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DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL vs Noctua NH-L9a-AM5

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL scores 6.9/10 overall, ahead of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 at 5.6/10.

The DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL 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 AK620 DIGITAL scores 8/10 to the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5's 4/10.

DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL

DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL

6.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The AK620 DIGITAL is for builders who want a large dual-tower air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop. It suits anyone who values strong cooling and a visible temperature or load readout in the case. It is best for people willing to set a custom fan curve to manage noise.

Typically about £52.99 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

CriterionWeightDeepCool AK620 DIGITALNoctua NH-L9a-AM5
Cooling35%8/104/10
Noise25%5/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/106/10
Value15%8/105/10
Build and installation10%6/108/10
Overall6.9/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecDeepCool AK620 DIGITALNoctua NH-L9a-AM5
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Dual-tower tower air cooler with six 6mm copper heatpipesLow-profile top-flow air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)162 mm overall (heatsink alone 157 mm)37 mm with fan (23 mm without fan)
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)260 W (retailer figure, not confirmed by manufacturer)65 W (Noctua rating as stated by Vividrepairs; quietpc lists 95 W maximum TDP, so sources conflict)
Fans included and their sizeTwo 120 × 120 × 25 mm PWM fans, 500–1850 RPM, fluid dynamic bearings1 x 92x92x14 mm NF-A9x14 PWM
Noise level (dBA)28 dBA full-load maximum23.6 dB(A) maximum; 14.8 dB(A) with Low-Noise Adaptor
Warranty (years)3 years, limited6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL

  • + Best air-cooler result in APH Networks' test
  • + Wide socket support including LGA1851, LGA1700 and AM5
  • + Three-year limited warranty
  • − Reviewers measured 43.4 to 53 dBA under load
  • − Struggled with a 150W Ryzen 9 7900X at low revs
  • − Display shows only CPU temperature or load

Skip it if:

  • Buyers building a very quiet system who will not tune fan curves
  • Anyone with a compact case that cannot fit a 162 mm cooler
  • People who want a display showing more than CPU temperature or load
Read the full DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL 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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