Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

DeepCool AK400 vs Noctua NH-L9a-AM5

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The DeepCool AK400 scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 at 5.6/10.

The DeepCool AK400 leads on cooling, compatibility and fit and value.

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

The biggest difference is cooling, where the DeepCool AK400 scores 7/10 to the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5's 4/10.

DeepCool AK400

DeepCool AK400

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The DeepCool AK400 is for builders who want a low-cost air cooler for a mainstream Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits anyone who wants current socket support, including LGA1851 and AM5, without paying for a bigger tower or an AIO. It is a sensible pick for mid-range builds, and less so for chips that draw well above its 220 W rating.

Typically about £20.50 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

CriterionWeightDeepCool AK400Noctua NH-L9a-AM5
Cooling35%7/104/10
Noise25%6/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%8/106/10
Value15%8/105/10
Build and installation10%7/108/10
Overall7.1/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecDeepCool AK400Noctua NH-L9a-AM5
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, four 6 mm copper heat pipes, one 120 mm fanLow-profile top-flow air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155; AMD AM5/AM4AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)155 mm total (L×W×H); heatsink 152 mm37 mm with fan (23 mm without fan)
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)Up to 220 W65 W (Noctua rating as stated by Vividrepairs; quietpc lists 95 W maximum TDP, so sources conflict)
Fans included and their sizeOne 120×120×25 mm FDB fan, 500–1850 RPM ±10%, 4-pin PWM1 x 92x92x14 mm NF-A9x14 PWM
Noise level (dBA)≤29 dB(A) (manufacturer rating)23.6 dB(A) maximum; 14.8 dB(A) with Low-Noise Adaptor
Warranty (years)3 years (per Hwbusters spec list; not confirmed by DeepCool)6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

DeepCool AK400

  • + Strong cooling for the money, per owners
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • + Easy installation reported by owners
  • − Reported 8% throttling on an 11900K in the FPU test
  • − 42 dBA at full 1850 RPM in KitGuru's figures
  • − Mounting kit and pre-applied paste draw criticism

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a hot, high-power CPU that sits near or above 220 W under sustained load
  • Anyone with a compact case that can't take a 155 mm cooler
  • Buyers who want quiet full-speed operation without setting a fan curve
Read the full DeepCool AK400 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 ›

More comparisons

Compare all CPU coolers · Best CPU coolers