Noctua NH-L9i Low Profile CPU Cooler Review

We compared the Noctua NH-L9i CPU cooler to the reference Intel cooler as supplied with our Core i5 3570K CPU. This comparison will give users an idea of the performance differentials that an upgrade may bring.

Our graphs show actual temperatures of the CPU, not delta temperatures.

Ambient temperature was maintained at 19°C.

At stock CPU frequencies, the Noctua NH-L9i manages to offer a performance boost of more than 6% over Intel's reference CPU cooler.

As the thermal load increases and both of these moderately-sized coolers' heatsinks begin to saturate, the lead that Noctua's NH-L9i obtained in the stock CPU frequency test is reduced. Perfectly usable temperatures are offered by both coolers, but it's the NH-L9i that wins this battle with a 3°C, or 3.5%, performance lead.

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