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ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs Noctua NH-L9a-AM5

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 at 5.6/10.

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 leads on cooling, compatibility and fit and value.

The Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 leads on build and installation.

They score the same on noise.

The biggest difference is cooling, where the ARCTIC Freezer 36 scores 7/10 to the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5's 4/10.

ARCTIC Freezer 36

ARCTIC Freezer 36

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 is for builders who want a quiet, low-cost air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits mainstream and upper-mid-range chips rather than the hottest processors at sustained heavy loads. Buyers who want maximum air-cooling performance should look at what sits above it.

Typically about £20.49 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Noctua NH-L9a-AM5

Noctua NH-L9a-AM5

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 is for AM5 builders who need a low-profile cooler for a small case. It suits 65 W-class Ryzen chips and buyers who put quiet running ahead of cooling headroom. It is not aimed at overclockers or higher-end processors.

Typically about £49.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightARCTIC Freezer 36Noctua NH-L9a-AM5
Cooling35%7/104/10
Noise25%7/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/106/10
Value15%8/105/10
Build and installation10%6/108/10
Overall7.1/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36Noctua NH-L9a-AM5
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansLow-profile top-flow air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mm37 mm with fan (23 mm without fan)
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)not listed65 W (Noctua rating as stated by Vividrepairs; quietpc lists 95 W maximum TDP, so sources conflict)
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWM1 x 92x92x14 mm NF-A9x14 PWM
Noise level (dBA)40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)23.6 dB(A) maximum; 14.8 dB(A) with Low-Noise Adaptor
Warranty (years)6 years (manufacturer-stated in A-RGB spec)6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

ARCTIC Freezer 36

  • + Quiet operation praised by owners
  • + Ties Dark Rock Pro 4 in GamersNexus testing
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • − Intel installs require the included contact frame
  • − Peerless Assassin ran 3.3 °C cooler
  • − Failed a 205 W load in Techspot's test

Skip it if:

  • Buyers pairing it with a CPU drawing 200 W or more under sustained load
  • Intel builders who do not want a contact frame on the CPU
  • Anyone chasing the lowest temperatures an air cooler can give
Read the full ARCTIC Freezer 36 review ›

Noctua NH-L9a-AM5

  • + Quiet running, with 14.8 dB(A) using the Low-Noise Adaptor
  • + Only 37 mm tall with the fan fitted
  • + NT-H1 paste, AM5 mounting kit and 6-year warranty included
  • − 65 W rating leaves little headroom for hotter chips
  • − RAM clearance is tight with taller DDR5 heatspreaders
  • − AM5 only; AM4 needs a separate model

Skip it if:

  • Buyers planning to overclock or run a higher-end AM5 processor under heavy load.
  • Builders with tall DDR5 heatspreaders or an ultra-compact case.
  • Anyone on AM4, who needs the separate NH-L9a-AM4 model.
Read the full Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 review ›

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