The King of CPU Coolers
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 is an unparalleled masterpiece of engineering that redefines what a high-performance air cooler can achieve. With its upgraded heat pipe configuration, redesigned fin towers, and the inclusion of the cutting-edge NF-A14x25r fans, it delivers industry-leading cooling performance while maintaining whisper-quiet operation. Its unmatched build quality, future-proof socket compatibility, and six-year warranty make it a standout choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. At $150, it’s an investment, but one that pays dividends in reliability, performance, and longevity. Simply put, the NH-D15 G2 is the pinnacle of air cooling, and a benchmark against which all others will be measured.
The Good
- Build Quality
- Acoustic Harmony
- Cooling Performance
- Dual 140mm Fans
The Bad
- No Chromax Black Varient (yet)
-
Build Quality
-
Expexted Longevity
-
Brand Loyalty to Customers
-
Performance
I think anyone in the PC industry simply knows that if you want the best cooling out there, you go for the Noctua NH-D15. It’s a CPU cooler that doesn’t need any introduction.
In April of 2014, Noctua released their first revision of the NH-D15 CPU cooler which was an absolute giant tower cooler equipped with powerful and iconic dual 140mm Noctua fans. It was in June of 2014 when I reviewed it.
Performance reviews consistently demonstrated that it delivered some of the best cooling available, outperforming competitors in numerous scenarios.
Noctua’s dedication to its customers is what has kept the NH-D15 so modern over the years. Through the company’s continued support with free mounting kit upgrades for new sockets via their SecureFirm mounting system, the cooler has remained compatible with newer hardware.
However, Noctua clearly doesn’t believe in the old saying, “All good things must come to an end.” Instead, they’ve chosen to push the boundaries further with the release of the NH-D15 G2 variant, aiming to deliver next-generation performance.
With Noctua’s trusted six-year warranty as a guarantee of quality, let’s explore why the NH-D15 G2 looks poised to maintain its crown as the best CPU cooler on the market for years to come.
Welcome to my review of the Noctua NH-D15 G2.
Design
If you didn’t know any better, you might mistake the G2 for the original at first glance and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong to do so.
The G2 carries forward the traditional Noctua 140mm dual-fan tower cooler design, complete with their signature tan-and-brown color scheme. However, a closer inspection reveals significant upgrades under the hood.
Noctua has thoughtfully redesigned key components of the G2 to ensure that it lives up to its pedigree while delivering meaningful improvements in both performance and design.
Starting with the base, Noctua has added two extra heat pipes, increasing the total to eight massive pipes that thread their way up through dual fin towers. These towers themselves have been upgraded, offering 20% more surface area thanks to a higher fin density and a reduced gap between the stacks. This meticulous engineering allows the G2 to extract even more heat from the CPU, ensuring optimal cooling under heavy workloads.
While the G2 retains the same dual 140mm fan configuration as its predecessor, it now features the new NF-A14x25r fans. These next-generation fans are a leap forward, delivering improved airflow and pressure while setting a new standard for noise efficiency in round-frame designs.
Their acoustics are remarkably refined, and their performance characteristics are a cornerstone of the G2’s ability to outperform the already exceptional original.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of Noctua’s updated SecureFirm2+ mounting system.
This new design swaps traditional screws for a more robust Torx-based setup, improving durability and longevity of keeping the same product around from build-to-build.
It also follows Noctua’s commitment to compatibility with the latest Intel and AMD sockets. It’s a testament to their philosophy of customer-first engineering, with free socket hardware upgrades continuing to be a hallmark of the brand.
The G2 upgrades don’t stop there. It introduces three distinct models tailored to different CPU needs.
The Low Base Convexity (LBC) variant is optimized for flatter heat spreaders, such as those on AM4 and AM5 CPUs, while the High Base Convexity (HBC) model is ideal for more concave heat spreaders like Intel’s LGA1700 processors. For users seeking broad compatibility, the standard G2 covers a wide range of CPUs.
The packaging reflects Noctua’s unparalleled devotion to user experience. Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need for a seamless installation, including mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD sockets, a fan power splitter, a noise-reduction cable, the highly regarded NT-H2 thermal paste, a CPU cleaning pad, a redesigned Torx screwdriver, and even Noctua’s iconic metal PC badge. The level of care Noctua puts into these details continues to set them apart from the competition.
With exceptional RAM clearance, GPU compatibility, superior acoustics, and the best build quality anyone could ask for, the NH-D15 G2 is the model of Noctua’s engineering prowess. It doesn’t just inherit the crown from its predecessor, it elevates the standard.
Functionality
The phrase “best build quality anyone could ask for” somehow feels like an understatement when describing the NH-D15 G2. This cooler is overengineered, overbuilt, and overqualified, that is simply amazes me a company could care this much. It’s such a true testament to Noctua’s uncompromising approach to craftsmanship.
My original NH-D15, which I reviewed a decade ago, still looks and performs like the day it came out of the box. The G2 takes that legendary durability to new heights with a soldered interface between the heat pipes and fins, an all-metal structure, copper and aluminum components, and that aforementioned high-quality mounting hardware. Even that inclusion of a metal case badge is something nearly unheard of today and it shows how Noctua goes above and beyond.
Whether you’re a novice builder or a seasoned PC enthusiast, the G2’s installation process is as straightforward as it gets. Noctua provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that even its substantial size won’t intimidate you. New accessories, such as LGA1700 SHIM washers and a plastic thermal paste guard for AM5 sockets, further simplify installation and prevent issues like thermal paste leakage.
The contact pad of the G2 is a thing of beauty. Its massive, machined aluminum surface is polished to perfection, not just functional but visually striking. This design ensures exceptional thermal transfer, helping the cooler deliver class-leading performance.
I installed the NH-D15 G2 on an Intel i7-14700KF in a mid-tower case and ran it through a variety of gaming scenarios. At no point did the CPU experience overheating or ever crack the 80C degree mark!
Even when I previously used the NH-D15 G2 on a 13700 CPU prone to voltage spikes and temperature surges, the cooler managed the load effortlessly, masking the issue until it was explicitly investigated.
This speaks volumes about the G2’s thermal capacity and ability to handle even the most demanding CPUs, or broken ones for that matter.
For additional performance, I paired the cooler with a Thermal Grizzly CPU Contact Frame, further enhancing contact pressure.
The cooler consistently delivered low temperatures, often so effective that the fans turned off during lighter loads for completely silent operation. Whether it’s the premium NT-H2 thermal paste or the machined aluminum base, or likely a combination of both, the G2 excels in its class. Even compared to high-end liquid coolers like my Corsair iCUE H170i, the NH-D15 G2 holds its ground, offering similar thermal performance without the complexity of liquid cooling.
As you can see in the photos, this PC build might be a tribute to Noctua, but it’s simply because they’re the best in this category. This CPU is wildly quiet given the amount of fans installed and it stays impressively cool. I’m impressed at every single step and with every demanding load I can throw at it. If only I had the Noctua + Asus combo GPU to go along with all this!
As someone representing the average gamer and PC enthusiast, I can confidently say the NH-D15 G2 is exceptional. While sites like Tom’s Hardware provide detailed charts and benchmarks, my experience aligns with their findings. Instead of overwhelming you with numbers, I want to emphasize how well the G2 performs in real-world scenarios. Its functionality hasn’t just matched that of the original, it has surpassed it.
The NH-D15 G2 is as practical as it is powerful. It’s simple yet effective and it delivers whisper-quiet cooling without compromising on performance. Let’s not forget how striking it looks inside a modern glass-paneled case, especially when surrounded by a fleet of matching Noctua fans.
Love it or hate it, the tan-and-brown color scheme remains a signature of Noctua’s uncompromising quality, making the NH-D15 G2 as much a statement piece as it is a cooling powerhouse.
My Final Thoughts
This marks the first 10/10 perfect review I’ve ever given on Qwerty Articles, and for good reason. There’s simply nothing wrong with the NH-D15 G2.
Try as I might, I couldn’t find a single flaw to critique. Some reviewers might suggest that the $150 price tag is steep, but when you factor in the six-year warranty, impeccable build quality, and guaranteed support for future socket standards, the value becomes undeniable.
Noctua coolers often become a long-term investment, with users carrying them from build to build as a trusted staple of their setups.
The NH-D15 G2 stands as a testament to Noctua’s commitment to excellence. With its new NF-A14x25r 140mm fans, enhanced fin tower design, and optional variants tailored for specific CPU heat spreader types, this cooler doesn’t just meet expectations, it redefines them.
It’s a product I can wholeheartedly recommend, again and again, without hesitation. If you choose the NH-D15 G2, you’re not just buying a cooler; you’re buying peace of mind and top-tier performance.
Noctua has firmly established itself as the gold standard in air cooling, a brand synonymous with innovation and reliability. If their track record is any indication, they’ll continue to dominate the market for the next decade and beyond, delivering products that embody the pinnacle of engineering and performance just like they did today with the NH-D15 G2.
© 2024 Justin Vendette
