Wednesday, May 31st 2023
2nd Gen Noctua NH-D15 Takes the Fight to AIO CLCs
Here are some of the first pictures of Noctua's next-generation NH-D15 CPU cooler. One of the pioneers of this design, the D-15 in its 2024-bound avatar comes with a complete design overhaul, including its two large fin-stacks, that are designed not to impede components around the CPU socket, such as elaborate VRM and SSD heatsinks, rear I/O shrouds, and of course memory. The fin-stacks are denser, with a reduced gap between fins of 1.6 mm (compared to 1.9 mm of the original NH-D15), which translates to 20% more surface area for heat dissipation.
The surface for contact remains nickel-plated copper, but Noctua is using eight 6 mm-thick heatpipes, compared to six on the previous generation. The heatpipes make contact with practically the entire base plate, so this cooler should be suitable for even chiplet-based processors. Ventilation is care of two included "next-gen" 140 mm fans that offer superior performance and noise characteristics compared to anything in Noctua's lineup right now. The cooler uses Noctua's SecuFirm 2+ retention module using spring-loaded screws to mitigate excessive mounting pressure that can bend motherboard PCB. Noctua will include a tube of the company's latest NT-H2 thermal paste (9 W/mK), and NA-TPG1 thermal paste spill guard. The company plans to launch this cooler some time in Q2-2024.
The surface for contact remains nickel-plated copper, but Noctua is using eight 6 mm-thick heatpipes, compared to six on the previous generation. The heatpipes make contact with practically the entire base plate, so this cooler should be suitable for even chiplet-based processors. Ventilation is care of two included "next-gen" 140 mm fans that offer superior performance and noise characteristics compared to anything in Noctua's lineup right now. The cooler uses Noctua's SecuFirm 2+ retention module using spring-loaded screws to mitigate excessive mounting pressure that can bend motherboard PCB. Noctua will include a tube of the company's latest NT-H2 thermal paste (9 W/mK), and NA-TPG1 thermal paste spill guard. The company plans to launch this cooler some time in Q2-2024.
22 Comments on 2nd Gen Noctua NH-D15 Takes the Fight to AIO CLCs
What an imposing behemoth, can`t wait to see it in action.
EDIT:
Found this:
If you turn your computer off at night, a CLC/AIO makes a lot of sense. If you keep it running pretty much 24/7, you're really putting a lot of trust in a very small impeller pump.
My current system is ~6years old and runs 24/7. AIO (NZXT Kraken X61) still going strong.
Honestly, I feel like a lot of the fud people spread about AIOs is user error, improper mounting etc.
I'm sure this will be one of the best options on the market for horizontal motherboards, but that realistically means test benches, not built systems. Assuming it's around the $120-150 price point, there are easier-to use AIOs that cost less.
At this point im more excited about fuma3 since it looks like its a product that will actually launch and have 90% of NHD15 performance for ⅓ the price