Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black vs Thermalright AXP120-X67 Low Profile CPU Air Cooler with Quite 120mm TL-12015 PWM

Price Comparison

In terms of pricing, the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is significantly more expensive than the Thermalright AXP120-X67. The Noctua cooler is priced at C$101.95, while the Thermalright model comes in at a budget-friendly C$36.90. This difference of C$65.05 may be a deciding factor for users on a tighter budget or those who are looking for a more cost-effective cooling solution without sacrificing performance.

Design and Build Quality

When considering design and build quality, both coolers cater to compact builds but with distinct features. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black boasts a total height of only 65mm, making it ideal for small form factor (SFF) builds. It has a 95x95mm footprint, which ensures compatibility with near-socket connectors, allowing for easy installation. On the other hand, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 also features a low-profile design with a height of 67mm and measures 123.5mm in length and 120mm in width. The aluminum fins on a copper base add to its durability. Both coolers exhibit a thoughtful design, but the Noctua's all-black aesthetic may appeal more to users seeking a sleek look.

Cooling Performance

Cooling performance is where the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black shines, especially for CPUs with low to moderate heat dissipation. It is equipped with a highly optimised NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan that supports PWM and includes a Low-Noise Adaptor, ensuring ultra-quiet operation. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 features a 120mm PWM fan that can reach speeds of 1800 RPM and produce an airflow of 59 CFM. While the Thermalright offers a higher airflow, the Noctua's design prioritises noise reduction, making it more suitable for quieter environments.

Compatibility

Compatibility is crucial when choosing a CPU cooler, and both models offer extensive support for various CPU sockets. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is compatible with Intel sockets LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, and AMD AM5 & AM4, making it versatile for many builds. The Thermalright AXP120-X67 supports a wide range of Intel sockets, including LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, and 2066, along with AMD AM4. Both coolers cater to a broad spectrum of modern CPUs, ensuring that users can find a suitable match for their systems.

Noise Levels

Noise levels can greatly impact user experience, particularly in home theatre or quiet computing setups. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is engineered for ultra-quiet operation, aided by its Low-Noise Adaptor. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want minimal disruption during operation. On the other hand, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 operates at a noise level of up to 26.1 dB(A) at maximum fan speed. While this is relatively quiet, it does not match the Noctua's emphasis on silent performance, which may be a crucial consideration for noise-sensitive environments.

Installation Process

Both coolers boast user-friendly installation processes, but they employ different mounting systems. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black features the SecuFirm2 mounting system, which simplifies installation on various Intel and AMD sockets. It also includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste for optimum thermal conductivity. In comparison, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 comes with metal fasteners designed for easy installation on Intel and AMD platforms. While both coolers are designed for straightforward assembly, Noctua's inclusion of high-quality thermal paste could offer a slight edge in performance right out of the box.

Brand Reputation

Brand reputation is another important aspect when choosing a CPU cooler. Noctua is well-known for its premium cooling solutions and focus on silent operation, often regarded as a top-tier brand within the PC cooling market. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black has received accolades for its performance and design. Conversely, Thermalright has over 20 years of experience and is popular in both domestic and international markets. While Thermalright has a solid reputation, Noctua’s high-performance offerings often place it in a category of its own.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black and the Thermalright AXP120-X67 hinges on your specific needs and budget. If you're willing to invest C$101.95 for a cooler that prioritises silent operation, compact design, and high build quality, the Noctua is an excellent choice, especially for low to moderate heat CPUs. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option at C$36.90 without sacrificing too much on performance, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 offers solid cooling capabilities and extensive compatibility for a broad range of CPUs. Assess your requirements and choose accordingly!