INTRODUCTION

    Even though AIO liquid CPU coolers are the go to choice for most enthusiasts, gamers and even professionals there's no denying that over the years CPU air coolers have proven to be the more reliable, worry-free choice. Granted, they may not look quite as good and depending on the model they may not play well with tall RAM modules but at least when it comes to cooling efficiency there are some models that come really close to that of AIO solutions. Noctua recently updated their chromax.black product line to include their award winning NH-D9L and NH-D12L models and today I have both of them on my test bench.

    Designed in Austria, Noctua’s premium cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb quietness, exceptional performance and thoroughgoing quality. Having received more than 6000 awards and recommendations from leading hardware websites and magazines, Noctua’s fans and heatsinks are serving hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers around the globe.

     Both the NH-D9L and NH-D12L chromax.black CPU air coolers by Noctua feature their matte black paint and are based on the same U-type dual-tower (sandwich) design meaning two aluminum heatsinks are joined by soldered all-copper 6mm heatpipes (4 for the NH-D9L and 5 for the NH-D12L). The two 110mm tall aluminum heatsinks used with the NH-D9L sport a total of 35 aluminum fins each, the 145mm tall NH-D12L heatsinks have a total of 38 each (all fins are partially closed on the sides for improved airflow and heat dissipation) and as for the bases of both coolers they are also made of copper and are nickel plated. As for fans Noctua has used a single NF-A9 PWM chromax.black 92mm fan (2000RPM/46.43CFM/22.8dBA) with the NH-D9L chromax.black and a single NF-A12x25r PWM chromax.black 120mm fan (2000RPM/60.09CFM/22.6dBA) with the NH-D12L chromax.black. Needless to say, you can add a second fan (push & pull) on either model to further improve airflow and heat dissipation. So, time to see just how good these two new additions in the chromax.black line of CPU coolers by Noctua really are.