INTRODUCTION

   Most people we know may be serious gamers, overclockers, enthusiasts and professionals who are pretty much always after high-performance when it comes to their PCs but there are also quite a few who are just looking to build a cost-effective system which they can use as an HTPC or just for basic functions like downloading, web surfing and casual gaming. With that into account PC case manufacturers have focused a lot lately in the design and manufacture of small m-ITX and m-ATX PC cases (even 3 liter ones) which as expected really are nowhere near as spacious as regular ATX compatible models and thus require to be fitted with low-profile hardware components. Noctua is one of the very few manufacturers to have released a good number of m-ITX and m-ATX compatible CPU coolers recently and today with us we have their latest NH-L9x65 model which is based on their award winning NH-L9.

   Designed in Austria, Noctua's premium cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb quietness, exceptional performance and thoroughgoing quality. Having received more than 3000 awards and recommendations from leading hardware websites and magazines, Noctua's fans and heatsinks are chosen by more than a hundred thousand satisfied customers around the globe.

   Just like the NH-L9 before it the NH-L9x65 is yet another compact, low profile CPU cooler that measures just 65mm in height, weighs a mere 413g and has a TDP (thermal design power) of 84W. Because of its size it doesn't really come as a surprise that it offers zero clearance issues with components like memory modules and a hassle-free installation procedure with virtually any mainboard in the market largely thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system. It also comes ready with a low profile (just 14mm thick) NF-A9x14 90mm PWM fan which according always to Noctua is not only very fast (2500RPM) but also quite silent. Well once again the specifications and features look great but how does the new NH-L9x65 CPU cooler really perform? Let's find out.