- Review -

27.11.2012 HiTechLegion.com

Performance of the Noctua NH-L9 was outstanding for such a low profile cooler. Temperatures at stock speeds on the 3570K were more than acceptable, while the G840 ran incredibly cool. The fan remained inaudible to ~2000rpm, but was clearly discernible at full speed. It’s easy to look at just the benchmark numbers and arrive at some type of opinion about a cooler. After all, cooling is their main, and basically only function. However, in the case of specialized coolers like the NH-L9 there are many more factors to consider. In true Noctua fashion, the NH-L9 addresses these factors head on and with the greatest of results. The cooling end of the NH-L9 may not look like any great achievement at first glance, but that first glance is deceptive. The big reason being the size of the coolers being compared. While the NH-L9 comes in at only 37mm tall while the next smallest comes in at 45mm, and the other two will not fit in an HTPC case with 50mm clearance at all. The ZT-560D actually stands over twice as tall as the NH-L9. While the 45mm cooler will fit in the HTPC case, it will have very little breathing room for cool air intake, while the NH-L9 will be breathing freely. This is what makes these benchmark numbers for the NH-L9 incredibly impressive. Since CPUs like a Pentium G840 or Core i3 are commonly used in HTPCs, we decided to start our testing there. The NH-L9 handled the G840 with ease, never coming close to getting anywhere near thermal limits and making a huge improvement over an included stock cooler. Moving up to the Core i5 3570K, the NH-L9 maintained its composure and kept the 77 watt processor nice and cool at stock speeds without a problem. It is important to note that Noctua states directly that the NH-L9 is not to be used for overclocking, and the statement holds true. A small OC on the 3570K sent temperatures escalating, but this is not the intended purpose of the NH-L9. Though small, the NH-L9 has the fantastic build quality you would expect from a Noctua cooler. The two heat pipes are clearly visible through a very sturdy heavy gauge aluminum fin array, and there is not a sharp corner anywhere. The fan mounts simply and securely, and has excellent rigidity for a slim fan. Installation could not be simpler, and literally requires simply tightening four screws.

"Noctua has another top quality product in the NH-L9, and it is easily a top choice for tight small form factor applications. Cooling is outstanding for such a small cooler, easily competing with much larger pieces. The fan does become audible at full speed, but is near silent at speeds below ~2000rpm with barely a noticeable difference in performance. The Noctua NH-L9 offers everything you could possibly ask for in an HTPC CPU cooler; small height, easy installation, excellent cooling on stock CPUs below 77 watts and near silent performance." (George Cella, HiTechLegion.com)