Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black - Review
More and more users are deciding to mount a very compact setup. These users usually do it due to lack of space or because they want something that is not too flashy. But you don't have to compromise on quality, and even less when we talk about refrigeration. For those looking for a compact, well-cooled system, the Notua NH-L9i chromax.black heatsink is an excellent solution. We have a very compact heatsink and in this case completely in black, adapting to the new market demands.
Thanks to Noctua for lending us this heatsink
Table of Contents
Unboxing Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black
Something that is surprising about this heatsink is that it comes in a really compact and small box. Inside the box we find the heatsink, as well as the anchor screws, a power cable adapter and a thermal paste syringe. Also included is the typical Noctua sticker and a small manual that acts as a guarantee. A screw pack is also included in case we want to change the compact fan and put a 25mm high one.
We must bear in mind that the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black heatsink has dimensions of 95x95mm with the fan installed. In addition, the height with the fan is barely 37mm, so we have before us a very compact heatsink.
Noctua NH-L9i design chromax.black
We can see that this heatsink is one of the most compact Noctua offers today. It is completely the same as the classic model, only in this case it comes in black. With a simple purely cosmetic change we have a more attractive heatsink.
To improve cooling efficiency, the NF-A9X14 HS-PWM chromax.black fan has been installed. This fan is 92mm on each side and is only 14mm high. We can see that it is a very compact fan which has rubbers on the corners to avoid vibration.
If we turn this heatsink upside down, we will see that it has standard anchoring brackets. The part that has contact with the IHS of the heatsink is made of copper covered by a layer of nickel. This is done to provide efficient heat transfer.
Features Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black
This heatsink has been created to develop HTPC systems or very compact design chassis. It has the characteristic that it does not touch the RAM memories and the PCIe ports, since it has been developed to avoid disturbing the rest of the components. Inside the box we find the NT-H1 thermal paste, one of the best on the market that offers great performance.
If we are going to install a mid-range or entry-level processor, we may not need the fan to reach full speed or we want a silent system. That is why Noctua has added the Air Flow Adapter (LNA) that reduces the speed from 2500RPM to 2800RPM.
Specifications Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black
Compatibility | - LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200 - AMD AM4 |
Dimensions | 37 x 95 x 95 mm (with fan) |
Weight : | 380 grams (with fan) |
Materials | - Aluminum finned radiator - Copper base and heatpipes |
Others | Includes NT-H1 thermal paste syringe |
Ventilador | NF-A9X14 HS-PWM chromax.black |
Maximum TDP | View list of incompatible processors |
Guarantee | 6 years |
Noctua NF-A9x14 HS-PWM chromax.black fan
Dimensions | 92 x 92 x 14 mm |
Bearings | SSO2 |
Speed | 600-2500 RPM |
Sonority | 23,6 dBA |
Air flow | 57,5 m³ / h |
Power | 2.52w |
Tension | 12V |
Lifespan | > 150.000 hours |
Gallery
Conclusion
Let's say the obvious, but Noctua's heatsinks are the best, if not the best on the market. This Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black heatsink meets the quality that should be demanded of a company product. You can cool any processor on the market, but we must bear in mind that with limitations. Installing this heatsink for an Intel Core i9 or an AMD Ryzen 9 can be stupid, since it is designed for Core i5 solutions or Ryzen 5 downwards.
The design is adapted to modern times, leaving aside the design of earth tone fans. We must warmly thank Noctua for refusing to install LEDs on their fans. Besides, the loudness of this heatsink it is really low even when you are working at high revs. Come on, if you want to build a gaming device, an HTPC or just a compact computer, this heatsink is very worth it.
- Compact form factor, standing just 37mm tall
- Excellent cooling despite being so small
- Abandon earth tones and adapt with black to modern times
- The noise level is minimal despite operating at full load
- Comes with an NT-H1 thermal paste syringe
- Doesn't touch RAM or PCIe ports
- Nada
Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black
Performance
Dimensions
Integrated
Cooling capacity
Sonority
The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black heatsink is designed for those who want to develop a compact gaming device, an HTPC or similar. Its reduced dimensions (95mm on the side and 37mm high) make it completely with RAM memories and PCIe slots, not disturbing any of these elements. Despite how small it is, it offers us a good heat dissipation capacity.