Noctua NH-U9S CPU Cooler Review: Undersized but Over-performs

Final Thoughts about the Noctua NH-U9S

It should be clear by now that when it comes to functional design even a seemingly small change can have major effects in performance. I am not talking about a butterfly effect here but in a more practical local way. The NH-U9S is a perfect example of this, but this did not come as too much of a surprise considering how largely improved the NH-U12S and NH-U14S’ performances were compared to their previous generation counterpart. The NH-U9S takes the 92mm level of thermal performance beyond even further than the NH-U9B SE2 despite being bundled with only a single fan.

It is not just about a new, higher RPM fan either as the benchmarks show. An additional heatpipe and improvements in manufacturing and design have pushed what is possible on a small form factor to very impressive point. Unlike its larger NH-U12S and NH-U14S siblings however, the Noctua NH-U9S did not “slim down” for RAM compatibility. In fact, it retains almost the same dimensions as the NH-U9B but what made the difference was the tower offset towards the “pull” area, away from the DIMM slots. This gives the NH-U9S plenty of clearance for even ridiculously tall RAM module heatspreaders on any orientation.

The pricing is also very good and surprisingly even lower than the NH-U9B SE2 right now by $5 USD at $45.90 (MSRP), which most likely has to do with the fact that the NH-U9B comes with two NF-B9 fans. The NH-U12S costs $15 more but the NH-U9S will find a home in builds where users have a limited CPU cooler clearance but desire a closely similar level of performance as the NH-U12S. As with all Noctua coolers, the NH-U9S is a premium product from start (packaging) to finish and outfitted out of the box with everything needed to be installed including tools, full-sized thermal compound and extra options should users want to attach a second 92mm fan later. All of this makes the NH-U9S an easy to recommend CPU cooler, earning it a Modders-Inc ‘Editor’s Choice’ award.