Visual inspection
The Noctua NH-L9i is a small form factor CPU cooler that is designed to be compatible with all types of systems. The key to achieving such a good clearance is the reduced size of the heatsink and the usage of a thin 92mm fan for the active cooling. The design of the NH-L9i is simple, gray for the heatsink and the now classic tan and brown colors for the included fan.
The dimensions of the heatsink are: (H)23mm x (W)95mm x (D)95mm, with a weight of 320g.
The heatsink is simple in terms of its design, it has a square shape, which fits with the included 92mm fan.
The heatsink has approximately 55 aluminum made cooling fins, which might look fragile, but in fact are quite solid. The fins make direct contact with all the heatpipes used on this cooler. In addition, these cooling fins serve as the base on which the fan and baseplate sit on.
The Noctua NH-L9i has only two nickel-plated copper made heatpipes for heat dissipation. This is done to reduce the overall dimension of the cooler, especially around the lower part of the heatsink. The contact between the heatpipes and the base plate of the cooler is done through soldering the two surfaces.
The heatpipe endings are visible on one side of the heatsink. These fortunately have an even shape that matches the overall design of the cooler.
The baseplate of the NH-L9i has a smooth surface and is made from the same nickel-plated copper as the heatpipes. The sunburst circular pattern present on the base will not affect the evenness of the thermal compound spread.
The fan used with the NH-L9i is the Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM. This fan has the dimensions: 92 x 92mm with a thickness of just14 mm. The mounting hole spacing for this fan is: 82,5×82,5 mm.
The fan is equipped with rubber pads on both sides of each corner and is using the Noctua SSO2 bearing system. The impellers have Flow Acceleration Channels, and the frame features a Stepped Inlet Design.
The fan has a minimum speed of 600 RPM and a maximum speed of 2500 RPM. A low-speed noise adapter is included in the accessory bundle. With the adapter, the maximum speed is reduced to 1800RPM.
The cable of the fan is covered by high quality rubber sleeving and the power connector is a standard 4-Pin PWM compatible connector.