The Noctua NL-LC1-42 420mm AIO Liquid CPU Cooler delivers premium cooling performance with exceptionally quiet operation, combining the proven Asetek Emma V2 platform, an innovative pump noise absorber and three NF-A14x25 G2 140mm fans. Featuring an extra-large 420mm radiator, SecuFirm2+ multi-socket mounting and, broad support for both AMD and Intel sockets, the Noctua NL-LC1-42 is an excellent choice for maximum cooling performance in high end systems.
Features
NL-LC1-42 420mm All-in-One Liquid Cooler
With first-class cooling performance, superb quietness of operation and industry-leading reliability, the NL-LC1 series brings classic Noctua virtues to the world of all-in-one liquid coolers.
The NL-LC1 series is based on Asetek’s renowned, premium-grade Emma V2 platform, which has established itself as a gold standard for both thermal efficiency and long-term dependability. What makes the NL-LC1 coolers unique is Noctua’s custom-engineered NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber: Leveraging a three-layer acoustic soundproofing structure and the tuned-mass damper effect, the NL-PNA1 reduces both air-borne noise and structure-borne vibrations, which can yield significant improvements in pump acoustics.
For fine-tuning performance-to-noise characteristics, the NL-LC1 series pump integrates a mode switch that allows users to choose between three different pump speed profiles: While the pre-selected quiet mode guarantees that the pump will stay near-inaudible, the balanced mode provides extra performance headroom, and the manual mode gives users full control over the pump’s entire RPM range.
The NL-LC1-42 model combines an extra-large 420mm radiator with three of Noctua’s award-winning NF-A14x25 G2 140mm fans for cutting edge performance-to-noise efficiency and maximum cooling headroom at high heat loads. Working in tandem with the pump noise absorber, the NF-A14x25 G2 flagship fans are the second key factor to the NL-LC1-42’s unique capability of delivering first-rate thermals while running extremely quiet. To ensure a smooth, unobtrusive sound signature, the fans utilise a speed-offset to avoid undesirable harmonics phenomena such as periodic humming or vibration build-up due to beat frequencies.
While the NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber comes with a magnetically attaching metal faceplate, users who require extra ventilation for VRMs, RAM modules, M.2 SSDs or other near-socket components have the option of replacing it with the NL-ACF1 auxiliary cooling fan that is available separately.
Noctua’s proven SecuFirm2+™ mounting system not only enables easy installation, broad socket support and future upgradability, but also helps to improve thermal performance through optimised force transfer and offset mounting options.
Topped off with the proven SecuFirm2+™ multi-socket mounting system, renowned NT-H2 thermal paste and Noctua’s usual 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NL-LC1-42 is a deluxe choice for customers who are looking for a premium grade 420mm all-in-one liquid cooler that satisfies the highest demands in terms of performance, reliability and quietness of operation.
- State-of-the-art AIO platform: Asetek Emma V2 system provides industry-leading performance and reliability
- Innovative pump noise absorber: Ensures quieter pump operation and lower vibration levels
- Triple NF-A14x25 G2 fans: 420mm radiator with best-in-class fans for ultimate performance headroom
Proven Asetek Emma V2 Platform
Asetek has been on the forefront of all-in-one liquid cooling technology for over two decades and its Emma V2 premium platform is a testament to this long-standing expertise: The latest refinement of a proven, highly mature system that provides state-of-the-art performance and reliability.
Three Pump Speed Profiles
The NL-LC1 series’ pump comes with an integrated mode switch that makes it possible to choose between three settings: While the pre-selected quiet mode ensures minimal noise emission, the balanced mode provides extra performance headroom, and the manual mode gives users full control over the pump’s entire RPM range.
NL-PNA1 Pump Noise Absorber
The NL-LC1 series are world’s first all-in-one liquid coolers to feature an integrated pump noise absorber that leverages both acoustic soundproofing and the tuned-mass damper effect. Thanks to this twofold working principle, the NL-PNA1 reduces air-borne noise and structure-borne vibrations at the same time.
Three-Layer Soundproofing Structure
The NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber integrates three layers of acoustic foam: While a first soft, open-pore layer right above the pump targets higher frequency noise, a dense mass barrier in the middle blocks and reflects lower frequency ranges. A second open-pore layer combats residual noise that penetrates the first two layers.
Tuned-Mass Damper Vibration Reduction
The NL-PNA1’s soft acoustic foam layers and floating silicone mounting not only reduce the transmission of vibrations but also act as the spring components in a tuned-mass damper system. With the dense mass barrier and the outer hard plastic shell acting as mass nodes that counteract the movement of the pump, the NL-PNA1 is highly efficient in reducing structure-borne noise.
Self-Bleeding Start-Up Mechanism
Closed-loop liquid coolers require a certain amount of air inside the loop to allow for thermal expansion and safe transport in different environmental conditions. To reduce the risk of air bubbles getting trapped inside the pump, the NL-LC1 automatically boosts its pump to higher speed levels for 50 seconds at startup for proper bleeding.
Automatic Liquid Temperature Monitoring and RPM Boost
While the NL-LC1 gives users full flexibility in setting custom PWM curves to reduce the rotational speed of the pump all the way down to 750rpm, it features an integrated liquid temperature sensor for monitoring and automatically boosts the pump speed in case the liquid temperature rises above 45°C to ensure safe operating conditions.
420mm Size for Maximum Performance Headroom
The NL-LC1-42 utilises a 420mm size radiator for three 140mm fans. Its extra-large surface area and triple fan configuration ensure ultimate cooling efficiency at high heat loads and make it possible to run the fans at near-inaudible speeds while still maintaining exceptional thermal performance. Perfect in combination with the Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition case that supports 420mm radiators both in the front and at the top!
Slim Profile for Optimal Compatibility
Thicker radiators and fans may cause clearance issues with other components. By contrast, the NL-LC1 series utilises slim 30mm radiators with a high fin density paired with standard 25mm thickness fans. This makes it possible to achieve outstanding performance whilst maintaining a slim profile (59mm total thickness including anti-vibration gaskets, pads and screw heads) to ensure maximum compatibility.
State-of-the-Art NF-A14x25 G2 Fans
The NL-LC1-42 includes three of Noctua’s award-winning, flagship model NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans. Packing all of Noctua’s latest technological refinements including a speed offset to avoid undesired resonance phenomena, these premium grade, state-of-the-art 140mm fans are the cornerstone of the NL-LC1-42’s class-leading performance-to-noise efficiency.
Fan Speed Offset for Optimal Acoustics
The NL-LC1-42’s NF-A14x25 G2 fans are offset in speed by +25rpm (PPB) and -25rpm (PPA) in a PPA/PPB/PPA pattern. This slight speed offset between adjacent fans helps to avoid undesired acoustic interaction phenomena such as periodic humming or vibrations due to beat frequencies.
Optional NL-ACF1 80mm Auxiliary Fan (Available Separately)
Customers who require additional airflow over near-socket components can add the optional, magnetically attaching NL-ACF1 auxiliary cooling fan on top of the NL-PNA1 pump noise absorber. Thanks to a large NF-A8 impeller and a custom-designed frame that uses the Coandă effect to optimise flow distribution as well as the ribs on the NL-PNA1 for rotational energy conversion, the NL-ACF1 provides excellent low-noise cooling performance for VRMs, RAM, M.2 SSDs or other components.
SecuFirm2+™ Multi-Socket Mounting System
The NL-LC1 series utilises the same, proven SecuFirm™ mounting ecosystem Noctua’s air-cooled heatsinks are famous for, which enables an easy transition from air to water cooling, upgrade paths for future sockets and backwards compatibility with legacy platforms. The included, Torx®-based SecuFirm2+™ kit supports AMD AM5 and AM4 as well as Intel LGA1851/1700.
Optimised Contact Pressure
Even minute amounts of flex in mounting parts can cause performance losses. Noctuas SecuFirm2+™ system has been continuously refined to ensure optimal force transfer and contact pressure, which can give the NL-LC1 a slight edge over other Emma V2 coolers that utilise the stock mounting system.
Offset Mounting Options for AMD and Intel
The NL-LC1 includes offset mounting bars for both AMD AM5 (NM-AMB15) and Intel LGA1851 (NM-IMB9). In both cases, the offset mounting shifts the centre of the cooler towards the hotspot of the CPU in order to enable improved contact pressure and heat transfer where it matters the most.
Compatibility with Past and Future Sockets
Thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm™ ecosystem, the NL-LC1 coolers can be made compatible with the older LGA1200/115x or even LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using optional mounting kits, which are provided free of charge through Noctua’s customer support. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets, which makes the NL-LC1 coolers a safe long-term investment.
NT-H2 Thermal Compound
For customers who want the best of the best in closed-loop liquid cooling, every degree counts. This is why the NL-LC1 coolers include a tube of Noctua’s highest grade NT-H2 thermal compound that provides even better performance than the award-winning NT-H1, allowing to achieve the best possible cooling results.
Thermal Paste Guard for AMD AM5
When the mounting pressure of the cooling solution is applied, excess thermal paste will be squeezed outwards. With AM5 CPUs, this excess paste tends to accumulate in the cut-outs at the sides of the heatspreader and may become difficult to remove. Simple and risk-free to apply, the NA-TPG1 prevents this undesired phenomenon.
6-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Testament to the industry-leading reliability and spotless track record of Asetek’s premium AIO platforms, the complete NL-LC1 package comes with the same, trusted 6-year manufacturer’s warranty as Noctua’s fans and air coolers.
Backed by a 6 year Noctua warranty.
