Closer Look / Product Photos
The package looks similar to the one of the NH-L9i. Inside a small box, we will find everything we need for installation. Besides the cooler, there is a high-performance thermal grease, low-noise adaptor, a sticker with Noctua logo, AM4 backplate, and an additional set of screws if we wish to install a thicker fan.
The NH-L9a-AM4 uses its own mounting kit and a backplate. It’s a change comparing to most other AM4 coolers from Noctua, which were using motherboard’s backplate.
The installation is quick and easy. I doubt that anyone will have any problems with that. In case if anyone wasn’t sure what to do, then there is a well-described manual.
The NH-L9a-AM4 fits every popular motherboard with AM4 socket (excluding maybe one ASRock with Intel mounting holes). Cooler’s height also makes it compatible with every ITX PC case, even these smallest. Its height is about the same as popular memory modules or IO bracket on the back of the motherboard.
The fan has 92x14mm, but we can install a thicker fan too. The fan itself is quiet, but of course, at maximum speed, it won’t be silent. As a standard, it’s equipped with rubber pads to reduce vibrations.
Noctua NH-L9a-AM4, the same as the NH-L9i, comes with the NT-H1 thermal compound. It spreads well and works great with all coolers, not only the Noctua brand. On the market, there is also available NT-H2, which is slightly better, but in the case of the NH-L9x series coolers, it can be an unnecessary cost.
