Noctua NH-U9S vs Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing, the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is significantly more affordable at C$29.90, compared to the Noctua NH-U9S, which is priced at C$74.95. This substantial price difference makes the Thermalright an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The Noctua, while more expensive, is backed by a reputation for high quality and performance, which may justify the investment for some users. The lower cost of the Thermalright does not necessarily indicate lower quality, as it offers solid features for its price point. However, buyers must weigh the potential performance benefits of the Noctua against its higher cost.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Noctua NH-U9S features a compact single-tower design that stands at only 125mm in height. This makes it ideal for small form factor builds and ensures compatibility with RAM and PCIe slots on most current motherboards. The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB, on the other hand, also boasts a single tower design but emphasizes better heat dissipation through its six nickel-plated pure copper heat pipes. While both coolers are designed for effective cooling, the Noctua’s build quality is often regarded as superior, backed by its six-year manufacturer’s warranty. This leads to a consideration of longevity and reliability in the cooling performance of both products.

Cooling Performance

The Noctua NH-U9S is engineered for strong cooling performance, making it suitable for high-performance CPUs, including Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors. It utilizes a highly optimised NF-A9 92mm fan that supports PWM and operates quietly, ensuring efficient cooling without excessive noise. Conversely, the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB features a TL-C12C-S PWM fan with a maximum speed of 1550 RPM and an airflow of 66.17 CFM. While both coolers aim to provide efficient cooling, the Noctua's design and fan technology may offer an edge in thermal performance, especially for demanding applications. However, the Thermalright’s effective design is still commendable for its lower price point.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are a crucial factor for many users, and the Noctua NH-U9S excels in this area thanks to its low-noise adaptor, which enables ultra-quiet operation. This is particularly advantageous for users building a home theatre PC or seeking a silent computing environment. The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB claims a noise level of 25.6 dB(A) at maximum speed, which is quite acceptable for most users. While both coolers are designed to operate quietly, the Noctua may appeal more to audiophiles or users prioritising an extremely low noise footprint, especially given its reputation for silent operation.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another important aspect to consider, and both coolers cater to a wide range of CPU sockets. The Noctua NH-U9S supports Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, and AMD AM5 & AM4, ensuring it works with a broad spectrum of current processors. The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB supports Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. Both products are designed for easy installation, but the Noctua includes a SecuFirm2 mounting system, which is renowned for its reliability and ease of use. This makes it a slightly better choice for users who may be less experienced with PC building.

Additional Features

The Noctua NH-U9S comes equipped with high-end NT-H1 thermal paste, which is known for its excellent thermal conductivity, further improving its cooling efficiency. It also includes a SecuFirm2 mounting system that ensures a secure fit. The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB, while lacking in high-end thermal paste, features ARGB lighting for aesthetic appeal, which can enhance the overall look of a gaming rig. Both coolers offer unique features tailored to different user preferences, whether it be performance or visual flair.

User Experience and Installation

User experience can greatly influence a buyer's decision. The Noctua NH-U9S is often praised for its straightforward installation process, aided by its SecuFirm2 mounting system, making it suitable for both novices and experienced builders. The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB also promises easy installation, with detailed optimisation and compatibility with various CPU models. However, the mention of needing to use the original motherboard backplane for AMD installation could complicate matters for some users. Overall, both products aim to provide an accessible user experience, but the Noctua may have a slight edge due to its established reputation for ease of use.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, choosing between the Noctua NH-U9S and the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with decent performance, the Thermalright at C$29.90 is hard to beat. However, if you value superior cooling performance, low noise levels, and a reputation for quality, the Noctua NH-U9S at C$74.95 may be worth the investment. Ultimately, both coolers have their strengths, and your choice should reflect what aspects of CPU cooling are most important to you.