Apart from the big-sized CPU coolers, Noctua also offers smaller solutions for users who wish to upgrade their cooling performance in small cases. Today we will test two products from Noctua, the NH-D9L and NH-U9S.

The NH-D9L is a premium grade dual tower CPU cooler that has been designed to provide excellent quiet cooling performance at a height of only 110mm. Its comparably low profile (15mm lower than classic 9cm tower coolers such as the NH-U9S) doesn’t only guarantee full 3U compliance but also makes the NH-D9L ideal for compact HTPC and Small Form Factor cases that have airflow paths parallel to the mainboard.

Thanks to its 95x95mm footprint, the NH-D9L clears the RAM and PCIe slots on all Intel-based and most AMD-based ITX mainboards. The included NF-A9 premium fan supports automatic speed control via PWM for outstanding quietness of operation and a second, optional NF-A9 fan can be added for further improved performance in dual fan mode. Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s proven NT-H1 thermal compound, and full 6 years manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-D9L forms a highly compact premium package for space-restricted applications.

- Features

Low-profile tower design for better airflow efficiency
While most low-profile coolers blow air towards the motherboard, the NH-D9L is a tower style cooler that blows parallel to the mainboard, which allows for superior airflow efficiency in cases with front intake and rear exhaust fans that create an airflow path parallel to the mainboard.

3U compatibility
Whereas classic 9cm coolers with up to 125mm height fit 4U rack mount cases, the NH-D9L's reduced height of 110mm allows it to also fit 3U chassis. This makes it ideal for noise-sensitive 3U applications in fields such as audio or video processing.

100% RAM compatibility
With its 95x95mm footprint, the NH-D9L does not overhang the RAM slots on current Intel and most AMD mainboards. This gives the user full access to the memory modules and guarantees 100% compatibility with tall heatspreaders or optional memory fans.Noctua mentions that some AMD mainboards violate the 96x114mm keep-out zone specified by AMD, so the NH-D9L can only be used with RAM modules of up to 30mm height on these boards. For more information visit the compatibility list.

100% compatibility with PCIe cards on mini-ITX
Many Intel LGA17xx/1200 based mini-ITX motherboards have the PCIe slot sitting right next to the 95x95mm socket zone. While larger coolers that exceed this zone are likely to block the PCIe slot, the 95x95xmm sized NH-D9L provides full compatibility with PCIe cards, be it on ATX, microATX or ITX.

NF-A9 premium fan
The highly optimised features Noctua's proprietary AAO frame as well as sophisticated aerodynamic design measures such as Flow Acceleration Channels, which allows it to further improve the renowned efficiency of Noctua's previous 92mm models and contributes to the NH-D9L' superior cooling performance.

PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor
The NF-A9 92mm fan supplied with the NH-D9L supports PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the motherboard. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 2000 to 1550rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptor for even quieter operation.

Dual fan ready
The NH-D9L includes an extra set of fan mounting clips for users who want to achieve even better cooling performance by adding a second, optional NF-A9 to the front fin stack. Using the y-cable supplied with the NF-A9 PWM retail fan, both fans can be connected to one CPU fan header. The optional front fan will sit above the RAM and depending on the height of the RAM modules, the fan may have to be moved up so far that the total height of the cooler exceeds 110mm. As a result, the cooler may no longer fit some 3U cases. In order to guarantee full 3U compatibility in dual fan mode, please use low profile memory with up to 22mm height.

SecuFirm2™ mounting system
Noctua's SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Supporting Intel LGA1700 (since 2021), LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), LGA2011 (LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3), LGA2066 and AMD AM4 and AM5 (since 2019), the SecuFirm2™ mounting included with the NH-D9L guarantees perfect contact pressure and maximum convenience on all current sockets.

Compatibility with past and future sockets
Complying with the open SecuFirm™ standard, the NH-D9L can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided by Noctua free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets.

NT-H1 thermal compound
Having received more than 100 awards and recommendations from hardware journalists around the world, Noctua's NT-H1 is a proven professional grade TIM solution that provides minimum thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and outstanding reliability.

6-year manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A9 features an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and the entire NH-D9L package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.