Noctua NH-D9L CPU Cooler Review – Small Size, Big Cooling Performance

DESIGN OVERVIEW

Once we remove the fan we can can see a heatsink with a very similar design to the larger NH-D15, It features a dual-tower heatsink layout, with approximately 37 densely packed aluminum fins. It measures 95 mm wide, 110mm tall, and 95mm deep, without the fan installed and the overall size is not increased with only the standard single fan installed.

It also features the same inward curving fin design as the NH-U14S, only  this time in a much more compact package.

The four 6mm nickel-plated copper heat-pipes which protrude out from the bottom of each of the dual heat-sinks into the base, are spread apart in order to transfer heat more efficiently.

Those four heat-pipes meet at both sides of the nickel-plated copper base, which features a smooth mirror-finish, and a relatively large surface area which should provide good contact with any modern CPU. At the top of the cooler we’ll see where the four heat-pipes are capped off, as well as a Noctua logo embossed into both towers.

The included NF-A9 premium PWM fan features a rotational speed of 400-2000 RPM, and a max noise output of 22.8 dB with a max airflow of 46.4 CFM. It also measures just 92 x 92 x 25 mm, and features an SSO bearing type.

The  seven  fan blades also feature three angled ridges at the top, which is what Noctua calls ‘Flow Acceleration Channels’ which is said to speed up airflow at the outer portion of the blades, which would reduce suction side flow separation, which allows for better efficiency and lower noise.

The fan is attached to the cooler using metal wire clips, which slip through the fans mounting holes. They also feature some nice rubber padding around the corners to help with noise dampening. The fan’s 4-pin PWM power cable is sleeved with an all black dimpled rubber, which has heatshrink tubing at both ends to hide the colored cables inside. This gives it a very nice and clean look.