I have been working day and night on the new Noctua NH-D15 G2 coolers for the last couple of weeks. Besides the thermal benchmarks, the increased noise that the G2 registered over the G1 occupied most of my time, despite Noctua’s claims that noise output is identical.
After a debate with Noctua, I decided to deviate from my standard methodology and check noise output from the front side of the cooler instead of the side, allowing for the same distance from both cooler’s fans.
The G2’s noise remained similar to what I measured on the side, while the G1’s noise increased! So, indeed, Noctua had a point there, although this is the best-case scenario for the G2, and I always choose the worst-case scenario in my reviews.
Anyway, during the new noise tests with the coolers facing the MIC, the fans, and the air pushed to the opposite side, something else way more troublesome came up. Listen to the following recordings, and you will immediately know what I mean!
Noctua NH-D15 G2, Fans facing the MIC
Noctua NH-D15 G1 Fans facing the MIC
Frequency Analysis
Noctua NH-D15 G1
Noctua NH-D15 G2
The frequency analysis shows increased noise output at 500 and 630 Hz on the G2 compared to the G1 results, but the difference is not that high. In general, the difference in noise output is NOT high, as a raw number, but still, this noise will be highly annoying to some users because of the rattling sound.
I am sure that Noctua will look into this issue ASAP to avoid user complaints piling up!
Sounds like one or more of the heat sink fins are not connected securely somewhere.
At 150€, this is unacceptable !
Has Noctua said anything about this?
They told me that they are looking into this, once I asked about this specific problem.
A clicking noise in the background.