Testing
The following system was used to test the cooler:
– Processor: Intel i7 13700K @ 5.4GHz
– Motherboard: Biostar Z790 Valkyrie
– RAM: Neo Forza MDK5 DDR5 96GB 6000MHz
– Graphics Card: MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Suprim X
– SSD: NeoForza NFP075 2TB
– HDD: N/A
– PSU: Seasonic Prime TX-1000
– CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240
– Case: be quiet! Silent Base 802 White
– OS: Windows 10 64-Bit (After April Update)
Software used for testing the cooler:
– AIDA64 Extreme Version: 7.60.7300
– Intel Burn Test v2.54
– Prime95 29.1
The cooler was tested with the CPU at the default turbo frequency of 5.40 GHz.
Also, the included fans have been used at their maximum speed.
The room temperature was approximately 26°C (78°F), with 2°C margin of error.
The settings of the software used are the following:
Intel Burn Test v2.54 – Stress level: Maximum
Prime95 29.1- small FFT
AIDA64 Extreme Version – FPU Benchmark & Temperature monitoring.
Each test was conducted for 40 minutes.
CPU Temperature – Heat Load: 150W
The noise level was measured at three different distances from the fans (10cm, 20cm, 30cm.) the noise was measured with a margin of error of ± 2 db.
In terms of RAM clearance, this CPU cooler lives up on its promise of 100% RAM clearance, as it does not even reach the RAM modules.
The graphics card clearance is good, with 46mm of space between the side of the heatsink and the backplate of the graphics card. Enough space to reach the M.2 socket that is underneath the CPU socket.
Final thoughts
The Noctua NH-D9L chromax.black is performing just as well as the original Noctua NH-D9L, but with a better look overall. The key advantage of this cooler is the all-black color scheme and not much else, but for many, this color change is important.
However, from a functionality standpoint, the biggest advantage and selling point of this CPU cooler is its reduced size, with a height of just 110mm, this cooler can be used in SFF systems with ease.
Seeing the temperature results, it’s clear that the NH-D9L chromax.black is a great small form factor CPU cooler, that makes sense only if you are using a medium range TDP CPU. There is little to no reason to use such a small cooler on a high TDP CPU as you cannot beat the laws of physics. Yet, the Noctua NH-D9L chromax.black managed to keep cool 150W worth of heat and that is admirable for such a small CPU cooler.
In terms of the build quality, the NH-D9L chromax.black is on the same level as the high-end coolers form Noctua. This is the case because Noctua keeps the same level of attention for details and build quality across all ranges of CPU coolers.
The pricing is good for what you get, I mean you do get a CPU cooler that for all intents and purposes will last you a lifetime if you do the minimal maintenance on the fan.
You’re also getting a six-year warranty and the excellent Noctua support for future CPU sockets, which makes this cooler better value when you look at the entire package.
In conclusion, the Noctua NH-D9L chromax.black is still a great option for small form factor systems that want the best in terms of cooling for a medium range CPU. This is true thanks to the good cooling performance and the low noise output.
The added benefit of a sleek design and all black theme is icing on the cake.
