Temperatures
Processor at 65W
Despite a more violent 65W profile, the latter still represents the least stressful phase of this protocol. It allows to highlight the performances obtained with compact/entry-level heatsinks. These results are only indicative for the largest heatsinks (AIO, large dual tower, etc.). 
In 65W with a single fan (original configuration), this NH-D12L is behind the U12A with a single mill. The gap is more marked at low speed. However, if we add a second NF-A12x25r, the gap between the two products is significantly reduced.
Processor at 95W :
Here, our CPU will run at 3.90 GHz constantly and on all its cores. We apply a VCore of 1.375V to obtain a power consumption of about 95W. To simplify the reading of the graph, we may have rounded some values to the nearest integer. 
At 95W, the differences with the NH-U12A are seriously reduced. There is less than 1°C difference between the two references, whatever the situation.
Compared to the competition, this double-turn model proves to be rather efficient, dominating without much difficulty. Thus, the Dark Rock 4 is easily surpassed, especially at low rpm. The observation is even more damning in the face of other heatsinks, which are not as strong to resist.
Processor at 125W :
Finally, we finish with our 125W profile. Here the heat release is more important, let’s see how our coolings are doing! 
Despite its dual format, the NH-D12L can’t hold our Ryzen 7 1700X generating a 125W consumption at low RPM.
With two fans, we notice that the gap widens with the NH-U12A chromax.black. The new heatsink of the brand suffering particularly at low rpm.
Summary
Finally, in its basic configuration, the NH-D12L will only stand up to comparison with the NH-U12A when equipped with a single fan. In order to compete with the NH-U12A, we will need to add a second fan to our dual-tower fan. We think the fan struggles to breathe fully placed between the two fin stacks.
Otherwise, within the Noctua range, this NH-D12L easily fits between the NH-U12A and NH-U12S (which does not appear in the charts) in terms of temperatures. Now, what about the temperature to noise ratio? Let’s see it on the next page!
