Noctua NL-LC1-36: quietest AIO, high price noted

Reviewers praise quiet operation and 6-year warranty, noting high price and lack of a coolant temperature probe.

1 min read

A side profile of a cooling product with three fans and a water block.
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Specifications

Pump Model
Asetek Emma V2
Socket Compatibility
AM5 / AM4 / LGA1700 / LGA1851 / LGA1954
Radiator Form Factor
360 mm
Fan Configuration
3× NF‑A12x25 G2
Total Radiator Assembly Thickness
59 mm
NSPR (Noise‑to‑Speed Ratio)
248
Warranty
6 years
Fan Size
120×120×25 mm (square)
Fan Speed Range
0–1800 rpm
Fan Airflow Max
107.3 m³/h (63.15 CFM)
Fan Noise Max
22.5 dB(A)
Fan Static Pressure Max
3.14 mm H₂O
Fan Rated Voltage
12 V
Fan Connector
4‑pin
Pump Block Height
70 mm
Motor Type
Three‑phase
Impeller Type
Centrifugal (closed)
Bearing
Ceramic sleeve and shaft
Pump Rated Voltage
12 V
Starting Voltage
9.5 V
Max Operating Voltage
13.2 V
Input Power Max
6 W
Input Power Typical
2 W
Input Current Max
0.5 A
Input Current Typical
0.17 A
Max Rotational Speed (Manual)
3400 rpm
Max Rotational Speed (Balanced)
2600 rpm
Max Rotational Speed (Quiet)
2100 rpm
Rotational Speed @20% PWM
750 rpm
Rotational Speed @0% PWM
750 rpm
Max Noise (Manual)
14.9 dB(A)
Max Noise (Balanced)
7.8 dB(A)
Max Noise (Quiet)
<5 dB(A)
Cable Length
500 mm
Connector Type
4‑pin PWM
Cold Plate Material
Copper CU1100 (99.95% purity)
Cold Plate Size
55.5×55.5 mm
Screw Threads
UNC 6‑32
Packaging Dimensions
472×224.5×145 mm
Unit Weight (without packaging)
1979 g

Photos

A cooling system with three fans and a pump, shown from the front.
A side profile of a cooling system with three fans and a black pump.
The image shows two Noctua cooling fans, one in a light brown color and the other in black. The fans are positioned side by side against a dark background.

What reviewers say

  • The Noctua NL‑LC1‑36 is praised as the quietest AIO ever built, offering top‑tier thermal performance and a clean, RGB‑free design. Reviewers highlight its three pump profiles, 6‑year warranty, and overall balance of silence and cooling power, while noting its high price, lack of a coolant temperature probe, and that it is essentially an Asetek cooler with Noctua branding.

    www.tomshardware.com ↗
  • KitGuru’s review of the Noctua NL‑LC1‑36 (360 mm AIO) highlights that it is Noctua’s first liquid cooler, built on Asetek’s EMMA V2 platform and featuring Noctua‑specific enhancements such as NF‑A12x25 G2 fans, a pump noise absorber, SecuFirm2+ mounting hardware, and an optional auxiliary fan. The review notes that Noctua is aiming to bring its well‑known focus on acoustics, reliability and attention to detail into liquid cooling, and the article will test installation, build quality, acoustics and thermal performance against other top 360 mm AIO coolers.

    www.kitguru.net ↗
  • The Phoronix review praises the Noctua NL‑LC1‑36 as one of the quietest AIO liquid coolers tested, thanks to its custom pump noise absorber and high‑quality NF‑A14x25 G2 fans. It highlights Noctua’s solid build quality, easy mounting with SecuFirm2+, and excellent Linux support due to the lack of RGB lighting and proprietary protocols. The reviewer notes that the cooler is more expensive than many competitors, citing a $249 retail price.

    www.phoronix.com ↗
  • PC Guide praises the Noctua NL‑LC1‑36 as a high‑quality, quiet 360 mm AIO that delivers excellent cooling performance and extensive customization options. The review highlights its solid build, low noise levels, easy installation, and long warranty, while noting its higher price point and lack of RGB or other flashy features.

    www.pcguide.com ↗
  • Pause Hardware presents the Noctua NL‑LC1‑36 as a premium 360 mm AIO that prioritises quiet operation, build quality and long‑term reliability over flashy features. The review highlights Noctua’s focus on acoustic optimisation of the pump, solid mounting with SecuFirm2+, and the absence of RGB or software as deliberate design choices aimed at users who value performance and silence above aesthetics. At €249.90 the unit is positioned in a saturated 360 mm segment but offers a distinct philosophy centred on noise control and mechanical robustness.

    pausehardware.com ↗

Our take

Based on 5 reviews

All five outlets agree the Noctua NL-LC1-36 prioritizes silence, build quality, and a clean design over RGB or software customization. Reviewers specifically praise the pump noise absorber, Secuirm2+ mounting, and 6-year warranty. The consensus highlights its excellent Linux support and lack of proprietary protocols as deliberate strengths for users valuing reliability and acoustic performance above flashy aesthetics.

Several outlets note the cooler's premium pricing and lack of a coolant temperature probe as reservations. While most call it among the quietest AIOs, KitGuru's neutral stance suggests its performance must be proven against competitors. Buyers seeking maximum silence and mechanical robustness will appreciate its philosophy, while those wanting RGB or advanced software features should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Extremely quiet pump and fans
  • Secuirm2+ mounting system
  • 6-year warranty
  • No RGB or proprietary protocols

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • No coolant temperature probe

Best for: Users prioritizing silence and reliability over RGB or software customization should buy it; those wanting flashy features should look elsewhere.

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