BIOS Setting
We used the default PWM setting and left it alone!
Sound Level Testing
We used a standard generic digital sound level meter at 15 inches. It is important to note we used the MicroCool Banchetto 101 Chassis for testing which is an open chassis. This means you are hearing the CPU coolers fan unobstructed.
Thermal Paste
We use Arctic MX-2 for all heatsink cooler tests and in fact we use it for all builds, test or otherwise. We run the AIDA64 Extreme stability test as our burn in programme for thermal paste, which allows the paste to spread out and share the love across the mating surfaces. It is worth doing, we noted a drop in throttling after 30 minutes of burn in, and we don’t like throttling!
Results
First, the stock run; The CPU is reported at its turbo speed which is correct, and the memory at 2665Mhz, but overall, it’s stock.
As we stated before, we only selected the cache, FPU and CPU tests, so no other component would generate impacting heat during the tests.
At idle the Noctua NH-D9L is quiet and not too hot. At load, the temperature doubles but the sound level only rises by 1 Db, a solid performance. 67 °C is not too bad at all, considering this is rated for this CPUs TDP and though a stability test, it is a CPU stress test in reality.
Next, the overclocking results.
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.