Compare: NH-L9x65 vs Frost Commander 140

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.

Frost Commander 140

The Frost Commander is a sleek CPU cooler with a design reminiscent of the Peerless Assassin 120. This cooler features a dual-tower heatsink with 5 heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation, and uniquely, the heat pipe ends are hidden from view. Sporting gray and silver tones, the Thermalright logo adorns the top of the heatsink. Despite its larger radiator, the Frost Commander uses a single 120mm fan in front and a 140mm fan between the heatsinks, giving it a distinct, asymmetrical look.

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.

Frost Commander 140

The cooler installation is quite similar to other mainstream cooler setups. However, during installation, securing the fans to the heatsink requires more effort (relative to other Thermalright offerings), which is due to the metal securing the fans requiring much more effort to place. For this reason, it's also a lot easier to slightly bend the heatsink fins, but this can be fixed by bending it back with a credit card.

Additionally, like other mainstream coolers, the Frost Frost Commander faces challenges in uninstalling when trying to break the thermal paste seal between the cooler and CPU, as it doesn't easily slide or twist off. This can be an issue if the thermal paste forms a strong bond.

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.

Frost Commander 140

The Frost Commander delivers impressive performance for its size, rivaling premium cooler offerings. Capable of cooling some of the more powerful CPUs without being overly bulky, this cooler can also manage overclocking for specific CPUs. As a result, the Frost Commander is a strong contender for a wide variety of computer setups.

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.

Frost Commander 140

Featuring two differently sized fans, this cooler generates above-average noise levels relative to the cooling it provides, unlike quieter options such as the NH-D15 or the Peerless Assassin 120. If you're seeking a quieter setup, you might want to explore alternative options that better suit your needs.

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.

Frost Commander 140

The Frost Commander is a sleek, dual-tower CPU cooler with an asymmetrical design, featuring 5 heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation and a unique hidden heat pipe end design. It offers impressive performance, capable of cooling powerful CPUs and handling overclocking, making it a strong contender for various computer setups. However, with two differently sized fans, it generates above-average noise levels compared to quieter alternatives, so those seeking a quieter setup may want to consider other options.