Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 vs NZXT Kraken Elite 360

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 at 5.6/10.

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 leads on cooling and compatibility and fit.

They score the same on noise, value and build and installation.

The biggest difference is cooling, where the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 scores 7/10 to the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5's 4/10.

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

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

NZXT Kraken Elite 360

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 is for builders who want a 360 mm AIO on a current Intel or AMD platform. It suits people who want low temperatures under heavy load and a simple install. It is less suited to buyers watching the budget closely.

Typically about £279.95 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Noctua NH-L9a-AM5	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Cooling	35%	4/10	7/10
Noise	25%	7/10	7/10
Compatibility and fit	15%	6/10	7/10
Value	15%	5/10	5/10
Build and installation	10%	8/10	8/10
Overall		5.6/10	6.8/10

Specifications

Spec	Noctua NH-L9a-AM5	NZXT Kraken Elite 360
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)	Low-profile top-flow air cooler	Liquid AIO with 360 mm radiator
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)	AM5	Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X; AMD AM5, AM4
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)	37 mm with fan (23 mm without fan)	Radiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm; pump cap 93.5 mm diameter × 65 mm high
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)	65 W (Noctua rating as stated by Vividrepairs; quietpc lists 95 W maximum TDP, so sources conflict)	not listed
Fans included and their size	1 x 92x92x14 mm NF-A9x14 PWM	Elite 360: 3 × F120P (2024) 120 mm static-pressure fans, 500–2,000 ±200 RPM, 30 dBA each. Elite 360 RGB: 1 × F360 RGB Core fan containing three 120 mm fans, 500–2,400 ±250 RPM, 30.0 dBA per fan
Noise level (dBA)	23.6 dB(A) maximum; 14.8 dB(A) with Low-Noise Adaptor	Elite 360 RGB: 33.88 dB stated by manufacturer; PCGamesN lists 34 dBA
Warranty (years)	6 years	6 years

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

NZXT Kraken Elite 360

+ Reviews report temperatures mostly below 70 °C under heavy load
+ Straightforward installation with pre-applied paste and tool-free brackets
+ Six-year warranty and wide socket support
− Fans reported as harsh near maximum speed
− Owners call the price high
− Thin accessory bundle with no spare thermal paste

Skip it if:

Buyers whose case cannot take a 401 mm radiator
Buyers sensitive to fan noise who want to run fans at full speed
Buyers on a tight budget who object to a high price and thin bundle

Read the full NZXT Kraken Elite 360 review ›

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