Noctua NH-D15 G2 | CdrInfo.com

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Retail Package
3. Tests
4. Conclusion

Noctua has been leading the race for quality air coolers. The NH-D15 CPU cooler (in both normal and chromax.black editions) has been in the market for many years and it was time that Noctua released a new version to keep up with the competition and mostly, improve the air cooling performance of their products. Improvements will come from the NH-D15 G2 cooler and the newly designed NF-A14x25r G2 round-frame 140mm fans.

The NH-D15 G2 is the further improved second generation of Noctua’s iconic NH-D15. With its state-of-the-art, speed-offset NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans, eight heat pipes, and asymmetrical fin stacks that have been carefully fine-tuned to work in tandem with the new fans, it achieves even better quiet cooling performance than its award-winning predecessor. As such, the G2 version is a true flagship model that continues the legacy of the original NH-D15 by pushing the boundaries of air cooling and rivaling the efficiency of many all-in-one (AIO) water cooling solutions.

In addition to its further improved performance, the NH-D15 G2 also offers enhanced compatibility thanks to an offset construction that allows it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current motherboards. Last but not least, the G2 version has been upgraded to the Torx®-based SecuFirm2+™ multi-socket mounting system with included NM-SD1 screwdriver and Noctua’s superior NT-H2 thermal compound. In short, the NH-D15 G2 has been further refined in virtually all respects from the heatsink and the fans down to the mounting, thermal paste, and accessory package. Topped off with Noctua’s trusted 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, it’s the new number-one choice for customers who demand the best of the best in air cooling.

Taking platform-specific optimization to a new level, the NH-D15 G2 is available in a regular, standard version and two specialized variants:

The regular NH-D15 G2 uses the same medium base convexity as most other Noctua heatsinks, which makes it a perfect all-rounder that provides optimal results on AM5 with the included offset mounting and on LGA1700 CPUs when utilizing the included NM-ISW1 shim washers (or optional, so-called contact frames ) to reduce CPU deformation from ILM pressure.

The HBC (High Base Convexity) variant is specifically optimized for LGA1700 processors that are used with full ILM pressure or have become permanently deformed in long-term use, providing excellent contact quality despite the CPU’s concave shape.

The LBC (Low Base Convexity) variant, by contrast, is specifically optimized for relatively flat CPUs. As such, it offers excellent contact quality on AMD AM5 even without the offset mounting as well as on other comparably flat CPUs (e.g. AM4, LGA2066, LGA2011(-3), lapped or custom flat heat spreaders, etc.).

For users who would like to upgrade existing heatsinks such as the first-generation NH-D15, NH-D15S or NH-U14S series coolers, the new round-frame NF-A14x25r G2 fans will also be available separately, both in a regular single fan package (NF-A14x25r G2 PWM) and a dedicated dual fan package for push-pull configurations (NF-A14x25r G2 PWM Sx2-PP). Like the fans that come pre-installed on the NH-D15 G2, the ones included in the Sx2-PP set are fine-tuned with a 50rpm speed offset to prevent acoustic interaction phenomena such as periodic humming or intermittent vibrations.

The square frame version of the NF-A14x25 G2 fan for water cooling radiators and case cooling applications is currently scheduled for September.

Product specifications

Suggested retail prices

The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are as follows:

NH-D15 G2: EUR 149.90 / USD 149.90
NH-D15 G2 LBC: EUR 149.90 / USD 149.90
NH-D15 G2 HBC: EUR 149.90 / USD 149.90
NF-A14x25r G2 PWM: EUR 39.90 / USD 39.90
NF-A14x25r G2 PWM Sx2-PP: EUR 79.80 / USD 79.80

Availability

All new products are available via Noctua’s official Amazon stores:

Details

Next-generation performance

For an entire decade, the original NH-D15 was widely regarded as the best air cooler on the market. The G2 version continues this legacy by further improving the renowned quiet cooling performance of its iconic predecessor. Especially in challenging conditions with higher heat-loads, the NH-D15 G2 can achieve up to several degrees lower temperatures and thereby offer a thermal headroom that enables higher turbo clock speeds.

Optimised, asymmetrical fin-stacks

The NH-D15 G2 has been painstakingly optimised to best utilise the superior airflow and pressure performance of the novel NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans. Thanks to the fans’ improved P/Q performance, the fin-spacing could be reduced from 1.9mm to 1.6mm, which made it possible to integrate 23 extra fins and increase total fin surface area by 20%. At the same time, the width of the front fin-stack has been cut by 5mm so that the loading is more balanced between the two fans.

More performance, smaller size

Thanks to the higher fin density made possible by the new NF-A14x25r G2 fans as well as the asymmetrical fin-stacks and a slightly smaller gap between the stacks, the G2 version combines improved performance with a slightly smaller size compared to the original NH-D15 (9mm less heatsink depth, same heatsink width, same total height including fans).

8 heatpipes for superior performance at higher heat-loads

The NH-D15 G2 utilises eight instead of six heatpipes compared to the original NH-D15. The increased thermal capacity of the extra heatpipes is especially helpful at extreme heat-loads such as 250W and beyond, where the performance boost over the original NH-D15 is the biggest.

Three variants for platform-specific optimisation

Optimal contact quality between the heatsink and the CPU is vital for achieving the best possible cooling performance. Since current CPU platforms differ significantly in terms of contact surface flatness and hotspot location, the NH-D15 G2 is available in a regular all-round version with medium base convexity as well as specialised LBC (Low Base Convexity) and HBC (High Base Convexity) variants in order to ensure the best possible contact in different scenarios.

Regular all-round version with medium base convexity

The regular NH-D15 G2 uses the same medium base convexity as most other Noctua heatsinks, which makes it a perfect all-rounder that provides optimal results on AM5 with the included offset mounting and on fresh, unused LGA1700 CPUs when utilising the included NM-ISW1 shim washers or so-called contact frames to reduce CPU deformation from ILM pressure. For further details, see this FAQ.

NM-ISW1 shim washers for reducing CPU deformation on LGA1700

Adding 1mm shim washers underneath the LGA1700 socket’s ILM (Independent Loading Mechanism) will lower the pressure that the ILM exerts onto the CPU and thereby reduce the deformation that occurs due to this pressure. With the CPU being deformed less, the contact between CPU and low or medium convexity heatsinks will improve, which can yield typical temperature improvements of around 2-3°C. CPUs that have been used with full ILM pressure for longer periods of time may also see slight improvements with high base convexity coolers. For further information, please see this article.

Offset design for better PCIe clearance

Like the NH-D15S, the NH-D15 G2 is offset towards the upper edge of the motherboard (when installed in standard orientation blowing towards the I/O panel) in order to increase clearance towards the PCIe slots. This enables it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current motherboards (see motherboard compatibility list).

High RAM compatibility in single fan mode

Thanks to its recessed lower fins, the NH-D15 G2 provides at least 59mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks in single fan mode, making it compatible with most high-end RAM modules on the market. In dual fan mode, the NH-D15 G2 should be used with standard height RAM (up to 32mm, please refer to RAM compatibility list)

Two NF-A14x25r G2 fans

Noctua’s next-generation NF-A14x25r G2 fans set a new benchmark for performance-to-noise efficiency in round-frame 140mm fans. Their superb acoustics as well as their superior airflow and pressure characteristics are one of the cornerstones that enable the NH-D15 G2 to push beyond its legendary predecessor.

Speed-offset for optimal acoustics

When two fans operate in a push-pull configuration running at the exact same speed, their acoustic interaction can lead to undesirable harmonics phenomena such as intermittent vibrations or periodic humming. Therefore, the two NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans used on the NH-D15 G2 are slightly offset in speed (+/- ~25rpm) in order to ensure optimal acoustics.

PWM control with wide speed range

The NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans can be PWM-controlled from their maximum speed of 1500rpm all the way down to 300rpm. This makes it possible to adjust them for maximum performance or near-silent operation using either automatic, temperature-based motherboard speed control or manual controllers such as the NA-FC1.

Fans stop at 0% PWM

When the fans are set to 0% PWM duty cycle by the motherboard or PWM fan controller, they will stop. This makes the NH-D15 G2 ideal for creating setups with semi-passive cooling that automatically turn the fans off and thus run completely silent at idle if thermals allow.

Low-Noise Adaptors

The NH-D15 G2 is supplied with two Low-Noise Adaptors (L.N.A.) that reduce the maximum fan speed from 1500 to 1300rpm. The L.N.A.s can be used either to run the fans at a fixed speed of 1300rpm or to cap the maximum speed when using automatic PWM control.

Excellent component cooling

Extending below the fin-stacks, the large NF-A14x25r G2 fans not only contribute to the NH-D15 G2’s superb CPU cooling capabilities, but also provide massive airflow over surrounding motherboard heatsinks and components such as VRMs, thus ensuring excellent component cooling performance.

SecuFirm2+™ Torx-based multi-socket mounting system

Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Torx-based, the professional SecuFirm2+™ version with its included screwdriver provides even better handling and durability. Socket support includes Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200 and LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156), as well as AMD AM5 and AM4.

Offset mounting option for AMD AM5

The NH-D15 G2 includes Noctua’s offset mounting bars for AM5 that make it possible to install the cooler shifted towards the south side of the socket by 7mm, thereby achieving better contact quality right above the CCD(s). This can help the LBC version to edge out another few tenths of a degree, enables the regular version to perform on par with the LBC version and puts the HBC version within close range. For detailed data, see this article.

Compatibility with past and future sockets

Thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm™ ecosystem, the NH-D15 G2 can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets, which makes the NH-D15 G2 a safe long-term investment.

NT-H2 next-gen thermal compound

For customers who want the best of the best in air cooling, every degree counts. This is why the NH-D15 G2 includes a tube of Noctua’s next-generation NT-H2 thermal compound that provides even better performance than the award-winning NT-H1, allowing to achieve the best possible cooling results.

Thermal paste guard for AMD AM5

When the mounting pressure of the cooling solution is applied, excess thermal paste will be squeezed outwards. With AM5 CPUs, this excess paste tends to accumulate in the cut-outs at the sides of the heatspreader and may become difficult to remove. Simple and risk-free to apply, the NA-TPG1 prevents this undesired phenomenon.

Soldered interface between heatpipes and fins

With many heatsinks, the fins are press-fitted to the heatpipes. Due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of copper and aluminium, this fit can loosen over years of thermal cycling, which may lead to reduced performance. By contrast, the NH-D15 G2’s fins are soldered to the heatpipes in order to guarantee a superior thermal interface that doesn’t deteriorate even after many years of usage.

6-year manufacturer’s warranty

Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. True to this legacy, the NH-D15 G2 heatsink is built to last, and like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A14x25r G2 units feature an MTTF rating of more than 150,000 hours. The entire package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

In chassis with more than 168mm CPU cooler clearance, the front fan can be moved upwards to make room for memory modules taller than 32mm.