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.
Next-generation performance
For an entire decade, the original NH-D15 was widely regarded as the best air cooler on the market. The G2 version continues this legacy by further improving the renowned quiet cooling performance of its iconic predecessor. Especially in challenging conditions with higher heat-loads, the NH-D15 G2 can achieve up to several degrees lower temperatures and thereby offer a thermal headroom that enables higher turbo clock speeds.
Optimised, asymmetrical fin-stacks
The NH-D15 G2 has been painstakingly optimised to best utilise the superior airflow and pressure performance of the novel NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans. Thanks to the fans’ improved P/Q performance, the fin-spacing could be reduced from 1.9mm to 1.6mm, which made it possible to integrate 23 extra fins and increase total fin surface area by 20%. At the same time, the width of the front fin-stack has been cut by 5mm so that the loading is more balanced between the two fans.
More performance, smaller size
Thanks to the higher fin density made possible by the new NF-A14x25r G2 fans as well as the asymmetrical fin-stacks and a slightly smaller gap between the stacks, the G2 version combines improved performance with a slightly smaller size compared to the original NH-D15 (9mm less heatsink depth, same heatsink width, same total height including fans).
8 heatpipes for superior performance at higher heat-loads
The NH-D15 G2 utilises eight instead of six heatpipes compared to the original NH-D15. The increased thermal capacity of the extra heatpipes is especially helpful at extreme heat-loads such as 250W and beyond, where the performance boost over the original NH-D15 is the biggest.
Three variants for platform-specific optimisation
Optimal contact quality between the heatsink and the CPU is vital for achieving the best possible cooling performance. Since current CPU platforms differ significantly in terms of contact surface flatness and hotspot location, the NH-D15 G2 is available in a regular all-round version with medium base convexity as well as specialised LBC (Low Base Convexity) and HBC (High Base Convexity) variants in order to ensure the best possible contact in different scenarios.
Regular all-round version with medium base convexity
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 fresh, unused LGA1700 CPUs when utilising the included NM-ISW1 shim washers or so-called contact frames to reduce CPU deformation from ILM pressure.
NM-ISW1 shim washers for reducing CPU deformation on LGA1700
Adding 1mm shim washers underneath the LGA1700 socket’s ILM (Independent Loading Mechanism) will lower the pressure that the ILM exerts onto the CPU and thereby reduce the deformation that occurs due to this pressure, which can yield typical temperature improvements of around 2-3°C.
Offset design for better PCIe clearance
Like the NH-D15S, the NH-D15 G2 is offset towards the upper edge of the motherboard (when installed in standard orientation blowing towards the I/O panel) to increase clearance towards the PCIe slots. This enables it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current motherboards.
High RAM compatibility in single fan mode
Thanks to its recessed lower fins, the NH-D15 G2 provides at least 59mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks in single fan mode, making it compatible with most high-end RAM modules on the market.
Two NF-A14x25r G2 fans
Noctua’s next-generation NF-A14x25r G2 fans set a new benchmark for performance-to-noise efficiency in round-frame 140mm fans. Their superb acoustics and superior airflow and pressure characteristics enable the NH-D15 G2 to push beyond its legendary predecessor.
Speed-offset for optimal acoustics
The two NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans used on the NH-D15 G2 are slightly offset in speed (+/- ~25rpm) to ensure optimal acoustics and avoid harmonics phenomena.
PWM control with wide speed range
The NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans can be PWM-controlled from their maximum speed of 1500rpm down to 300rpm, allowing maximum performance or near-silent operation.
Fans stop at 0% PWM
When the fans are set to 0% PWM duty cycle, they will stop, ideal for setups with semi-passive cooling.
Low-Noise Adaptors
The NH-D15 G2 is supplied with two Low-Noise Adaptors (L.N.A.) that reduce the maximum fan speed from 1500 to 1300rpm.
Excellent component cooling
Extending below the fin-stacks, the large NF-A14x25r G2 fans contribute to the NH-D15 G2’s CPU cooling capabilities and provide airflow over surrounding motherboard components.
SecuFirm2+™ Torx-based multi-socket mounting system
Noctua’s professional SecuFirm2+™ mounting system, compatible with Intel and AMD sockets, provides quality, safety, and easy installation.
Offset mounting option for AMD AM5
The NH-D15 G2 includes offset mounting bars for AM5 that make it possible to install the cooler shifted towards the south side of the socket by 7mm.
Compatibility with past and future sockets
Thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm™ ecosystem, the NH-D15 G2 can be made compatible with older sockets and provides upgrade kits for future sockets.
NT-H2 next-gen thermal compound
The NH-D15 G2 includes Noctua’s NT-H2 thermal compound for even better cooling results than NT-H1.
Thermal paste guard for AMD AM5
The NA-TPG1 prevents excess thermal paste from accumulating in AM5 CPU heatspreader cut-outs, making it easier to clean.
Soldered interface between heatpipes and fins
The NH-D15 G2’s fins are soldered to the heatpipes for a superior thermal interface that remains effective over years of use.
6-year manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua products are known for quality and longevity. The NH-D15 G2 heatsink and its NF-A14x25r G2 fans are backed by a full 6-year warranty.