 3.200 |
| 124 | Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240 Atmos ARGB | 0,00 | 50,40 | 46,50 | 560 | 1.340 | 2.270 | 1.965 | 6.620 | 10.230 |
| 125 | be quiet! Pure Loop 2 240mm | 0,00 | 50,70 | 46,70 | 800 | 1.070 | 2.080 | 4.150 | 4.700 | 5.530 |
| 126 | Alpenföhn Panorama 2 | 0,00 | 76,00 | 66,80 | 450 | 1.450 | 2.720 | |||
| 127 | Alpenföhn Brocken 4 | 0,00 | 53,60 | 49,60 | 410 | 870 | 1.610 | |||
| 128 | AMD Wraith Stealth | 95,00 | 95,00 | 76,00 | 800 | 1.430 | 2.630 | |||
| 129 | Corsair A115 | 0,00 | 49,40 | 46,90 | 190 | 920 | 1.560 | |||
| 130 | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE | 0,00 | 49,50 | 47,50 | 350 | 1.050 | 1.680 | |||
| 131 | Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE | 0,00 | 53,60 | 50,60 | 340 | 1.070 | 1.690 | |||
| 132 | DeepCool Assassin IV (Silent) | 0,00 | 51,40 | 48,70 | 500 | 860 | 1.330 | |||
| CPU-Kühler | Temperatur Minimaldrehzahl (in °C) | Temperatur 50% PWM (in °C) | Temperatur 100% PWM (in °C) | Minimale Lüftergeschwindigkeit (in U/min) | Lüftergeschwindigkeit bei 50% PWM (in U/min) | Lüftergeschwindigkeit bei 100% PWM (in U/min) | Minimale Pumpengeschwindigkeit (in U/min) | Pumpengeschwindigkeit bei 50% PWM (in U/min) | Pumpengeschwindigkeit bei 100% PWM (in U/min) |
As can be seen from the table and the chart, the CPU of our test system reaches a maximum of 59.8 °C (minimum speed) under full load, 46 °C (at 50% PWM fan and pump speed), and 43.1 °C (at 100% PWM fan and pump speed). This places the Noctua NL-LC1-36 near the top of the test field, second only to the ASUS ROG Ryuo IV SLC 360. At the same time, however, this all-in-one liquid cooler remains surprisingly quiet and offers a balanced performance in terms of noise level and cooling efficiency.
This is primarily due to the excellent fans—for which the manufacturer charges €35 each—as well as the modifications made to the Asetek pump. These modifications reduce both the pump’s noise and the vibrations it transmits. In combination with the optional Noctua NL-ACF1 VRM fan, the Noctua NL-LC1-36 particularly impressed with its balanced performance profile. For example, our CPU reached a maximum temperature of 45.5°C at a maximum fan speed of 50% (860 rpm), 100% pump speed in Silent mode (2100 rpm), and 50% VRM fan speed (1070 rpm). At the same time, however, both the fans and the pump were barely audible, if at all.
Conclusion on the Noctua NL-LC1-36 Review
With the NL-LC1-36, Noctua has made an extremely successful entry into the AiO liquid cooling market. Although the cooling system is based on the proven Asetek Emma V2 platform, it clearly stands out from many competing products thanks to numerous in-house innovations from the Austrian manufacturer. In particular, the decoupled pump block, the optimized noise insulation, and the excellent NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fans ensure a combination of high cooling performance and exceptionally low noise levels. Even beyond pure performance, the NL-LC1-36 impresses across the board. The build quality meets Noctua’s usual high standards, the included accessories are extremely comprehensive, and the SecuFirm2+ mounting system remains one of the most user-friendly and stable solutions on the market. Practical details such as the AM5 offset mounting, the integrated pump mode switch, and the optionally retrofittable NL-ACF1 fan underscore the extensive development effort and the focus on well-thought-out features rather than visual gimmicks.
In real-world testing, the NL-LC1-36 delivers outstanding cooling performance and ranks among the top performers in our comparison. Its efficiency in silent mode is particularly impressive: Even at reduced fan speeds, temperatures remain very low, while the cooling is barely audible. Users who need maximum cooling performance can activate it at any time without having to put up with disruptive pump noises or unpleasant vibrations. The only real point of criticism for many users is likely to be the price. High-quality components such as the three NF-A12x25 G2 fans and the numerous in-house developments come at a cost, positioning the NL-LC1-36 in the upper premium segment. Furthermore, Noctua has deliberately omitted RGB lighting or flashy design elements—a decision that perfectly aligns with the brand’s philosophy but may not suit everyone’s taste. Perhaps, as was the case with the Noctua NH-D15 G2, a completely black variant will be released in the future.
The bottom line is that the Noctua NL-LC1-36 is currently one of the best 360-mm all-in-one (AiO) liquid cooling systems for users who prioritize cooling performance, build quality, and—above all—very low noise levels. Those who are willing to pay the premium price and can do without RGB will receive a superbly tuned all-in-one solution that more than lives up to Noctua’s excellent reputation. The Noctua NL-LC1’s biggest competitor is likely the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro, which costs less than a third as much, also performs well, and comes with a VRM fan out of the box.
PROS
- Strong cooling performance
- Quiet pump with three speed profiles
- Excellent fans with wide RPM range
- Easy-to-mount VRM fan
- Simple installation via SecuFirm2+
- Comprehensive accessories including Torx screwdriver
- High-quality build
- 6-year manufacturer warranty
CONS
- High price point
- VRM fan not included
- Aesthetics are subjective
Conclusion
Noctua's first AIO venture impresses with exceptional build quality, quiet operation, and thoughtful details like pump decoupling. Those who value quality over RGB will find a premium cooling solution backed by a 6-year warranty. However, Noctua charges a premium price for this premium product.
