Compare: NH-L9x65 vs Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

Dark Rock Pro 5 Cooler Manufacture Image

Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

Compare To Another Cooler
Displayed below are comprehensive data and graphs that compare the Noctua NH-L9x65 to the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance), showcasing critical qualitative and performance metrics. Performance metrics are further segmented into distinct graphs while leveraging the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, illustrating how each cooler performs under various varying CPU power levels. This allows for a clear comparison of their relative performance and sound output when under different heat loads. The comparison is conducted under the following conditions:
  • Case: Praxis Wetbench
  • Ambient Temperatures: 23°C
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Pick Another CPU)

CPU Cooler Details

Metric Cooler 1: NH-L9x65 Cooler 2: Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Cooler Name NH-L9x65 Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Fan 1 Name NF-A9x14 PWM Silent Wings 4-BQ5 Performance
Fan 2 Name Silent Wings-BQ5 Performance
Manufacture Rated dBa 23.6 23.3
Number of Heat Pipes 4 7
Full Size (WxHxD): 95x51x95 mm 136x168x145 mm
Heatsink (WxHxD) 95x35x81 mm
Air Cooler Rating: Install 8 (Easy) 9 (Easy)
Manufacture's Link NH-L9x65 Manufacture's Link Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance) Manufacture's Link

Product Links

Link Type Cooler 1: NH-L9x65 Cooler 2: Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Amazon.com

Fan Details for CPU Cooler:


Fan 1

Metric Cooler 1 Cooler 2
Fan Name NF-A9x14 PWM Silent Wings 4-BQ5 Performance
Fan Location Top Front
Fan Flow Type Push Push
CPU Only Fan No Yes
Max RPM 2500 2000
Fan Size (mm) 92 120
Fan Width (mm) 25 25
Manufacture Rated dBa 19.9
Manufactured Rated Airflow (cmf) 29.7 68.7
Manufactured Rated Air Pressure (h2o) 1.6 2.5
Number Of Pins 4 4
PWM Fan Yes Yes
Bearing Type SSO2 Fluid Dynamic
Watts (W) 1.32 2.40
Current (A) 0.11 0.20
Max Volts 12.00 12.00

Fan 2

Metric Cooler 1 Cooler 2
Fan Name Silent Wings-BQ5 Performance
Fan Location Mid
Fan Flow Type Mid
CPU Only Fan Yes
Max RPM 1700
Fan Size (mm) 135
Fan Width (mm) 25
Manufacture Rated dBa
Manufactured Rated Airflow (cmf) 116.6
Manufactured Rated Air Pressure (h2o) 1.8
Number Of Pins 5
PWM Fan No
Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic
Watts (W) 0.34
Current (A) 0.28
Max Volts 12.00


Design and Aesthetics:


NH-L9x65

The NH-L9x65 features a low-profile design with a slim aluminum heatsink and a 92mm NF-A9x14 PWM fan. With a height of only 65mm, the cooler is compatible with a wide range of PC cases, including mini-ITX and HTPC builds. Aesthetically, the NH-L9x65 maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, reflecting the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

This cooler features a sleek black design that stands out. The signature Be-Quiet fan adds a unique touch, breaking away from the cooler's boxy appearance. Additionally, the top of the cooler boasts a clean design, contributing to a polished and refined look for your setup.


Install Notes:


NH-L9x65

This cooler is designed to be a typical Noctua cooler installation, which is easy to do and rather straightforward. This means that if you're new to installing a CPU cooler, there is little room to make a mistake. For AMD is uses the original AMD backplate. Only downside to the Noctua installation is that the cooler may stick to your CPU and given how the screws are setup, you can't slide the cooler off the CPU like other brands.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

The Dark Rock Pro 5 marks a notable advancement over its predecessors, featuring a mounting system that aligns with those of most mainstream coolers. This iteration enhances the design by securing the mounting bracket directly to the cooler, a change from the prior generation. Fan installation sees improvements too; the front fan comes pre-attached, ensuring perfect alignment, while the middle fan is designed to slide in from the top, secured by the top mount instead of side brackets. These enhancements significantly improve the cooler's setup and performance compared to the previous generation. Additionally, given the option to change the power speed on the top of the cooler, the middle fan has a 5 pin connector to facilitate this functionality, which forces you to use their connection rather than direct control through the motherboard.




Cooling Performance:


NH-L9x65

The performance of the NH-L9x65 is suitable for most mainstream CPUs and everyday tasks. It has four heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU to the heatsink. While the cooler may not be the best choice for high-end CPUs with high TDPs or extreme overclocking scenarios, it provides adequate cooling for lower TDP CPUs, especially in small form factor builds with limited space.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

There are two modes to this cooler, the performance mode and the quiet mode. The cooler selected covers the performance mode of the cooler. Overall, this cooler provides better cooling than the average cooler tested. However, this cooler get's puts to its limits when placed under high loads. With that in mind, if you're looking to place this cooler on a CPU that produces a lot of heat, you may want to consider other options. Check out our temperature graphs to see how the cooler performance on your respective CPU.


Noise Performance:


NH-L9x65

The 92mm NF-A9x14 PWM fan included with the NH-L9x65 is designed for quiet operation while maintaining good airflow for its size. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-L9x65 is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during low workloads, however due to it's limited cooling abilities, it may have to run louder moderate workloads or gaming sessions.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

In regards to sound, this cooler is quieter than the average cooler between 60% fan speed and 90% fan speed. However as the fan approaches 100%, the noise level is more in line with what to expect from an average cooler.


Summary:


NH-L9x65

The Noctua NH-L9x65 is a compact and efficient air cooler that's well-suited for small form factor builds and systems with limited space. Its low-profile design, adequate cooling performance, and quiet operation make it an attractive option for those looking for a space-saving and reliable cooling solution.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

The Dark Rock Pro 5 features an improved mounting system and pre-attached fans for easier setup, with an option to adjust fan speed directly on the device. Its sleek black design and signature quiet fan contribute to both aesthetics and performance, offering enhanced cooling in both performance and quiet modes. Although it outperforms average coolers under moderate loads, it may struggle with high-heat CPUs. Noise levels are lower than average until the fan reaches full speed, where it aligns with typical cooler sounds.


AMD 5600X CPU Box Image

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Pick Another CPU

CPU Details:

Metric Value
Brand AMD
Cooler Name Ryzen 5 5600X
CPU Socket AM4
Cores 6
Thread Count 12
Max Temperature 95°C
Base Clock 3.7GHz
Max Boost Clock 4.6GHz
Cache L1
Cache L2 3MB
Cache L3 32MB
Processor Power Base 65W
Manufacture's Link Ryzen 5 5600X Manufacture's Link

Product Links

Link Type Value
Amazon.com

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