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Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS vs Noctua NH-L9a-AM5

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS scores 6.5/10 overall, ahead of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 at 5.6/10.

The Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS leads on cooling and value.

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

They score the same on compatibility and fit.

The biggest difference is cooling, where the Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS scores 7/10 to the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5's 4/10.

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Nautilus 360 RS is for buyers with a case that takes a 360mm radiator and a CPU that runs hot under load. It suits Intel LGA 1851 and LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 and AM4 builds that want a ready-to-fit AIO with paste already applied. It is less suited to compact or poorly ventilated cases.

Typically about £100.99 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

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

CriterionWeightCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSNoctua NH-L9a-AM5
Cooling35%7/104/10
Noise25%6/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%6/106/10
Value15%7/105/10
Build and installation10%6/108/10
Overall6.5/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSNoctua NH-L9a-AM5
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)AIO liquid cooler with 360mm radiatorLow-profile top-flow air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700; AMD AM5, AM4AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)Radiator 360mm; 396 × 120 × 27mm (length unconfirmed, Corsair comparison page gives 394 × 120 × 27mm)37 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 sizeThree RS120 fans, 120 × 25mm, 420–2100 RPM ±10%, PWM1 x 92x92x14 mm NF-A9x14 PWM
Noise level (dBA)Fans 10–36 dBA; pump 20 dBA23.6 dB(A) maximum; 14.8 dB(A) with Low-Noise Adaptor
Warranty (years)5 years6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

  • + Reported peak of 81°C on an i9-14900K
  • + Quiet at idle and light load, owners say
  • + Five-year warranty and pre-applied XTM60 paste
  • − Installation can be difficult in compact cases
  • − Fan noise rises under sustained heavy load
  • − Higher temperatures reported in small or poorly ventilated cases

Skip it if:

  • Builders with compact cases that struggle to take a 360mm radiator
  • People who need near-silent running during long, sustained heavy loads
  • Owners of small or poorly ventilated cases
Read the full Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS 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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