Tuesday, July 2nd 2024
Noctua Announces $150 Flagship NH-D15 G2 CPU Coolers and NF-A14x25r G2 140mm Fans
Noctua today released its long-awaited NH-D15 G2 next-gen flagship model CPU cooler and NF-A14x25r G2 round-frame 140 mm fans. Continuing the legacy of the iconic NH-D15 and its NF-A15 fans, the new G2 products come packed with Noctua's latest technologies and have been carefully refined in all respects to provide even better quiet cooling performance than their award-winning predecessors.
"Our G2 products have been years in the making, and it feels amazing to finally be able to offer the first of them to our customers", says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "We faced various challenges in both design and manufacturing, but we've cut no corners and gone the extra mile to make sure that the G2's will be worthy successors to some of our most iconic models. When you have them in your hands, I'm confident that you'll be able to sense some of the dedication and perseverance that went into creating these fans and coolers."
The NH-D15 G2 is the further improved second generation of Noctua's iconic NH-D15. With its state-of-the-art, speed-offset NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans, eight heatpipes and asymmetrical fin-stacks that have been carefully fine-tuned to work in tandem with the new fans, it achieves even better quiet cooling performance than its award-winning predecessor. As such, the G2 version is a true flagship model that continues the legacy of the original NH-D15 by pushing the boundaries of air cooling and rivalling the efficiency of many all-in-one (AIO) water cooling solutions.
In addition to its further improved performance, the NH-D15 G2 also offers enhanced compatibility thanks to an offset construction that allows it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current motherboards. Last but not least, the G2 version has been upgraded to the Torx -based SecuFirm2+ multi-socket mounting system with included NM-SD1 screwdriver as well as to Noctua's superior NT-H2 thermal compound. In short, the NH-D15 G2 has been further refined in virtually all respects from the heatsink and the fans all the way down to the mounting, thermal paste and accessory package. Topped off with Noctua's trusted 6-year manufacturer's warranty, it's the new number one choice for customers who demand the best of the best in air cooling.
Taking platform-specific optimisation to a new level, the NH-D15 G2 is available in a regular, standard version and two specialised variants: The regular NH-D15 G2 uses the same medium base convexity as most other Noctua heatsinks, which makes it a perfect all-rounder that provides optimal results on AM5 with the included offset mounting and on LGA1700 CPUs when utilising the included NM-ISW1 shim washers (or optional, so-called contact frames ) to reduce CPU deformation from ILM pressure. The HBC (High Base Convexity) variant is specifically optimised for LGA1700 processors that are used with full ILM pressure or have become permanently deformed in long-term use, providing excellent contact quality despite the CPU's concave shape. The LBC (Low Base Convexity) variant, by contrast, is specifically optimised for relatively flat CPUs. As such, it offers excellent contact quality on AMD AM5 even without the offset mounting as well as on other comparably flat CPUs (e.g. AM4, LGA2066, LGA2011(-3), lapped or custom flat heatspreaders, etc.).
For customers who would like to upgrade existing heatsinks such as the first-generation NH-D15, NH-D15S or NH-U14S series coolers, the new round-frame NF-A14x25r G2 fans will also be available separately, both in a regular single fan package (NF-A14x25r G2 PWM) and a dedicated dual fan package for push-pull configurations (NF-A14x25r G2 PWM Sx2-PP). Like the fans that come pre-installed on the NH-D15 G2, the ones included in the Sx2-PP set are fine-tuned with a 50rpm speed offset to prevent acoustic interaction phenomena such as periodic humming or intermittent vibrations.
The square frame version of the NF-A14x25 G2 fan for water cooling radiators and case cooling applications is currently scheduled for September.
Performance Claims
[Editor's Note: Some of the graphs do not start at 0, which could visually skew the results for you.]
Refer to this Noctua article for the company's performance claims.
Product PagesSuggested retail prices
The manufacturer's suggested retail prices are as follows:
"Our G2 products have been years in the making, and it feels amazing to finally be able to offer the first of them to our customers", says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "We faced various challenges in both design and manufacturing, but we've cut no corners and gone the extra mile to make sure that the G2's will be worthy successors to some of our most iconic models. When you have them in your hands, I'm confident that you'll be able to sense some of the dedication and perseverance that went into creating these fans and coolers."
In addition to its further improved performance, the NH-D15 G2 also offers enhanced compatibility thanks to an offset construction that allows it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current motherboards. Last but not least, the G2 version has been upgraded to the Torx -based SecuFirm2+ multi-socket mounting system with included NM-SD1 screwdriver as well as to Noctua's superior NT-H2 thermal compound. In short, the NH-D15 G2 has been further refined in virtually all respects from the heatsink and the fans all the way down to the mounting, thermal paste and accessory package. Topped off with Noctua's trusted 6-year manufacturer's warranty, it's the new number one choice for customers who demand the best of the best in air cooling.
Taking platform-specific optimisation to a new level, the NH-D15 G2 is available in a regular, standard version and two specialised variants: The regular NH-D15 G2 uses the same medium base convexity as most other Noctua heatsinks, which makes it a perfect all-rounder that provides optimal results on AM5 with the included offset mounting and on LGA1700 CPUs when utilising the included NM-ISW1 shim washers (or optional, so-called contact frames ) to reduce CPU deformation from ILM pressure. The HBC (High Base Convexity) variant is specifically optimised for LGA1700 processors that are used with full ILM pressure or have become permanently deformed in long-term use, providing excellent contact quality despite the CPU's concave shape. The LBC (Low Base Convexity) variant, by contrast, is specifically optimised for relatively flat CPUs. As such, it offers excellent contact quality on AMD AM5 even without the offset mounting as well as on other comparably flat CPUs (e.g. AM4, LGA2066, LGA2011(-3), lapped or custom flat heatspreaders, etc.).
For customers who would like to upgrade existing heatsinks such as the first-generation NH-D15, NH-D15S or NH-U14S series coolers, the new round-frame NF-A14x25r G2 fans will also be available separately, both in a regular single fan package (NF-A14x25r G2 PWM) and a dedicated dual fan package for push-pull configurations (NF-A14x25r G2 PWM Sx2-PP). Like the fans that come pre-installed on the NH-D15 G2, the ones included in the Sx2-PP set are fine-tuned with a 50rpm speed offset to prevent acoustic interaction phenomena such as periodic humming or intermittent vibrations.
The square frame version of the NF-A14x25 G2 fan for water cooling radiators and case cooling applications is currently scheduled for September.
Performance Claims
[Editor's Note: Some of the graphs do not start at 0, which could visually skew the results for you.]
Product PagesSuggested retail prices
The manufacturer's suggested retail prices are as follows:
- NH-D15 G2: EUR 149.90 / USD 149.90
- NH-D15 G2 LBC: EUR 149.90 / USD 149.90
- NH-D15 G2 HBC: EUR 149.90 / USD 149.90
- NF-A14x25r G2 PWM: EUR 39.90 / USD 39.90
- NF-A14x25r G2 PWM Sx2-PP: EUR 79.80 / USD 79.80
164 Comments on Noctua Announces $150 Flagship NH-D15 G2 CPU Coolers and NF-A14x25r G2 140mm Fans
Different shaped base models is also a rather poor choice. Got a convex package cpu this time, all set… The next gen cpu package is concave, too bad sol, enjoy your worse performance. Sort of defeats the point of air cooler longevity with this approach.
Sure, berating even expensive products when there is grounds for it is fine. I agree here. See HiFimans notorious QC issues even on pricier models or, as you mentioned, Audeze. Noctua do at least live up to their price reliability-wise, that’s already a plus.
As for JLR… Well, you know the joke. “80% of all Land Rovers are still on the road. The rest have actually reached their destination.”
Yes, this is still viable product, at this prices, as there should be many offerings available for purchase, as it eventually will find it's customers. As much as such halo products should exist as an showroom example of air-cooling advantacement and tech specs. But as a real world product, this will be very limited, no matter how good product will be.
So far, I'm not sure about the heat-pipe longevity of Thermalright products, and how much tougher the NH-D15 G2 is compared to the original version. But seeing that NH-D15S being throttled out, while the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO kept churning the air with about 6°C cooler than NH-D15.... And this is for a one thirds of the G2's MSRP. The real price would be closer to $200, without a doubt. I guess many people would find the way to tollerate the TR sad naming, that can be only seen on the product box.
Noctua here gives a choice no competiton have ever bothered to give and solves the concern of any other cooler being more suitable for one of these types of platforms - it's pure added value and one optional. It would be a poor choice if there was no standard version.
As for the subject, the air cooling has reached it's limit. Unless there's some breakthrough, or some magic involved, the heatsink itself has barely any room for improvements. And I strongly doubt this cooler is a case here. I'm somewhat lean to the idea of the entire change lies in the fans themselves. And looks like it's the entire sellpoint of this cooler. But $40 MSRP is no way to justify, for a fan, that is still unproven, and not tested in real world conditions. The amount of retries the NF-A14x25 has passed through, doesn't inspire confidence very much. It may end up brilliant fan and product. But where's the chace it would work great outside D15 G2 combo? And for the $80, there's no point in upgrading the original D15 fans either, as there can be bough entire better performing coolers instead.
For those that are less tech inclined/literate, and will rely on recommendations from more in the know sites/youtubers/etc…, more options when it comes to such a minute difference suddenly becomes 6-8c difference with wrong/opposite base type, with the potential to perform worse than coolers less than half the cost. Sub-models only serve to increase manf. costs, muddy buying decisions, incease returns, and leave a publicity hole for the “gamers-nexus minded” consumer to socially slam Noctua any chance they get.
13900k (250W) at 49-55C max
7950X (180W) at 44-49C max
holy moly
AMD has the issue either. Though it is less concearning, this is still a flaw. At least there's no bending at AM5 IHS itself. But I think that, if AMD was going with completely new socket, with completely different approach, they would as well rather using the completely new, different IHS design, instead of sticking for the old, pointless tolerances, that could be mitigated by cooler makers with the basic addition of correct height standoffs. However, this seems ended up in overall sturdy and reliable socket and CPU design, with decent CPU contact and absence of deformations. I think this still is a better trade off, that somewhat sacrifices the thermal dissipation, but otherwise omits the further reliability issues.
But I guess the solution for better heat transfer for OC geeks, can be in CPU makers tomake some special SKUs versions for overclockers, which exclude the IHS altogether, might as well the warraty itself.Prepaying, even considering, that newer cooler iterations lack those mounting brackets altogether, while maintaining the same price.
And it still costs $50 today as it did in 1984.
But about my imagined statement, it'd be better than an AIO with a dead pump definitely. The new passive cooler can handle those CPUs fine with an average sustained load, say under 150w. If somehow BOTH fans die on a D15, more than likely the user would also have case fans to help with airflow.
You’ve already emphatically stated you think people trying to get the last few degrees for cooling is something to “laugh at”, seems you need to make up your mind on whether this is really a necessary segmentation.
Merely pointing out multiple base types can cause problems down the line, obsoleting a cooler if your one to chase those last few degrees. Or that retooling manf. equipment for subtle changes doesn’t add to cost saddled by the end user for potential pointless differences. And so on. Spend some time outside of your box.
It's a nice update if you're trying to min max your build, but I rather min max my wallet :cool: