Let’s test the NH-U9B SE2 CPU cooler from Noctua. This cooler has a tower heatsink, four U-shaped heatpipes, and two 92 mm fans.

Noctua calls the NH-U9B SE2 a “compact premium cooler.” It is actually smaller than most tower CPU coolers with 120 mm fans, which are typically around 6.3 inches (160 mm) tall. When using 92 mm fans, it is only 4.9 inches (125 mm) tall, fitting some small form factor cases that don’t support bigger coolers.

Figure 1 shows the box of the NH-U9B SE2 that brings the typical colors seen in other Noctua products.

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Figure 1: Package

Figure 2 shows the contents of the box: heatsink, fans, a syringe of thermal compound, manuals, power adapters, a Y-harness for connecting both of the fans to a single motherboard fan connector, and installation hardware.

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Figure 2: Accessories

Figure 3 displays the heatsink of the NH-U9B SE2.

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Figure 3: The NH-U9B SE2

This cooler is discussed in detail in the following pages.