Noctua Black CPU Cooler Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

Comparing Noctua Alternatives

Noctua Chromax Dual Tower Heatsink Covers

The Noctua NA-HC3 Black Swap Cover differs significantly because it is an accessory, not a complete cooling solution. While the original Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black is a full dual-tower cooler with a bundled fan, this item is a cosmetic cover designed for the NH-D15. It shares the black aesthetic goal but lacks any thermal performance capabilities on its own. You would need an existing dual-tower cooler to use it. This option suits users who already own a compatible Noctua cooler and want to upgrade the look without replacing the hardware. It does not provide airflow or heat dissipation by itself, serving purely as a visual upgrade for your existing build.

Noctua Dual-Tower Heatsink Covers, Black

The Noctua NA-HC4 Black Heatsink Cover is another cosmetic accessory rather than a functional CPU cooler. Unlike the original NH-U12A chromax.Black, which includes a fan and heatsink for active cooling, this cover is intended to update the appearance of compatible Noctua dual-tower coolers. It offers the same black aesthetic but provides no cooling performance independently. You must already possess a compatible cooler to install it. This pick is ideal for users who want to refresh the look of their existing hardware to match a black-themed build. It does not replace the cooling function, so it is not suitable if you need a new cooling solution. It is strictly for aesthetic customization of existing hardware.

Easycargo 9mm Black Aluminum Heatsinks (30-Pack)

The Easycargo 9mm Black Aluminum Heatsinks are fundamentally different from the original Noctua cooler. They are small, adhesive-backed units designed for 3D printer stepper motor drivers, not for CPU cooling. The original product is a large, active air cooler with a fan, whereas these are passive, tiny blocks. They share a black color but serve entirely different thermal needs. This option is best for builders who need to cool multiple small components on a 3D printer rather than a computer CPU. They lack the size, mounting hardware, and airflow capacity for processor cooling. If you are looking for a CPU cooler, this product is not suitable. It is a specialized solution for electronics cooling in 3D printers, offering a bulk supply for small-scale thermal management.

Awxlumv 120mm Aluminum Heatsink

The Awxlumv 120mm Aluminum Heatsink is a passive cooling block, unlike the original Noctua NH-U12A which uses an active fan. This aluminum unit is designed for SSDs or power components, not for direct CPU heat dissipation. It shares the black aesthetic but lacks the mechanical components for active airflow. The original cooler is built for high thermal loads from a processor, while this heatsink is for lower-power auxiliary components. It is a practical choice for users who need simple, black passive cooling for specific parts of their system. It does not replace a CPU cooler. If you require robust cooling for a processor, this item is insufficient. It is best for passive thermal management of storage drives or power electronics within a black-themed build.

Awxlumv 150x93x15mm Aluminum Heatsink 2-Pack

The Awxlumv 150x93x15mm Aluminum Heatsink is a heavy passive block for auxiliary components, not a CPU cooler. It differs from the original Noctua model by lacking a fan and active cooling mechanism. This item is intended for cooling power transistors and ICs, offering a black aesthetic for builds with good airflow. The original NH-U12A chromax.Black is a complete active cooling solution with significant thermal capacity. This heatsink is much smaller and designed for lower heat loads. It suits users who need black cooling for power stages or integrated circuits rather than a processor. It does not provide the performance needed for CPU thermal management. If you are looking for a primary CPU cooler, this product is not appropriate. It is a specialized solution for passive cooling of specific electronic components.

Awxlumv 25mm Small Aluminum Heatsink 6-Pack

The Awxlumv 25mm Small Aluminum Heatsink is a compact passive block for small GPUs or handheld consoles, not a CPU cooler. It contrasts with the original Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black, which is a large, active dual-tower cooler. This small heatsink shares the black aesthetic but lacks the size and fan for processor cooling. It is designed for low-heat components, prioritizing compact size over raw performance. The original product is built for high thermal loads, while this item is for auxiliary cooling. It is suitable for users who need black passive cooling for small graphics cards or handheld devices. It does not replace a CPU cooler. If you require a primary cooling solution for a processor, this product is inadequate. It is a specialized option for small-scale thermal management in compact builds.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Noctua Black CPU Cooler with Heatsink Cover

Best for: black aesthetic builds with ample clearance

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Noctua Black CPU Cooler with Heatsink Cover Affiliate link

This is a black CPU cooler bundled with a matching heatsink cover. It includes an award-winning Noctua fan and the NA-HC7 chromax.Black.swap cover for a clean look. The design suits premium builds using chromax or industrialPPC line fans. You can add color accents with optional accessories. Note that the cover increases the cooler's height and width, so check your case clearance carefully.

Pros

• Includes matching NA-HC7 heatsink cover
• Award-winning Noctua fan included
• Supports optional color accent accessories
• Clean aesthetic for premium builds

Cons

• Heatsink cover increases overall height
• Heatsink cover increases overall width
• Requires careful case clearance checks

Good fit if

• You want a fully black cooling solution
• You prefer a clean, custom look
• You have sufficient case clearance

Skip if

• You need maximum RAM clearance
• You have a small form factor case
• You want a standard black cooler without covers

Verdict: Noctua NH-U12A chromax.Black fits users seeking a cohesive black aesthetic with a bundled cover. It suits those who have the physical space for the added dimensions and value the included fan quality.

2 Also great

Noctua Chromax Dual Tower Heatsink Covers

Best for: Customizing NH-D15 dual tower aesthetics

Material

powder-coated aluminium

Compatible Device

Noctua NH-D15, NH-D15S CPU coolers

Color

Black

Dimensions

24.5 × 6.5 × 21.5 inches

Weight

12.3 ounces

View on Amazon: Noctua Chromax Dual Tower Heatsink Covers Affiliate link

This is an aesthetic add-on heatsink cover for Noctua NH-D15 and NH-D15S dual tower coolers. It is made from powder-coated aluminum and includes two covers for both fin-stacks. The set features swappable inlays in red, blue, green, yellow, black, or white. It weighs 12.3 ounces. It suits users who want to match their cooler with Noctua’s chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads.

Pros

• Made from powder-coated aluminum
• Includes two covers for both fin-stacks
• Features swappable inlays for color customization
• Compatible with NH-D15 and NH-D15S

Cons

• Only fits dual tower NH-D15 and NH-D15S models
• Does not improve cooling performance
• Adds 12.3 ounces of weight to the cooler

Good fit if

• You own a Noctua NH-D15 or NH-D15S cooler
• You want to match your cooler with chromax fans
• You prefer a black aesthetic with swappable colors

Skip if

• You use a single tower cooler
• You need better thermal performance
• You want a complete cooler, not just a cover

Verdict: Noctua NA-HC3 Black Swap Cover is a cosmetic upgrade for dual tower coolers. It fits users who prioritize aesthetics and color matching over thermal improvements.

3 Best premium

Noctua Dual-Tower Heatsink Covers, Black

Best for: Updating the look of compatible Noctua dual-tower coolers

Material

powder-coated aluminium

Compatible Device

Noctua NH-D15, NH-D15S CPU coolers

Color

Black

Dimensions

9.65 × 2.56 × 8.46 inches

Weight

12.3 ounces

View on Amazon: Noctua Dual-Tower Heatsink Covers, Black Affiliate link

The Noctua NA-HC4 chromax.Black is an aesthetic add-on heatsink cover designed for dual-tower coolers. It transforms the look of NH-D15, NH-D15S, and NH-D15S SE-AM4 models with a sleek, black finish. Constructed from powder-coated aluminum, the set includes two covers to outfit both fin-stacks. The dimensions are 9.65 inches in length, 8.46 inches in height, and 2.56 inches in width. It weighs 12.3 ounces and is built to match Noctua’s chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads.

Pros

• Made from powder-coated aluminum for a durable black finish
• Compatible with NH-D15, NH-D15S, and NH-D15S SE-AM4 dual tower heatsinks
• Set includes two covers to outfit both fin-stacks
• Designed to match Noctua’s chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads

Cons

• Does not cool the CPU; it is purely an aesthetic cover
• Only fits specific Noctua dual-tower models, not single-tower or other brands
• Requires an existing Noctua dual-tower cooler to install

Good fit if

• You own a Noctua NH-D15, NH-D15S, or NH-D15S SE-AM4 and want a stealth look
• You are building a monochrome setup with Noctua chromax fans and pads
• You prefer a black aesthetic over the standard brown or silver cooler colors

Skip if

• You need a CPU cooler, as this is only an accessory cover
• You use a single-tower cooler or a cooler from a different brand
• You want a complete cooling solution without buying a base cooler first

Verdict: Noctua NA-HC4 Black Heatsink Cover is the right pick if you already have a compatible Noctua dual-tower cooler and want to upgrade its appearance to match a black-themed build. It does not replace the cooler itself.

4 Also great

Easycargo 9mm Black Aluminum Heatsinks (30-Pack)

Best for: cooling 3D printer stepper motor drivers

Material

black aluminum

Cooling Method

passive cooling

Compatible Device

Stepper Motor Module TMC2130 TMC2100

Dimensions

9mm x 9mm x 12mm

Mounting Type

pre-applied adhesive tape

Features

Thermal Tape

View on Amazon: Easycargo 9mm Black Aluminum Heatsinks (30-Pack) Affiliate link

This kit includes 30 black aluminum heatsinks designed for passive cooling. Each unit measures 9mm x 9mm x 12mm and arrives with pre-applied 3M 8810 thermal conductive adhesive tape. You can attach them directly to stepper motor modules like the TMC2130 or DRV8825. This option suits users who need multiple small cooling solutions for 3D printer electronics without complex mounting hardware.

Pros

• Includes 30 black aluminum heatsinks
• Pre-applied 3M 8810 thermal adhesive tape
• Compact 9mm x 9mm x 12mm size
• Passive cooling design

Cons

• Only suitable for passive cooling
• Small surface area limits heat dissipation
• Stepper motor modules are not included

Good fit if

• You need to cool multiple stepper drivers
• You want pre-applied adhesive for easy installation
• You require small black heatsinks for 3D printers

Skip if

• You need active cooling with a fan
• You are looking for a main CPU cooler
• You need heatsinks for large power components

Verdict: Easycargo 3D Printer Heatsink Kit provides a bulk supply of small, adhesive-backed heatsinks for stepper motor drivers. It is a practical solution for 3D printer builders who need to cool multiple small components quickly.

5 Also great

Awxlumv 120mm Aluminum Heatsink

Best for: Passive cooling of SSDs and power components

Material

Black anodized aluminum

Compatible Device

Computer, MOSFET, NVME SSD, GPU

Dimensions

120 x 69 x 27mm

Weight

7.76 ounces

View on Amazon: Awxlumv 120mm Aluminum Heatsink Affiliate link

This is a black anodized aluminum heatsink measuring 120 x 69 x 27mm. It features 22 fins and weighs 7.76 ounces. The unit suits computer components, MOSFETs, NVMe SSDs, and GPU backing plates. You get a single cooling fin in the package. This option works well for general heat dissipation tasks on various electronic devices.

Pros

• Black anodized aluminum material
• 22 fin design
• Dimensions of 120 x 69 x 27mm
• Suitable for NVMe SSDs and MOSFETs

Cons

• Single unit does not include thermal paste
• No mounting hardware provided
• Basic passive design lacks fan integration

Good fit if

• You need a black heatsink for an NVMe drive
• You are cooling a MOSFET or power transistor
• You require a 120mm width for your setup

Skip if

• You need a complete CPU cooler with fans
• You require active cooling for high TDP processors
• You want pre-applied thermal adhesive

Verdict: Awxlumv 120x69x27mm Black Aluminum Heatsink fits users who need a simple, black passive cooling solution for specific components like SSDs or power electronics rather than a full CPU cooling system.

6

Awxlumv 150x93x15mm Aluminum Heatsink 2-Pack

Best for: Cooling power transistors and ICs

Material

Aluminum

Dimensions

150 x 93x 15 mm

Color

Black

Weight

10.9 ounces

View on Amazon: Awxlumv 150x93x15mm Aluminum Heatsink 2-Pack Affiliate link

This is a passive aluminum heatsink measuring 150 x 93 x 15 mm. It weighs 310 grams per unit with a 4.3 mm base. The black finish matches the Noctua chromax aesthetic. You should use it for cooling power transistors, FETs, or ICs. It provides a large surface area to reduce overheating risks. This option suits builders needing extra cooling for specific components rather than a full CPU cooler.

Pros

• Black aluminum construction for aesthetic matching
• Large 150 x 93 x 15 mm surface area
• Heavy 310g mass for thermal stability
• 4.3 mm base thickness for durability

Cons

• Passive design requires case airflow
• Not a complete CPU cooler solution
• Sold as a single large unit or pair

Good fit if

• You need to cool power transistors or MOSFETs
• You want black passive cooling components
• You have strong case airflow for passive dissipation

Skip if

• You need a fan-equipped CPU cooler
• You are cooling a high-TDP processor directly
• You require active liquid cooling

Verdict: Awxlumv Aluminum Heatsink 150x93x15mm is a heavy passive block for auxiliary components. It fits builds that need black aesthetic cooling for power stages or ICs with good airflow.

7 Best budget

Awxlumv 25mm Small Aluminum Heatsink 6-Pack

Best for: cooling small GPUs and handheld consoles

Material

anodized aluminum

Cooling Method

passive cooling

Compatible Device

ASUS ROG Ally

Dimensions

25 x 25 x 10mm

Mounting Type

Pre-applied thermal conductive tape

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Awxlumv 25mm Small Aluminum Heatsink 6-Pack Affiliate link

This is a set of six small, black anodized aluminum heatsinks measuring 25 x 25 x 10 mm. They use pre-applied thermal conductive adhesive tape for easy installation on components like GPUs, chipsets, or the ASUS ROG Ally. The passive cooling design dissipates heat without fans. You should choose this if you need compact, aesthetic cooling for small electronic components rather than a main CPU cooler.

Pros

• Black anodized aluminum construction
• Compact 25 x 25 x 10 mm size
• Pre-applied thermal conductive adhesive tape
• Includes 6 pieces per package

Cons

• Passive cooling only, no fan included
• Small surface area limits heat dissipation
• Adhesive mounting may not suit all surfaces

Good fit if

• You need to cool small GPU chips or VRMs
• You want a black aesthetic for internal components
• You are cooling an ASUS ROG Ally or similar handheld

Skip if

• You need to cool a high-wattage CPU
• You require active fan-based cooling
• You need a large heatsink for high heat output

Verdict: Awxlumv 25mm Black Aluminum Heatsink is a practical solution for cooling small, low-heat components like GPUs or handheld consoles. It fits users who prioritize compact size and black aesthetics over raw cooling performance.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• minorsonic aio CPU cooler alternatives
• best black coolers