DON'T BUY the WRONG NOCTUA Cooler! | NH-D15 Gen 2 Test & Setup

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Introduction

Noctua's latest offering, the NH-D15 G2 (Generation 2), is a brand-new air cooler that promises premium performance. However, purchasing the right version can be tricky, as there are three variants, each designed for specific CPU platforms. Here's a detailed look at what has changed, which version is right for your system, and a thorough test to see its performance.

Versions Overview

The NH-D15 G2 comes in three versions: Normal G2, LBC (Low Base Convexity), and HBC (High Base Convexity). Here's a quick breakdown:

Normal G2: Best overall, suitable for most applications.
LBC (Low Base Convexity): Features a very flat base, ideal for AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets with flatter CPU surfaces.
HBC (High Base Convexity): Meant for Intel LGA 1700 and future sockets, designed to fit the slight concavity that Intel CPUs develop over time due to the ILM mechanism on the motherboard.

Knowing which version suits your CPU platform is crucial to ensuring optimal performance.

Detailed Changes and Design

Noctua has made significant improvements over the past 10 years:

Heat Pipes: Increased from six to eight, providing better heat dissipation.
Base Plate: Enlarged to match the larger IHS of modern CPUs.
Two Variants of Towers: One measurement remains the same, while the other has a reduced depth.
Fan Design: Reduced diameter from 150 mm to 140 mm, but improved blade count and curvature for better airflow.
Fan Clip Design: Updated to ensure more even pressure distribution and better durability.

Testing and Installation

We tested the NH-D15 G2 HBC variant on an Intel LGA 1700 platform (i7-14700K):

Installation: The installation process was easy, thanks to intuitive design changes and included accessories like washers for improved contact.
Thermal Paste Application: New methodology with a central blob and smaller dots around the edges for improved coverage.
Initial Impressions: Notably quieter than its predecessor and very efficient in cooling, even under sustained loads.

Performance Results

The NH-D15 G2 showcased impressive thermal performance. In a room temperature of approximately 24.7°C:

Kept temperatures around 76-92°C under a 253W load.
Managed to cool effectively without thermal throttling, even under higher loads.

This cooler demonstrated excellent noise management and dissipation abilities, making it a worthy investment despite its high price tag of $ 150.

Conclusion

Noctua has delivered an outstanding cooler in the NH-D15 G2. The performance improvements make it a compelling choice for cooling enthusiasts and professionals. However, choosing the right variant for your specific CPU platform is crucial. Despite its high cost, the quality and performance justifies the investment for many users.

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Keywords

Noctua
NH-D15 G2
CPU cooling
Air cooler
LBC
HBC
Thermal performance
Installation
Intel LGA 1700
AMD AM4, AM5

FAQ

Q1: What are the different versions of the NH-D15 G2 and which one should I buy? A1: The NH-D15 G2 comes in three versions: Normal G2 (best overall), LBC (Low Base Convexity, ideal for AMD AM4/AM5 sockets), and HBC (High Base Convexity, ideal for Intel LGA 1700 and future sockets). Choose based on your CPU platform.

Q2: What major changes has Noctua made in the NH-D15 G2 compared to the first generation? A2: Changes include an increased number of heat pipes (from six to eight), an enlarged base plate, different tower depths, a redesigned fan with improved blade count and curvature, and updated fan clips for more even pressure distribution.

Q3: How does the NH-D15 G2 perform in terms of noise? A3: The NH-D15 G2 is significantly quieter than its predecessor, thanks to the redesigned fans and improved materials that minimize noise even under high workloads.

Q4: Can the NH-D15 G2 handle high wattage loads efficiently? A4: Yes, during tests, the NH-D15 G2 handled up to 253W loads without thermal throttling and maintained effective cooling even above this threshold.

Q5: Is the NH-D15 G2 worth the $ 150 price tag? A5: While expensive, the high build quality, impressive performance, and Noctua's reputation for durability and efficiency justify the price for many users, particularly those seeking top-tier air cooling solutions.