It’s a technological promise that has been shaking up the hardware world for years. But this time, the Austrian brand specializing in high-end cooling has transformed the test. During Computex 2024, Noctua unveiled two radically different strategies to establish itself in the liquid cooling market: a solution of the future, the pumpless thermosyphon, and an immediate offensive with its first range of classic AIO (All-In-One) designed with Asetek.
How does this revolutionary pump-free cooling work?
The basic idea is to eliminate the weak point of all current watercooling systems: the pump, its noise pollution and its risk of breakdown. The prototype of Nocturnal rests on the thermosyphon principle biphase. Concretely, the liquid in contact with the CPU heats up, evaporates and the vapor naturally rises towards the radiator. There, it condenses, returning to its liquid state, then descends towards the processor by gravity. A perpetual cycle, entirely passive, without no moving parts.
Vaporisation… enhanced.#computex2026 pic.twitter.com/ooUgipZROk
— Noctua (@Noctua_at) May 29, 2026
This system not only eliminates the characteristic hum of pumps, but also promises theoretically absolute reliability. The technical challenge is immense, because a perfect balance is required for circulation to take place optimally. According to Jakob Dellinger of Noctua, this balance has now been achieved, in particular thanks to new “microlayers” which optimize evaporation and internal flow.
Can this prototype really compete with a classic AIO?
The demonstration made at Computex was stunning. The prototype was responsible for cooling a monster, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, taking a considerable thermal load 230 watts. Result: a temperature stabilized at 81.4°C. Next door, a traditional AIO from the brand, the brand new NL-LC1, held the same processor at 79.4°C. A difference of only two small degrees.
This is a spectacular performance for a device without a motor. According to the brand, if the pump of the classic AIO had gone into silent mode, the thermosyphon prototype would even take the advantage. Silence has a price, but here it is almost zero in terms of performance. Be careful, though. The real wall to overcome remains that of large-scale industrialization, a stage planned for the end of 2027 at the earliest.
And what about their very first traditional watercooling?
To capture market share now, the firm is launching its first series of AIOs, the NL-LC1. Developed on an Asetek Emma V2 base, this range stands out for Noctua’s obsession with silence. The major innovation is a specially designed pump cover, the NL-PNA1which combines multiple layers of insulation and a mass damper system to muffle pump noise and vibration, a component often overlooked by the competition.
This first real system of water cooling signed Noctua will be available from June 16 in three sizes (240 mm, 360 mm and 420 mm), equipped with the brand’s famous fans. The positioning is clearly high endwith prices ranging from €220 to €280. It is a declaration of intention: Noctua is no longer just the king of the air, he comes to seek his crown on the land of liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the Noctua Pumpless Cooler be available for sale?
You will have to be very patient. Noctua mentions a possible marketing in the third quarter of 2027 at the earliest. The project is still in the advanced prototype stage and moving to reliable mass production represents a major challenge.
What are the prices of the new Noctua NL-LC1 traditional AIOs?
The NL-LC1 range will be launched on June 16, 2026. Recommended retail prices are €220 for the 240mm model (NL-LC1-24), €250 for the 360mm (NL-LC1-36) and €280 for the 420mm version (NL-LC1-42).
