The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx wins in 2 out of 3 comparable specs. Its biggest advantage is MSRP (18% better).
NH-L12S wins in 1 spec (TDP Rating: 46% better).
Recommendation
Choose NH-L9i-17xx if you want the best overall performance — especially msrp.
Choose NH-L12S if tdp rating matters more to you.
| Spec | NoctuaNH-L12S | NoctuaNH-L9i-17xx |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Type | Low Profile | Low Profile |
| Height | 70 mm | 37 mm |
| Performance | ||
| TDP Rating | 95W+46% | 65W |
| Fans | 1 | 1 |
| Fan Size | 120 mm | 92 mm |
| Acoustics | ||
| Noise Level | 23.9 dB(A) | 23.6 dB(A)−1% |
| Fan RPM |
| 450 - 1850 |
| 600 - 2500 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Sockets | LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, AM5, AM4 | LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| Price | ||
| MSRP | $55 | $45−18% |
| Release Date | Jan 2018 | Nov 2021 |
