Dynatron R27 And R24 Versus Noctua NH-U9DX i4

Today we look at three Narrow ILM CPU coolers for Intel's LGA2011 (v3): Dynatron’s mid-sized R27, Noctua’s NH-UD9X i4 and the ASRock-supplied Dynatron R24.

By Thomas Soderstrom
published

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Conclusion

Dynatron R24

Priced 40 percent less than the NH-U9DX i4, the R27 still only reaches a value point of one percent below the average of all four coolers. The best 3U cooler in today’s test, noise concerns prevent us from recommending the R27 to PC users. The R27’s fan ignored the PWM signal whenever the CPU got slightly warm, and kicked the motor up to full speed. Most users can tolerate a 49db fan for no more than a few minutes, and persistent rather than peak noise forces us to again call this a server room part.

Dynatron R27

The NH-U9DX i4 is the clear winner in value, noise and cooling power, approaching its non-Narrow ILM sibling in all three areas. Problem spots include a five-inch height that slightly exceeds 3U limits, and 32mm to 35mm of maximum clearance for the nearest DIMM. Because its performance level is so much higher than those of the two preceding parts, we recommend that builders select their DRAM and cases around this cooler rather than get stuck with a hotter, noisier machine.

Noctua NH-U9DX i4

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Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware, covering Cases, Cooling, Memory and Motherboards. Follow him on Twitter.

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Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.
41 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Crashman
    No comments yet, perhaps the title misses the target?
    Reply
  • Bernie Fresh
    perhaps the target misses the point?

    server level cooling will be loud
    big air noctua wins over water in most cases

    be cautious when buying a very specific type of motherboard?
    and more cautious with the 1 type of cooler we think is bestish?

    target acquired..
    Reply
  • Crashman
    16063704 said:
    perhaps the target misses the point?

    server level cooling will be loud
    big air noctua wins over water in most cases

    be cautious when buying a very specific type of motherboard?
    and more cautious with the 1 type of cooler we think is bestish?

    target acquired..
    Let me rephrase that: People who read the motherboard review want to know about coolers that fit. This is the information they need, but I don't think they're finding it.

    Reply
  • Amdlova
    i have spend a little time to find the perfect case for a Micro super mini itx build. and dont find a right cooler in my country. that noctua if have the 1150 backplate will be Supremus. Iam a noctua user for a long long time. I think i will die before the fan stop. :D
    Reply
  • Crashman
    16063830 said:
    i have spend a little time to find the perfect case for a Micro super mini itx build. and dont find a right cooler in my country. that noctua if have the 1150 backplate will be Supremus. Iam a noctua user for a long long time. I think i will die before the fan stop. :D
    With the universal mounting kit, the model number was NH-U9B SE2. Find one and buy it before they're all gone.
    Reply
  • HormusPeston
    The name Dynatron sounds so much more cooler than Noctua. Unfortunately, it sounds 4 times as loud and cools half as much. Pity.
    Reply
  • Onus
    I had wondered if these Dynatron coolers were any good; given that I prefer low-noise, it looks like the answer is "no, they're not."

    Is there an Intel stock cooler for comparison?

    Reply
  • Crashman
    16065176 said:
    Is there an Intel stock cooler for comparison?
    No, Intel doesn't ship a cooler with LGA 2011 or 2011-v3 and recommends this model, which doesn't fit narrow ILM:
    So, they leave you to figure narrow ILM out on your own. Because narrow ILM is supposed to be for servers, where custom-sized solutions are usually needed.

    Reply
  • Bernie Fresh
    I shall also rephrase
    information provided about coolers could be deduced from the articles picture.
    enthusiast level hardware, both chipset and size

    pulling the stock fans from dynatrons and adding something controllable? vantec tornado, same relative power/size/noise
    there even seems to be other options available even with directional and space mounting demands
    "The cooler bracket also seems to fit a Corsair H100i/h80i as seen in Linus's video"
    a comment from the initial review for this motherboard.

    so this article isnt a ILM type cooler review or a asrock x99e-itx/ac cooler review.
    I was initially drawn by the 2U 3U coolers, as I use 3U and 4U server cases for gaming systems
    nearly ironic as I am the "target"... commenting
    Ill agree, the title(enter intelligent constructive criticism here):D

    cheers





    Reply
  • skit75
    That is an amazing warranty for the Noctua cooler if it includes the fan/bearings. I mean, mine is still spinning over 6 years later and the PC it is in, has had VERY little downtime in 6 years. It runs 24/7 and apparently if I was sold a 6 year warranty on mine, I guess it just expired.
    Reply