Noctua NH-U9B CPU Cooler Review

E4600 Performance Results

2.4GHz


When it comes to idle temperatures, the U9 posts some pretty decent temperatures; and this trend continues onto the average load temperatures. The temperatures might not be the best (and certainly are not going to give the Vendetta 2 or Xigmatek S1283 anything to worry about) but it is better than most of the other sub 120mm fan based coolers we have tested in the past and in fact it easily beats the Thermaltake Big Typhoon’s scores. Even better than the temperature results is the fact the 92mm fan was extremely well mannered at this speed and was hardly noticeable during this round. Other than the Asus we tested a while ago this is the only 92mm based cooler we can say that about.


3.2GHz


At this speed and temperature zone, the dual fans of the DuOrb help power it past the U9 and this while not all together unexpected is a little disappointing as the noise levels of the U9 were becoming noticeable during the load testing phase. On the positive side it is still easily beating the Big Typhoon and is still posting very decent idle temperatures.


3.5GHz


This is where we separate the pretenders from the contenders (so to speak). This dual core processor runs extremely hot at this frequency and the results the U9 posts are very impressive indeed. With results like this, we have to keep telling our selves it is ONLY a 92mm setup and that while it may not be as good as the other Noctuas we have tested, in literally destroys all the other 92mm heatsinks we have tested in the past.