Noctua NL-LC1-42 420mm AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

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

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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 tec