Noctua NH-L9i for i7-4790 ITX Build

[rdjg22]

I need a decent CPU cooler for an ITX build running an i7-4790 in a Rosewill Legacy U2-S case. Would the Noctua L9i be a good choice even though it's only rated for 65W?

 

[Phil923]

I know of people who run it on 95w cpus with no problem. Also the l9i is going to be one of the top low profile CPU coolers as far as I know.

 

[zeyuanfu]

This would be better for less, a review here on Tom's shows it:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC90LS 28.7 CFM CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $19.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-11 16:53 EST-0500

Temps:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phanteks-ph-tc90ls-mini-itx-heat-sink,3969.html

 

[zeyuanfu]

If you want something better, this is the cooler to get:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14CS_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($63.99 @ Directron)
Total: $63.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-11 16:54 EST-0500

 

[rdjg22]

i actually have a Xigmatek Dark Knight II laying around but I was worried the motherboard wouldn't be able to hold it (the GA-H97n is pretty thin)

 

[zeyuanfu]

I doubt a motherboard will break because of a cooler. It should work.

 

[Phil923]

yep, motherboards are usually very sturdy and as long as there aren't clearance issues (which is why people buy low profile coolers), your current cooler should work just fine on that motherboard.

 

[rdjg22]

So an ITX board can hold that kind of weight? This cooler is huge..weighs well over a pound with a fan on it.

 

[zeyuanfu]

Any board is supposed to hold any cooler except if the board comes from a crap company who cheaps out on everything (not the case of ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte or MSI).