Noctua NH-D15 – Still Worthy, 10 Years After Its Release?

Epilogue

This review looks like a blast from the past, but so far, I mainly use Noctua’s NH-D15 coolers on my test systems, and they have never disappointed or troubled me. On the contrary, performance is good and has never been envied more than modern coolers. Some of you might not like the standard Noctua colors and highly prefer the chromax.black coolers, which admittedly have way better aesthetics, and this dark color also hides the enormous dimensions of the D15. Moreover, Noctua might state the performance between the plain and the chromax.black coolers is identical, but I noticed a difference in favor of the latter. The black color is a perfect emitter of heat energy, having an emissivity value of one, meaning that dark objects can get rid of heat faster and more effectively than those with lighter colors. This is why many cooling solutions have a black coating.

The Noctua NH-D15 is still relevant and performs well. Its major asset is that it isn’t as expensive as its G2 variant, which goes for $150 or 150€, notably more expensive than the previous model. The NH-D15 goes for $110, and its chromax.black version for $120. The fans are the major changes between the NH-D15 and its G2 variant, besides the new heatsink design and the more heatpipes. The new cooler uses the NF-A14x25e G2 PWM fans, which cost $40 per piece!

The NH-D15 came in only one version, while the NH-D15 G2 comes in three different models, so there might be some confusion. Wait for the G2 model’s review, in which I will explain everything in detail. For those of you who cannot wait, the standard Noctua NH-D15 G2 has a baseplate with medium convexity. The NH-D15 G2 LBC (Low Base Convexity) and NH-D15 G2 HBC (High Base Convexity) variants also exist, and Noctua made a video to help you decide which is better according to your needs. In the next (cooler) review, I will evaluate all G2 variants and also compare them with the NH-D15 to see whether the 40-dollar increase is justified. I will also evaluate the fans of the D15 and the D15 G2. I have lots of work ahead, but as usual, I will (try to) deliver in a timely manner. During this period here in Cyprus, the thermometers hit > 40 degrees, so staying in and working under the AC is better than going out!

If you are searching for fans for your AIO or chassis, read my Best Cooling Fans article before investing in new cooling solutions. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the product’s price. I get a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a difference for me, especially now that I am on my own, working exclusively for my media and not for someone else.