Noctua NH-D9L Review

So let’s review an alternative cooling system Noctua NH-D9L which is in many ways similar to the previously released Noctua NH-U9S. It is at least attractive because it is a miniature copy of Noctua NH-D15. But the question is: why was it needed to release two models with similar parameters and effectiveness in the 92mm fan cooler segment, which is not the most popular one.

Equipment

Packaging is on the highest level traditional for Noctua. All the necessary information is presented on the box sides. The following components are included in addition to a radiator and a fan:

• • reinforcement plate for Intel LGA115h sockets;

• • mounting studs for Intel LGA2011 and LGA 2011-3 sockets;
• • mounting feet and plastic stands for the Intel sockets;
• • mounting feet, plastic stands and screws for the AMD sockets;
• • knurled nuts to secure the feet on the Intel sockets;
• • additional brackets for mounting the second fan;
• • silicone gaskets for fans;
• • crosshead screwdriver;
• • a tube of Noctua NT-H1 thermal compound;
• • LNA adapter for reducing the maximum speed;
• • adhesive metal Noctua logo;
• • instructions for all the supported types of CPU sockets.

Specifications

Noctua NH-D9L is designed to follow the requirements for the relevant width and depth dimensions of the landing zone Intel LGA115x sockets square (95x95 mm), in order to provide an increased compatibility with Mini-ITXB sized motherboards. The height of the cooler is only 110 mm and the fan frame does not even exceed the tips of the heatpipes.

The cooler has two symmetrical radiator sections and the fan is placed between them. One more fan can be placed here on the outer side (front or rear), additional staples are included for this purpose.

As a fan NH-D9L uses a 92-mm propeller NF-A9 PWM. Its engine and bearing are close to the ideal parameters despite a PWM-control unit. Extraneous noises are missing at any speed. The available speed range is limited to 2000 rev/min or 1550 rev/min using a LNA adapter.

When controlling the voltage the impeller starts at 600 rev/min after a 5V supply. Minimum blade rotation speed at PWM-control is 400 rev/min. Silence is maintained up to 1200 rev min. The fan is clearly audible up to 1600 rev/min, after which the aerodynamic noise becomes unpleasant. The length of the four-contact power cord in a rubber sheath is 200 mm. The frame corners have rubber dampers extinguishing the vibration transmitted to the radiator and indirectly help to reduce the cooler’s total noise level.

Radiator is a complete copy of Noctua NH-D15 made in the scale of 1: 2. The form and configuration of the radiator fins and heatpipes are saved. However, sections’ dimensions are greatly reduced; four instead of six thermal channels are used.

The four 6 mm heatpipes are evenly distributed in the radiator body which provides good heat transfer across the radiator plates’ surface. More important is that the standard vertical orientation of the cooler the tubes will run perpendicularly to the processor die. This is an additional advantage which further increases the intensity of heat removal.
Aerodynamic optimization of the ribs is fairly modest: narrowing down the middle reducing fan noise and three teeth on each side on each side of the radiator plate to help reduce turbulence noises.

The cooler base is solid solded with the heatpipes. The radiator body is completely covered with a layer of nickel to prevent corrosion. The radiator mounts to the processor socket feet spring-loaded screws. To prevent vibration small rubber pads are inserted in the special recesses at the bottom of each section which does not allow the outside of the fan frame contact with metal.

The Noctua NH-D9L sole is well polished and is close to the state of a mirror. However, multiple distortions point to the insufficiently smooth level surface. Rounded milling traces are visible on the surface.

Technical characteristics

• CPU sockets compatibility: Intel LGA 1150/1155/1156/2011 / 2011-3

• AM2 (+) / AM3 (+) / FM1 / FM2 (+)
• Radiator dimensions (LxWxH), mm: 95x95x110
• Fan dimensions (LxWxH), mm: 92x92x25
• Radiator weight, g: 428
• Radiator fins number: 35
• Plate thickness, mm: 0.5
• Intercostal distance, mm: 1.8
• Estimated radiator area, cm²: ~ 4500
• Fan speed, rev/min: 400 ~ 2000 with PWM
• Airflow, m³/h: 78.9
• Fan noise level, dB (A): 22.8
• Static pressure in mm of water: 2.28
• Rated fan voltage, V: 12
• Fan current, A: 0.1
• Peak fan power consumption, W: 1.2

Conclusions

If the height is critical and the other model does not fit into the case – just take Noctua NH-D9L. If you want a little more performance at low speeds and the case space allows, then the choice will be for the NH-U9S. Although NH-D9L has another small advantage: the fan is protected by the radiator body against strange objects penetration. Therefore if the case is too small with lots of wires, the NH-D9L is to be the choice to make. The best scenario for these cooling systems is using with processors having small and medium heat release in miniature cases on the Mini-ITX motherboards.