Introduction

In previous months we've tested number of CPU coolers, one of them from Noctua which was the NH-U12F with 120mm silent fan. In this review we have the smaller brother the NH-U9F. Why would you want a smaller version of an already great heatsink? Well, there is a growing market for HTPCs and Media Centre PCs and the space for CPU coolers is very tight and restrictive in these cases. The NH-U9F is not a tiny CPU cooler but more of a standard size suitable for standard ATX cases to slightly slimmer than normal cases.

Nactua's range of products are limited at the moment to heatsinks and fans, but they put all the effort in to consumer needs as their mission statement suggests...

"These connections form the key to the achievement of our goal: The partnership with the ÖIWV permits the application of scientific measurement instrumentation, methods of calculation and simulation technology in the R&D process. Rascom's long, customer-oriented experience in developing and distributing sound-optimised high-end products ensures a clear focus on the users' needs. The use of Kolink's advanced manufacturing technology and ultra-modern production plants allows us to efficiently implement our technical edge and provide solutions of the highest standard in quality and performance."

With thanks to Noctua, we have great chance to review their humble yet effective CPU cooling product the NH-U9F with its silent 80mm fan:

"The NH-U9F is the newest version of the NH-U9, which won over 50 awards and recommendations from leading international web sites and magazines. The NH-U9F can be rotated by 90° on all sockets, boasts full compatibility with AMD's new AM2 socket and comes equipped with a Noctua 92mm fan, which has a minimum noise rating of only 7dB(A)*. Thanks to the 4 Dual-Heat-Pipes, 37 aluminium cooling fins with a total surface area of more than 3800cm² and soldered joints for optimal heat-transfer, the Noctua NH-U9F achieves superior cooling performance at minimum noise levels."

The Noctua NH-U9F is compatible with a majority of CPU socket fittings including the Intel 775 and AMD AM2 because it comes with a number of mounting sets which are LGA775, AMD AM2, 754/939/940.

And in the tradition of enthusiasts especially those into mods, the NH-U9F allows the user some modification freedom in terms of choice of replacement fan:

"Screwless fan-mount including anti-vibration strips
Attaching the fan with the steel clips is a child's play and doesn't even require a screwdriver. The supplied anti-vibration strips minimize vibrations transmitted to the cooler and hence allows for extra quietness.."

Will the R&D into cooling technology of the NH-U9F out perform all the previous coolers in its class that we've tested, well lets not waste time and see...