Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black vs Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler,

Overview of the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black and Thermalright AXP90 X36

The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is a premium low-profile CPU cooler priced at $79.95, while the Thermalright AXP90 X36 offers a more budget-friendly option at $20.39. This significant price difference—about 75%—highlights the NH-L9x65’s positioning as a high-end solution suitable for compact and high-performance builds, while the AXP90 X36 caters to users seeking a cost-effective cooling solution.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black features a total height of 65mm, making it ideal for small form factor (SFF) and home theater PC (HTPC) builds. Its black finish adds an aesthetic appeal that blends well with various system builds. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 is even more compact, standing at just 36mm tall. It boasts a robust all-metal platform with a nickel plating process for corrosion resistance, showcasing a commitment to quality and durability.

Cooling Performance

The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is equipped with a highly optimized NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan, designed to provide efficient cooling while maintaining ultra-quiet operation. It is recommended for CPUs with low to moderate heat dissipation, making it suitable for processors like the AMD Ryzen 7950X3D. The Thermalright AXP90 X36, with its four 6mm AGHP heat pipes, delivers effective cooling performance with a noise level of up to 22.4 dBA, which is relatively quiet but not as silent as the Noctua's offerings.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a crucial factor when choosing a CPU cooler. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA1700 and AM4, making it highly versatile for various builds. The Thermalright AXP90 X36 also supports multiple sockets, such as Intel LGA1150 and AMD AM4/AM5, but its narrower focus on smaller builds may limit its appeal for users with larger setups.

Installation Process

The installation of the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is facilitated by its SecuFirm2 mounting system, which ensures a straightforward setup on various platforms. The cooler comes with high-end NT-H1 thermal paste, ensuring excellent thermal conductivity right out of the box. The Thermalright AXP90 X36 features a backplate fastener system, which also aids in installation, but the Noctua's installation process may be perceived as more user-friendly due to its well-documented guidelines and included thermal paste.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are a vital aspect of CPU coolers, especially for users who prioritize quiet operation. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is renowned for its low-noise operation, thanks to its PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor, which allows for automatic speed control. While the Thermalright AXP90 X36 operates at a maximum of 22.4 dBA, which is relatively quiet, it does not match the ultra-quiet performance of the Noctua model, making the latter a better choice for noise-sensitive environments.

Price Comparison

The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is priced at $79.95, whereas the Thermalright AXP90 X36 is significantly cheaper at $20.39. This pricing difference of about 75% showcases the NH-L9x65 as a high-end product targeted at enthusiasts who are willing to invest in premium cooling solutions. In contrast, the AXP90 X36 is aimed at budget-conscious buyers or those building compact systems where price is a critical factor.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black and the Thermalright AXP90 X36 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-performance, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing CPU cooler for a compact build, the Noctua is the superior option despite its higher price point. However, if you are working within a tight budget or require a cooler for a less demanding system, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 offers excellent value for money. Consider what aspects are most important to you—performance, noise levels, or cost—before making your decision.