Just about two weeks ago we posted a review of one of
Noctua's latest coolers, the low profile
NH-L9a., which is designed to work exclusively with AMD's AM2(+), AM3(+), FM1, and FM2 processors. For those running an Intel LGA1150, LGA1155, or LGA1156 processor, don't worry, Noctua has something for you as well.
This review is going to take a closer look at Noctua's NH-L9i, where the lower case "i" suffix indicates that this is the Intel variation of the cooler which recently impressed us on an AMD test bed. Before taking a closer look at the sample provided for review, let's take a look at some of the technical data taken from the
official product page on the Noctua website...
Features and Specifications:
Cooler:
» Socket compatibility: LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156
» Height (without fan): 23 mm
» Width (without fan): 95 mm
» Depth (without fan): 95 mm
» Height (with fan): 37 mm
» Width (with fan): 95 mm
» Depth (with fan): 95 mm
» Weight (without fan): 345 g
» Weight (with fan): 420 g
» Material: Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating
» Fan compatibility: 92x92x14mm, 92x92x25mm
» Scope of Delivery:
» NF-A9x14 PWM premium fan
» Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
» NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound
» SecuFirm2™ Mounting Kit
» Screws for 92x92x25mm fans
» Noctua Metal Case-Badge
» Warranty: 6 Years
Fan:
» Fan Model: Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM
» Bearing: SSO2
» Max. Rotational Speed (+/- 10%): 2500 RPM
» Max. Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%): 1800 RPM
» Min. Rotational Speed (PWM): 300 RPM
» Max. Airflow: 57.5 m³/h
» Max. Airflow with L.N.A.: 40.8 m³/h
» Max. Acoustical Noise: 23,6 dB(A)
» Max. Acoustical Noise with L.N.A.: 14.8 dB(A)
» Input Power: 2.52 W
» Voltage Range: 12 V
» MTBF: > 150,000 h
The difference between the AMD and Intel version of this cooler all comes down to taking advantage of as much space in the "keep out" areas on either platform. The AMD cooler has a footprint of 114x92mm, while the Intel version is a bit more compact at 95x95mm. The mounting hardware is unique for each processor type, but I initial I did wonder if making just one cooler body and two sets of mounting hardware might have been easier. Noctua told me that they considered it, but that performance would suffer since the cooler would be smaller and therefore they chose to make two separate designs.
