Noctua continues to be the top-notch manufacturer of cooling components. The company has a reputation built on superior quality, low-noise operation, and impressive performance. Our Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review will feature the successor of the award-winning NH-D15.
The NH-D15 G2 equips new and improved features, allowing it to perform better than its predecessor. Noctua added heat pipes and carefully fine-tuned the fin stacks to accommodate the cooling needs of modern PCs. With these features, the new generation cooler continues to be a top-notch flagship model, carrying the legacy of its predecessor.
Can this air cooler rival the efficiency of other cooling solutions? Our
Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review will discuss all the details to answer the question.
Noctua NH-D15 G2 Packaging
Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review – Design and Functionality
When we examined the product for this Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review, we noticed the asymmetrical layout of the aluminium fins. It is a unique design that other manufacturers do not implement.
Its asymmetrical design pushes the cooler closer to the motherboard’s top VRM heatsink. The trimmed bottom fins offer more room for accommodating taller RAM modules with a single-fan layout.
The NH-D15 G2’s maximum height is 168mm, including the fans. It is also heavy, weighing 1.52kg.
The cooler uses bare aluminium fins. This material is prone to having fingerprints, so we recommend wearing gloves when building your PC. It has no top plates or plastic shrouds, making it look premium.
In addition, this cooler has nickel-plated heat pipes and base, offering a high-quality finish. Although slightly convex, the base does not show machining marks.
NF-A14x25r G2 Fans
Noctua equipped the NH-D15 G2 with updated fans: the NF-A14x25r G2. These offer 91.5 CFM maximum airflow and 1500 highest rpm.
We were impressed with the NF-A14x25r G2’s cooling capabilities. This updated version provided more airflow than its predecessor while testing the performance for our Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review.
Key Features of the Noctua NH-D15 G2
Advanced Performance
For a decade, the original NH-D15 was the top choice of enthusiasts and PC builders. Noctua upgraded it by launching the G2, the next-generation cooler that succeeds the NH-D15. The company implemented various new features and improvements to enhance its cooling performance.
This new cooler can achieve lower temperatures and provide thermal headroom for high turbo clock speeds. It works effectively, even if under demanding conditions. Although it has several changes, Noctua retains its quiet performance and adequate cooling.
Asymmetrical Fin-Stacks Optimised for Airflow
Noctua thoughtfully crafted the NH-D15 G2 to fully harness the airflow and pressure capabilities of the advanced NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans. The improved P/Q performance of these fans made it possible to reduce the gap between the fins from 1.9mm to 1.6mm. It makes room for 23 extra fins and a 20% increase in fin surface area.
Reduced Size, Increased Performance
The increased fin density and asymmetrical fin stacks enhance performance, even with the more compact design. These offer better cooling than the original NH-D15, allowing the new model to meet modern demands.
Eight Heat Pipes Boosting Performance at Higher Heat Loads
Noctua added two more heat pipes in the G2 version, an upgrade from the original model, which only had six. The increased thermal capacity is beneficial for intense heat loads.
When we used the product for this Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review, we were impressed with its cooling capabilities. The newly implemented improvements allowed the cooler to retain low temperatures throughout our tests.
RAM Compatibility
The NH-D15 G2 provides 59mm of memory clearance in a single-fan setup, ensuring compatibility with most premium RAM modules.
Using a dual-fan configuration decreases the RAM height clearance to 32mm.
Using a dual-fan configuration decreases the RAM height clearance to 32mm.
Two NF-A14x25r G2 Fans
The next-generation NF-A14x25r G2 fans set a higher standard for performance-to-noise efficiency in 140mm fans. These fans deliver unparalleled acoustics and airflow, exceeding the thermal results of the previous model.
PWM Control
The NF-A14x25r G2 allows PWM control with speeds ranging from 300 to 1,500 rpm. PWM control lets you achieve the best thermal and acoustic results.
We loved using this feature while testing the product for our Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review. It allowed us to adjust the fans and choose from maximum performance or quiet operation.
Superior Cooling for Your Components
The NF-A14x25r G2 fans extend below the fin stacks, contributing to the impressive thermal results of the cooler. They offer adequate airflow to the surrounding motherboard heatsinks and components for superior performance.
Torx-based SecuFirm2+Multi-Socket Mounting System
The SecuFirm2+ mounting system, featuring a Torx-based design, enhances durability and ease of handling. These support a range of Intel and AMD sockets.
Versatile Socket Compatibility
The SecuFirm kit ensures compatibility with older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets. Noctua includes the NM-I3 mounting kit at no extra cost to enable this support.
The company also provides upgrade kits for future sockets. Future-proofing is one of the reasons why Noctua is the top choice of PC builders.
NT-H2 Thermal Compound
Like other Noctua coolers, the company packs the NH-D15 G2 with a tube of the NT-H2 thermal compound. It works better than the previous NT-H1, allowing coolers to achieve the best thermal results.
Soldered Interface Between Fins and Heat Pipes
Unlike most heatsinks with press-fitted fins, the NH-D15 G2 has them soldered to the heat pipes. Soldering ensures longevity and slows deterioration, allowing it to withstand years of thermal cycling.
Hands-on with the Noctua NH-D15 G2
Before testing the cooler for our Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review, we began by installing it on our PC. The process was straightforward and efficient, thanks to the comprehensive mounting kits and accessories Noctua included in the package.
The clear instructions and high-quality components made the setup process smooth, even for users with limited experience.
This coolers thermal performance rivals many high-end liquid cooling solutions, highlighting the NH-D15 G2’s engineering excellence and efficiency.
In addition to its outstanding thermal performance, the NH-D15 G2 operated with noticeably lower noise levels than the original NH-D15.
While Noctua only made minor changes to the fan technology, these refinements significantly improved acoustic performance. This enhancement made the cooler a top choice for those prioritising both cooling efficiency and quiet operation.
Even at increased fan speeds, the noise output of the NH-D15 G2 remained well-controlled. Although slightly more audible under full load, the sound levels were not disruptive, ensuring a comfortable experience during intensive tasks like gaming or rendering.
This balance of power and acoustics underscores Noctua’s commitment to delivering premium cooling solutions.
What impressed us the most during our testing was the NH-D15 G2’s ability to maintain optimal temperatures under heavy loads. High-performance processors stayed below 74°C, even during stress tests, outperforming many all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers.
This remarkable thermal performance solidifies the NH-D15 G2 as one of the most capable air coolers on the market.
Noctua NH-D15 G2 Review Summary
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, delivering superior cooling performance and enhanced features for modern PCs. With additional heat pipes, refined fin stacks, and the inclusion of advanced NF-A14x25r G2 fans, this air cooler sets a new benchmark for thermal efficiency and noise control in its class.
Its innovative design, including an asymmetrical layout and improved RAM clearance, ensures compatibility with a wide range of builds while maintaining exceptional cooling capabilities. The SecuFirm2+ mounting system and future-proof socket support further enhance its versatility, making it a reliable choice for both enthusiasts and professional PC builders.
During our tests, the NH-D15 G2 exceeded expectations by keeping high-performance processors under 65°C, even during intense workloads. Its low thermal resistance rivals that of high-end liquid cooling solutions, while its quiet operation underscores Noctua’s reputation for balancing performance and acoustics.
The NH-D15 G2 is a standout air cooler that combines cutting-edge technology, impeccable design, and proven reliability. Whether upgrading or building a new system, this flagship model is a top-tier choice for uncompromised cooling and noise reduction.
