Compare: NH-L9x65 vs Pure Rock Slim 2

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.

Pure Rock Slim 2

The Pure Rock Slim 2 cooler has a simple but stylish look, with a slim shape and a fancy brushed aluminum top cover. Its small size means it can fit in a lot of different computer cases, even if there's not much space. The design doesn't just look cool but also helps with air flow to keep your CPU from getting too hot.

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.

Pure Rock Slim 2

Installing the Pure Rock Slim 2 cooler is quite simple and doesn't require much effort besides a little muscle. This cooler uses the default AMD cooler bracket and doesn't need any additional screws, which makes it one of the easier installations. However, you'll need to apply some force to attach both sides of the cooler since it uses a spring-like setup rather than the latch system found in the Wraith Prism. The installation process is compatible with various Intel and AMD sockets, and the clear instructions make it straightforward for both beginners and pros.

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.

Pure Rock Slim 2

When it comes to cooling, the Pure Rock Slim 2 cooler is good enough for most regular CPUs. It's not meant for the super powerful ones, but it keeps things cool enough for everyday stuff, playing games, and even a little overclocking for the right CPUs.

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.

Pure Rock Slim 2

One of the best things about the Pure Rock Slim 2 cooler is that it's really quiet. Because of its special fan and the way it moves air around, it doesn't make much noise while still keeping things cool. This is great if you want a peaceful time using your computer.

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.

Pure Rock Slim 2

The Pure Rock Slim 2 cooler is a great pick if you're looking for a dependable, effective, and quiet way to cool your computer. Its cool design, good performance, and easy installation make it a top choice for all kinds of people, whether you're just starting or already a pro at gaming. If you want a cooler that's a great mix of price, performance, and being quiet, you should definitely think about getting the Pure Rock Slim 2.