Noctua NL-LC1-36 Review: A Bold, Masterful First AiO

August 6, 2026
Tech

As a specialist in cooling our processors and PCs, Noctua has today become a reference that nevertheless seeks to broaden its horizons. For the first time, the Austrian company is trying the AiO water-cooling kit with the NL-LC1. A revolution?

The small plaque bearing the Noctua logo is to be affixed, if desired. © Nerces for Clubic
Noctua NL-LC1-36

9  / 10

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Best prices

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219,90 €

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249,90 €

PC Componentes

336,22 €
The best
  • Excellent performance
  • Easy setup
  • Low noise levels
  • Pump insulation
  • Sleek design
  • Six-year warranty
The cons
  • High price, even for high-end
  • About Noctua colors
  • RGB enthusiasts will be disappointed
Lire la conclusion

In the same vein as what we do with RAM modules, the idea here is to present a large number of cooling systems through “mini-tests.” We will not go into endless detail and prefer to focus on three key elements: the design and installation of the cooling kit, its results in combating processor heating, and, finally, the generated noise levels.

Pas de chichi sur la boîte du NL-LC1, ici dans sa version 360 mm. © Nerces pour Clubic

No frills packaging for the NL-LC1, here in its 360 mm version. © Nerces for Clubic

D’abord, ils arrivent tous dans une boîte très classique pour un kit AiO de watercooling. Ouverte, celle-ci révèle, bien rangés, la partie principale avec d’un côté le radiateur – ici un modèle de 400 x 120 x 30 mm avec une densité de 20 ailettes par pouce – et de l’autre la pompe, reliée par deux câbles pour conduire le liquide. Cette pompe n’est pas conçue par Noctua, mais le fruit d’un travail réalisé en collaboration avec Asetek.

Descriptif complet des accessoires livrés avec le NL-LC1. © Noctua

Complete description of accessories included with the NL-LC1. © Noctua

De base, il s’agit d’une plateforme Emma Gen8 V2, mais Noctua insiste sur sa touche personnelle : le boîtier NL-PNA1 intègre des joints en silicone et deux couches de mousse isolante afin de réduire les nuisances sonores. Autour, Noctua a placé une classique coque noire que l’on peut surmonter d’une plaque/logo facultative. Facultative car Noctua propose aussi – en option – un ventilateur auxiliaire (le NL-ACF1) afin de rafraîchir les composants autour du waterblock, les VRM par exemple.

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

A special care has been given to the isolation of the pump. © Noctua

Of course, the other fans — shipped as standard — are intended for the radiator. Three on our 360 mm version, they are the excellent NF-A12x25 G2. Naturally, Noctua provides everything needed to mount its kit, which is compatible with all current sockets. The finish is absolutely perfect, and the installation is child’s play. Note that Noctua uses Torx screws and includes an appropriate driver. Finally, let’s highlight the six-year warranty.

Temperatures and noise

Test configuration

  • Motherboard : ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi II (BIOS 2107)
  • Processor : Intel Core i9-14900K, constrained to 125/241 Watts
  • Memory : G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6000 CL30 (2x 16 GB)
  • Graphics card : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition
  • System SSD : Kingston KC3000 2 To PCIe 4.0
  • Power supply : be quiet! Power Zone 2 (1 200 watts)
  • Thermal paste : Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua propose un ventilateur auxiliaire - en option à 20 € - pour les VRM. © Nerces pour Clubic

Noctua offers an auxiliary fan – at 20 € – for the VRMs. © Nerces for Clubic

Temperatures @ 125 watts of TDP

Testing a kit as ambitious as the NL-LC1-36 with a processor showing only 125 watts of TDP might seem a bit ridiculous. Still, we were determined to observe Noctua’s behavior in a “calm” scenario.

Températures mesurées (°C) avec un Core i9-14900K@125W © Nerces pour Clubic

Temperatures measured (°C) with a Core i9-14900K@125W © Nerces for Clubic

We were not disappointed by the performance shown. Granted, we don’t have many references for comparison, but the NL-LC1-36 is simply the best cooler we’ve ever handled, irrespective of fan speed. Only Corsair’s Titan 420 mm model comes close.

Temperatures @ 241 watts of TDP

For the second test, we limited the Core i9-14900K to 241 Watts. Things get more serious here and many air cooling solutions struggle to prevent CPU throttling.

Températures mesurées (°C) avec un Core i9-14900K@241W © Nerces pour Clubic

Temperatures measured (°C) with a Core i9-14900K@241W © Nerces for Clubic

Noctua’s NL-LC1-36 shows no risk of such throttling. Again, the temperatures recorded are some of the lowest ever seen, though Corsair’s Titan 420 mm remains a challenger… at higher fan speeds. At low speeds, the Noctua remains one of the quietest options. It’s clear there’s headroom!

Noise levels

As a fan specialist, Noctua obviously uses internally developed products to outfit its CPU coolers as well as its water-cooling kit. The NF-A12x25 G2 models, as noted, are designed to run from 0 to 1,800 rpm with an airflow of up to 63.15 CFM.

Rotations effectives des ventilateurs en fonction de leur puissance © Nerces pour Clubic

Actual rotation speeds of the fans as a function of their power © Nerces for Clubic

Values don’t perfectly match our own measurements, but there’s always a tiny margin of error here: we’re right on track. Moreover, no issue, the speed reduction follows our load.

Nuisances sonores relevées en fonction de la puissance des ventilateurs © Nerces pour Clubic

Noise levels recorded according to fan power © Nerces for Clubic

Note, measuring noise is tricky; coolers adopt different positions and orientations for their fans. The measurement is meant to give a rough idea.

Special mention for the CPU block, which houses the famous Asetek pump. Indeed, we noted the presence of two layers of insulating foam: Noctua’s attention to detail paid off, and the pump is indeed particularly discreet. That said, we could not judge longevity, of course.

Noctua NL-LC1-36: Clubic’s opinion

Conclusion
General note
9 / 10

So, does Noctua truly revolutionize the world of AiO water-cooling kits with its NL-LC1? To be clear, the answer is no. That said, it’s impossible not to applaud the work done by the Austrian company’s engineers. Not a revolution, but a standout finish for top-tier performance.

The product comes with a wealth of accessories — albeit with a somewhat inconvenient option — and the assembly is extremely straightforward. The potential of the NL-LC1 in its 360 mm version is impressive, and we hardly see any current processor capable of exceeding its capabilities. Of course, you can opt for the 240 mm model or go larger with the 420 mm version. The latter may seem a bit excessive, but everyone has their own use case.

Even more, Noctua manages to cool even the most demanding CPUs without ever needing to spin the kit’s fans at full throttle. In fact, the NL-LC1 remains one of the most discreet setups in any circumstance. One caveat remains: the price. Noctua has never been known for discounting its products, but around 250 euros for a kit that performs so well is a significant sum.  

Pros
  • Excellent performance
  • Simple setup
  • Low-pitch pump sound
  • Quiet pump design
  • Discreet design
  • Six-year warranty
Read the conclusion

In the same fashion as with RAM sticks, the idea here is to present a wide range of cooling systems through “mini-tests.” We won’t go into endless detail and will focus on three key elements: the design and installation of the cooling kit, its results in countering processor heat, and the various noise levels produced.

Pas de chichi sur la boîte du NL-LC1, ici dans sa version 360 mm. © Nerces pour Clubic

No-frills packaging for the NL-LC1, here in its 360 mm version. © Nerces for Clubic

Un partenariat avec Asetek, le roi de la pompe

We remain true to form. Even though Noctua has, for several years now, brought some of its products to black, the NL-LC1 is currently available only in this brown tone that mostly serves as the brand’s logo. No black version for now, but there are three variants depending on whether you choose a 240, 360, or 420 mm radiator. We tested the intermediate model, but they are almost identical.

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Compared to our previous tests, we had to adjust our configuration. That said, it doesn’t alter our test series: for the first run, the CPU was limited to 125 Watts, then to 241 Watts for the second. We then ran Cinebench R23 multi-core for 60 minutes and, each time, measured the temperature while the fans were at 25%, 50%, 75% and finally 100% of their power.

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

In relation to our previous tests, we had to adjust our configuration. That said, it does not alter our test sequences: for the first run, the CPU was limited to 125 W, then to 241 W for the second. We then ran Cinebench R23 multi-core for 60 minutes and, each time, measured the temperature while the fans were at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of their power.

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

A special care has been given to the isolation of the pump. © Noctua

Of course, the other fans — shipped as standard — are meant for the radiator. In our 360 mm version, there are three of the excellent NF-A12x25 G2 models, designed to run from 0 to 1,800 rpm with an airflow of up to 63.15 CFM. Noctua provides everything required to mount its kit, which is compatible with all current sockets. The finish is impeccably flawless, and installation is child’s play. Note that Noctua uses Torx screws and includes an appropriate screwdriver. Finally, let’s emphasize the six-year warranty.

Temperatures and noise

Test configuration

  • Motherboard : ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi II (BIOS 2107)
  • Processor : Intel Core i9-14900K, limited to 125/241 Watts
  • Memory : G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6000 CL30 (2x 16 Go)
  • Graphics card : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition
  • System SSD : Kingston KC3000 2 To PCIe 4.0
  • Power supply : be quiet! Power Zone 2 (1 200 watts)
  • Thermal paste : Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Noctua NL-LC1-36

Un soin tout particulier a été apporté à l’isolation de la pompe. © Noctua

Bien sûr, les autres ventilateurs – livrés de base – sont prévus pour le radiateur. Au nombre de trois sur notre version 360 mm, il s’agit des excellents NF-A12x25 G2. Évidemment, Noctua livre tout ce qu’il faut pour assurer le montage de son kit qui est compatible avec tous les sockets actuels. La finition est absolument parfaite et le montage, un jeu d’enfant. Notez que Noctua utilise des vis Torx et livre un tournevis adéquat. Enfin, soulignons les 6 ans de garantie.

Temperatures and noise

Test configuration

Daniel Brooks

I cover everyday products with a practical eye, from kitchen tools and home essentials to smart gadgets and consumer trends. My goal is to help readers understand what is genuinely useful, what is worth the price, and what deserves a second look before buying.