Cooling How to upgrade Noctua NH-L9 Fan for 105w+?

[dljonsson]

I've a case that can handle a

* 20-25mm fan upgrade possible
* 100-120 wide fan upgrade.
* db Noise is not major issue, this machine is typically used in a noisy environment.

* How to upgrade Noctua NH-L9 Fan for 105w+?

* Would augmenting the existing fan on the NH-L9 help?

I'd like to add a Ryzen 9 3900X into this machine, which runs at 105 watts TDP.

I'm curious what fan upgrade would enable me to increase the LH-9 to sufficient overhead. Not so worried about noise so increased RPM is also an option.

I'm a believer in keeping my electronics cool, so looking for a clear/large margin
of cooling capacity rather than riding the bleeding edge and don't want to underclock.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[RogueLeader]

I'd like to add a Ryzen 9 3900X into this machine, which runs at 105 watts TDP.

you'll need a CryOrig C7 graphene, for that TDP.

they can used with an adapter for AM4 processors.

no other cooler will work, unless you're willing to buy VLP Ram.

 

[dljonsson]

Thanks for a beautiful solution.

I may go with the Cryorig C7 Graphene solution in the end, but I'm curious how far the NH-L9 I have here can be pushed with; larger fan, more rpm, more CFM.

 

[Solo]

What case are you using?

 

[dljonsson]

What case are you using?

A mod of the Eurocase MITX X102.
A CZ brand 25$ MITX case available in the EU
215x138x270mm


The CPU chamber has approx. 92mm depth with 72mm between MB and Outer case.
I'll double check for exact figures when back at my bench later today.

Eurocase mini ITX X102 | T.S.BOHEMIA

Eurocase mini ITX X102,Počítačová skříň X102 je určena pro sestavení PC formátu mini ITX. Umožňuje montáž jedné optické mechaniky 5 1/4“ (ve slim provedení) a jednoho HDD 3,5“ a 2,5“. Na čelním panelu je umístěno tlačítko Power a LED Power a HDD. Je

www.tsbohemia.cz

 

[scatterforce]

Others in this forum have swapped the fan on the NH-L9 and the general consensus is that it will reduce noise, but not increase performance. There just isn't enough metal or heat pipes to leverage a larger fan with a higher CFM. Some even saw performance drop......

If you have 72mm, then get a larger heat sink. The Scythe Big Shuriken 3 or Noctua L12S are both great options. Following that link, these might fit depending on your configuration and use of 3.5 inch drives.

 

[RogueLeader]

Others in this forum have swapped the fan on the NH-L9 and the general consensus is that it will reduce noise, but not increase performance.

as i stated above.

 

[paulesko]

I would definetly go for a larger heatsink. I cant talk about the big shuriken 3, it looks to work very well. I can tell you that the id-cooling is-60 works like a charm, with a 25mm fan on top it is 70mm high and to me it has worked very well cooling an overclocked 3700x

edit: I sold the is-60 because I went watercooling, and the guy I sold it to, had a noctua nh-l9a. He told me that with the stock 15mm thick fan on the is-60 he was seeing 7-8º improvement which is not bad.

 

[CountNoctua]

I will concur with needing a larger heatsink for the 3900X. None of the low-profile heatsinks will cut it.

you'll need a CryOrig C7 graphene, for that TDP.

they can used with an adapter for AM4 processors.

no other cooler will work, unless you're willing to buy VLP Ram.

The graphene looks nice, but it doesn't outperform the regular C7 Cu.

 

[RogueLeader]

The graphene looks nice, but it doesn't outperform the regular C7 Cu.

correct.

either one will work.

but the C7 Cu is discontinued.


actually, if OP was willing to get VLP Ram, a better solution is a BlackRidge cooler.

 

[dljonsson]

Thanks for the suggestions. I probably start with the Cryorig there still are a few C7 CU's in stock in nearby Germany at CaseKing for 59Euros The Graphiene 10 Euros more - so the Graphene really just a cosmetic touch?

 

[CountNoctua]

Thanks for the suggestions. I probably start with the Cryorig there still are a few C7 CU's in stock in nearby Germany at CaseKing for 59Euros The Graphiene 10 Euros more - so the Graphene really just a cosmetic touch?

Graphene does have better thermal conductivity, but their implementation of it wasn't effective.

 

[dljonsson]

A downside of the Cryorig is not being able to replace/upgrade the fan with standard profile fans. For that reason id-cooling is-60 or the id-cooling is-50x seem like better contenders.

 

[RogueLeader]

Thanks for the suggestions. I probably start with the Cryorig there still are a few C7 CU's in stock in nearby Germany at CaseKing for 59Euros The Graphiene 10 Euros more - so the Graphene really just a cosmetic touch?

yes.

cooling is identical.

 

[RogueLeader]

A downside of the Cryorig is not being able to replace/upgrade the fan with standard profile fans. For that reason id-cooling is-60 or the id-cooling is-50x seem like better contenders.

no.

you can upgrade the fan on a C7 Cu.

in fact, a SFF Forum member [ @Thehack ] has an entire online shop, dedicated to selling CryOrig C7 adapters - https://j-hackcompany.com/?product=cryorig-c7-120mm-fan-adapter

 

[riba2233]

If this little thing can cool 225 W, then I'm sure that the L9i can be upgraded with the better fan:

Product Page | Dynatron

www.dynatron.co

How loud it will be though, that is up for debate ?

 

[RogueLeader]

if OP wants to wait a few months, there's going to be a NFC Systems SkyReach case, which is longer.

extra length will allow a liquid cooled SkyReach system, which also fits a low-profile GPU.

 

[dljonsson]

The SM4 is on my wish list for sure, for now its wait and see mode regarding CPU voltage efficiency and other
SFF developments in 2020-2021 while with hacksaw and file as described here 30$ Czech MFG SFF Case Hack
I'm testing components and learning more about SFF. I also appreciate the recommendations for the Cryorig and ID cooler solutions.

I think though the Noctua NH-12s is worth trying out in this scenario.

Reasons are many (please let me know if these are sane or not.)

* A local vendor allows me a 60 day return on Noctua, I can't get the same
return policy on Cryorig and ID products and need to order from out of the
country. (I'm in the Czech Republic nextdoor to Noctua's Austrian HQ.

* To quote Noctua "105-125W Recommended with good case ventilation only."

* Cryorig CU's have some better specs but I don't like the proprietary non-standard
fan which reduces chances for CFM optimization, repairs and hacks.

* The Noctua NH-L12s it appears it could handle a dual fan situation.

* During in-house production mode when intensive video rendering is taking
place additional air ventilation can easily added to the case & cooler.

During portable use the CPU chamber panel can be put back on and
the CPU can be down volted to be in Temp comfort zone.

From Noctua's documentation on TDP.

Noctua NH-L12s
105-125W Recommended with good case ventilation only.

Noctua NH-L9a-AM3
125 - Not Recommended
105 - Recommended with good case ventilation only,
might drop below base clock speeds with continuous 100% load.

NOCTUA NH-L9x65
105 Recommended with good case ventilation only,
might drop to base clock speeds with continuous 100% load.

"...good case ventilation only."
A couple of these rubber footed 12 Arctic fans have served
me well over the years in keeping notebooks very cool when
doing VJ work. I'll try them on my SFF docking station and
see if they can augment the Noctua NH-12s in this scenario.