The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in two out of three evaluated specifications. Its most significant advantage is its MSRP, which is 31% better than the alternative. While the Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V3 demonstrates a clear lead in cooling capacity, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx remains the superior choice for users prioritizing cost-efficiency and a more accessible entry point for their cooling solution.

Choose the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx if your primary goal is to minimize expenditure while maintaining a functional cooling setup. Conversely, select the Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V3 if your system requires a higher TDP rating, as it offers a 331% advantage in that specific category. This makes the latter the appropriate selection for users managing higher thermal loads who are willing to forgo the cost benefits provided by the former.