- Review -

07.01.2015 SilentPCReview.com

The Noctua NH-U9S and NH-D9L are welcome additions to the Noctua line of high quality CPU coolers. They expand cooling options for Silent PC enthusiasts seeking smaller quiet systems. Both of these coolers are very close to the size of the long discontinued Scythe Ninja Mini, a unique short tower heatsink in its day. The 110mm and 125mm height clearance and small footprint of these coolers allows them to be used in much smaller cases than tower coolers normally allow. They fare well in comparison to both tower and top-down 120mm fan heatsinks, though they can't challenge the best tested on our LGA1155 platform. The improved performance with an additional fan in push-pull mode at very low noise levels makes these coolers even more versatile. The big plus for the PC builder is that they're almost as low profile as the bigger top-down fan heatsinks, but have the advantage of blowing the heat out towards a nearby back or top panel vent. The efficient evacuation of heat from the case is a key element in quiet PC cooling. We've already used the NH-D9L successfully in such a role in two recent small Gaming Build Guides — Quiet Mini-ITX Gaming Build Guide #2: NCASE M1 Edition and Journey to a Silent MicroATX Gamer. In both of these builds the only other cooler we know of that might have fulfilled the same role is the NH-U9S. The traditional Noctua strengths of excellent secure mounting, ease of installation and thoughtful accessories combine with the absence of any real competition from other brands to make them compelling.

"[I]f small and quiet is beautiful to you, these new 92mm fan tower coolers from Noctua are tough to beat." (Mike Chin, SilentPCReview.com)