Introduction
Noctua have been around for 9 years now and from the very start they have been producing cooling hardware for enthusiast rigs across the world. Their cooling fans are instantly recognisable due to their unique colour scheme, often a topic of conversation.
We already have some Noctua gear in our Home server in the shape of a Noctua NH-L12 Low Profile Cooler and we are very pleased with its performance. We have also recently reviewed the Noctua NF-S12A Series Fan and liked that as well. Noctua pride themselves in making the humble cooling fan and taking the detail to the extreme. The result tends to be top quality in ways you would not imagine. We have the NH-D9L CPU cooler for review today,will we like this too? Let’s read on.
From the Noctua product page –
The NH-D9L is a premium grade dual tower CPU cooler that has been designed to provide excellent quiet cooling performance at a height of only 110mm. Its comparably low profile (15mm lower than classic 9cm tower coolers such as the NH-U9S) doesn’t only guarantee full 3U compliance but also makes the NH-D9L ideal for compact HTPC and Small Form Factor cases that have airflow paths parallel to the mainboard. Thanks to its 95x95mm footprint, the NH-D9L clears the RAM and PCIe slots on all Intel based and most AMD based ITX mainboards. The included NF-A9 premium fan supports automatic speed control via PWM for outstanding quietness of operation and a second, optional NF-A9 fan can be added for further improved performance in dual fan mode. Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s proven NT-H1 thermal compound and full 6 years manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-D9L forms a highly compact premium package for space-restricted applications.
Technology
Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating
- Low-profile tower design for better airflow efficiency
- NH-D9L Features 3U compatibility
- NH-D9L Features 100% RAM compatibility
- NH-D9L Features 100% compatibility with PCIe cards on mini-ITX
- NF-A15 NF-A9 premium fan
- NH-D9L Features PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor
- NH-D9L Features Dual fan ready
- NH-D9L Features SecuFirm2™ mounting system
- NH-D9L Features Compatibility with past and future sockets
- NF-A15 NT-H1 thermal compound
- NH-D9L Features 6 years warranty
Socket Compatibility
Intel LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3(Square ILM), LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150 & AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ (backplate required)
The NH-D9L is aimed at HTPC and Small Form Factor chassis that need a lot of design appreciation for space and clearance. It has a 95x95mm footprint which these days is small, and not much bigger than the footprint stock Intel cooler. The NH-D9L is also offering a 140W TDP or thermal design power rating cap on the LGA2011-3 socketed CPU’s, which is right on the money for the Intel i7-5820K.
Product Shots
Noctua always come in nice chunky boxes and this in no different. For a small form factor cooler, you get a big box!
Noctua NH-D9L CPU Cooler Review
Package - 9.2
Performance - 9
Price - 9
Consumer Experience - 9.5
9.2
It is not supposed to be a competitor to the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 but it does a fine job none the less. If you want big block CPU cooler performance in your small chassis, this maybe for you. From a consumer experience point of view, there isn't anything bad about this cooler, and there is a lot good about it.