Do you have a hard time finding space in your slim HTPC, ITX or mini-ITX system? Noctua and Phanteks may have a solution for you with their new ultra low-profile NH-L9 and TC90LS coolers, designed to fit where no other cooler can. We take a thorough look at them in this review.
Every enthusiast knows how to appreciate the advantages of a high performance cooler. However, the size of most such coolers removes them as an option when HTPC and small form factor cases are involved. This is especially true with many ITX and mini-ITX systems, where the height of the cooler cannot exceed that of a few centimeters. Today we are having a look at three ultra-low profile coolers from two of the most reputable manufacturers, Noctua and Phanteks, designed to fit where no other cooler possibly can. How much of performance can possibly fit in such a small package? We will find out in this review.
Noctua NH-L9i and NH-L9a manufacturer specifications
|
Model |
ΝΗ-L9i |
ΝΗ-L9a |
|
Socket compatibility |
LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156 |
AM2(+), AM3(+), FM1, FM2 |
|
Height (without fan) |
23 mm |
23 mm |
|
Width (without fan) |
95 mm |
114 mm |
|
Depth (without fan) |
95 mm |
92 mm |
|
Height (with fan) |
37 mm |
37 mm |
|
Width (with fan) |
95 mm |
114 mm |
|
Depth (with fan) |
95 mm |
92 mm |
|
Weight (without fan) |
345 g |
390 g |
|
Weight (with fan) |
420 g |
465 g |
|
Material |
Copper (base and heat-pipes) aluminium (cooling fins) soldered joints & nickel plating |
Copper (base and heat-pipes) aluminium (cooling fins) soldered joints & nickel plating |
|
Fan compatibility |
92x92x14mm, 92x92x25mm |
92x92x14mm, 92x92x25mm |
|
Warranty |
6 Years |
6 Years |
|
Fan specifications |
||
|
Model |
||
|
Bearing |
||
|
Max. Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) |
2500 RPM |
2500 RPM |
|
Max. Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%) |
1800 RPM |
1800 RPM |
|
Min. Rotational Speed (PWM) |
300 RPM |
300 RPM |
|
Max. Airflow |
57,5 m³/h |
57,5 m³/h |
|
Max. Airflow with L.N.A. |
40,8 m³/h |
40,8 m³/h |
|
Max. Acoustical Noise |
23,6 dB(A) |
23,6 dB(A) |
|
Max. Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. |
14,8 dB(A) |
14,8 dB(A) |
|
MTBF |
> 150.000 h |
> 150.000 h |
Phanteks TC90LS manufacturer specifications
|
Compatibility |
Intel Socket 2011/1155/1156 |
|
TDP |
Up to 130W |
|
Color |
White |
|
Material |
– Copper (Base and Heat-pipes), Nickel Plated |
|
Fan Model |
PH-F90 PWM Premium Fan |
|
Fan Size |
92x92x15 |
|
Fan compatibility |
80x80x15mm |
|
Bearing Type |
UFB (Updraft Floating Balance) Bearing |
|
Blade Geometry |
White Colored Nine Blade Design |
|
RPM |
1000 – 2500 ± 300 RPM |
|
Max Air Flow |
11.53 – 28.67 CFM |
|
Max Air Pressure |
0.21 – 1.34mm H2O |
|
Acoustical Noise |
19 – 26 dB(A) |
|
Input Power |
3W |
|
Current (Ampere) |
0.25A |
|
Rate Voltage |
12V |
|
MTBF |
> 150,000 hr. |
|
Heatsink Dimension (LxWxH) with Single Fans |
95x95x45mm |
|
Heatsink Weight with fan |
273g |
|
Warranty |
5 Years. |
