Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black: A Review of the Ultimate Air Cooler
The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black has established itself as a formidable player in the realm of air cooling solutions. With its dual-tower design, premium build quality, and impressive cooling performance, this CPU cooler appeals to both gaming enthusiasts and professionals alike. This review will take an in-depth look at its features, performance, and user experiences to determine if it lives up to the reputation Noctua has built over the years.
Design and Build Quality
Premium Aesthetic Appeal
From the moment you unbox the NH-D15 Chromax Black, it’s evident that Noctua has prioritized quality. The all-black aesthetic gives it a modern look, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a sleek, understated appearance in their builds. The cooler’s dimensions of 6.34 x 5.91 x 6.5 inches and weight of 2.87 pounds contribute to its robust presence inside a case. The dual-tower design is not only visually striking but also effective in dissipating heat.
Impressive Engineering
The NH-D15 features an extra-wide 140mm dual-tower design with six heat pipes, ensuring efficient heat transfer from the CPU. The fans included in this package, the NF-A15 140mm fans, are known for their reliability and whisper-quiet operation. The inclusion of Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for automatic speed control enhances its usability by providing full cooling performance when needed while remaining silent during idle periods.
Performance Evaluation
Cooling Efficiency
One of the standout features of the NH-D15 Chromax Black is its cooling prowess. Many users have reported temperatures well within acceptable limits, even under heavy loads. For instance, one user noted that their i7 8700K CPU, pushed to the limits with 4K gaming, reached a maximum temperature of only 68°C. This is impressive compared to many all-in-one liquid coolers. Idle temperatures can drop to around 22°C, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize low temperatures.
Noise Levels
The NH-D15 shines in the noise department as well. Users have consistently praised its quiet operation, stating that the fans can be virtually silent at lower RPMs. While some have noted that the fans become slightly audible when reaching over 60% duty cycle, the noise levels are still manageable and significantly quieter than many air coolers on the market. The overall acoustics of the cooler make it ideal for silent builds or environments where noise is a concern.
Installation and Compatibility
User-Friendly Setup
Noctua has incorporated their SecuFirm2 mounting system, which simplifies installation across various platforms, including Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, and AMD AM5 & AM4. Even users who are new to PC building have reported that the installation process is straightforward and hassle-free. The included high-quality NT-H1 thermal paste further simplifies the process, ensuring optimal thermal conductivity.
Size Considerations
However, it is essential to consider the size of the NH-D15 when planning your build. With a height requirement of 165mm, users must ensure their cases can accommodate this height. Additionally, some users have reported issues with RAM clearance, especially with taller heat spreaders. While the cooler does fit most standard setups, potential buyers should measure their cases and components to avoid compatibility issues.
User Experiences
Positive Feedback
Many users rave about the NH-D15 for its performance and durability. One user highlighted how they swapped out a failed all-in-one cooler for the NH-D15 and experienced a noticeable improvement in cooling efficiency and reliability. For users who are wary of the potential complications associated with AIO coolers, the NH-D15 presents a reliable alternative that promises longevity and consistent performance.
Minor Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, there are a few minor drawbacks that users have noted. The requirement for a larger clearance and the potential obstruction of nearby components can be a concern for some. Additionally, the visual design of the fans, where the Noctua label appears on the side, may not align with everyone’s aesthetic preferences. However, these issues are relatively minor compared to the overall performance and reliability of the cooler.
Conclusion
In summary, the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black is an exceptional air cooler that excels in cooling efficiency, build quality, and quiet operation. It is a worthy investment for anyone looking to enhance their cooling solution, whether for gaming or heavy workloads. While it may be larger than some alternatives, its performance and reliability more than justify the space it occupies.
Overall Rating: 4.8/5⭐
Ratings Breakdown:
- Design and Build Quality: 5/5
- Cooling Performance: 5/5
- Noise Levels: 4.5/5
- Installation and Compatibility: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the NH-D15 compatible with AMD and Intel processors?
A1: Yes, the NH-D15 is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, and AMD AM5 & AM4.
Q2: How much space do I need to install the NH-D15?
A2: The cooler requires around 165mm of height clearance; however, it is advisable to check your case dimensions and RAM height to ensure a proper fit.
Q3: Is the NH-D15 a good choice for overclocking?
A3: Yes, the NH-D15 provides excellent cooling performance, making it suitable for users looking to overclock their CPUs.
Q4: How do the noise levels of the NH-D15 compare to other coolers?
A4: The NH-D15 is known for its quiet operation, with users reporting that it remains virtually silent at lower RPMs, making it quieter than many air coolers and even some AIO coolers.
Q5: Does the NH-D15 come with thermal paste?
A5: Yes, the NH-D15 includes high-quality NT-H1 thermal paste for optimal thermal conductivity during installation.
Bill –
I built my machine about three months ago and found that while the NH-9DL performed well with the i7-9700K, it struggled with overclocking, causing temperatures to rise and stability to drop. After watching LinusTechTips’ review of the D15, I decided to make the switch to an AIO cooler.
Here are a few things I discovered:
1 – I have 64GB of RAM, and while the D15 is quite large, I decided to give it a shot. It cleared the RAM, but unfortunately, it didn’t fit over the second heat spreader on the motherboard (Noctua did mention that the second fan might not fit).
2 – Although the second fan couldn’t be installed in the intended spot, it fit about an inch away from the fins in the case, significantly improving airflow compared to the original case fan.
3 – The original mounting bracket from the NH-9D was compatible with the new fan, which saved me time and made installation even simpler.
4 – As a bonus, the 9D fan with the 15D springs fit in a space where the 15D couldn’t, effectively giving me three fans on the cooler!
5 – Another bonus was the inclusion of several extension cables for the fans, allowing me to power them all easily.
After completing the installation, I began overclocking and stress testing. I ran Cinebench R20, customizing it to use 256 render threads to really push my CPU. I conducted multiple back-to-back tests until the chip reached its maximum temperature (averaging six runs).
The results were impressive. I went from:
89 degrees Celsius during stress testing at default settings,
to
a maximum of 64 degrees Celsius while stress testing and overclocked!
Not only did I see lower temperatures, but the overclock was also more stable. Wow! Noctua really nailed it.
In terms of noise, the D15 is slightly louder than the 9D, but it’s not a significant difference.
UPDATE:
I downloaded OCCT and ran its burn-in test, reaching 75 degrees Celsius after minutes of maxing out the CPU. The best part is that whenever the CPU dropped out of overclocking settings, it cooled back down to 35 degrees in seconds. Unless you’re overclocking to 5.1GHz and doing intensive video or 3D graphic work for hours, the D15 will keep your system cool.
I personally overclock for gaming and also work with BIM and 3D scanning, processing large GB-sized 3D point clouds into mesh. Even during those demanding tasks, I never exceeded 70 degrees, and everything remained rock solid.
In conclusion, while custom water cooling might perform slightly better, I highly doubt any AIO could outperform the D15, especially given the price point. If you’re upgrading from a Noctua 9 or 12, you can easily reuse the fans and all the extras included in this kit.
Fernando Cobos –
This is my second one. Every detail is well thought out, and it meets all my expectations. It’s quiet and cools effectively.
James Kirk –
This heater seems capable of handling nearly any challenge. When my water cooler failed, I had never assembled a PC before, so I opted for an air cooler thinking it would be simpler to install. The setup was easy, and my cooler has been performing reliably for two years now.
Fernando Cobos –
If you’re looking for the best air cooling solution for your CPU, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is the answer. This dual-tower cooler is an absolute powerhouse, capable of handling even the hottest CPUs while maintaining remarkable silence.
Outstanding Performance:
Absolute Silence:
One of the most impressive aspects of this cooler is its silence. Even under heavy load, the fans remain incredibly quiet, providing a comfortable user experience.
Sleek Design:
The chromax.black version, with its matte black finish, fits seamlessly into any build, adding a touch of elegance to your PC.
Recommended for:
In conclusion:
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is an exceptional cooler that delivers top-tier cooling performance, absolute silence, and a sleek design. It’s an investment worth every penny for those seeking the best for their CPU. A well-deserved 5 stars!
Antonio Ribeiro de Oliveira –
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is an outstanding CPU cooler for those seeking efficient processor cooling. With its two large 140mm fans and dual tower design, it delivers impressive cooling performance, making it ideal for demanding setups and overclocking. The chromax.black model features a sleek black finish that seamlessly fits into modern PCs. In addition to its efficiency, it operates quietly, which is a great advantage if you want a high-performing yet discreet computer. However, be aware that it is quite large, so ensure your case has enough space and that your RAM modules are not too tall. While it is somewhat pricey for a cooler, the quality and performance of Noctua make it worth every penny. If you’re looking for something solid and reliable, this is an excellent choice!
Lou –
It looks impressive inside the case, and the build materials (from the moment you take it out of the box) feel very premium. The temperatures are incredibly good for an air cooler; I tested it with my i7-8700, which tends to run hot (without delidding or anything unusual), and the maximum temperature I reached was 67° under heavy stress. I also ran a test with all fans completely off (both CPU and case) and it hit 98 degrees after nearly 10 minutes with the CPU-Z test.
The fans are barely audible; during normal operation, the hard drive is louder than the fans.
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion: Highly recommended; it’s the best air cooling solution I’ve tried and outperforms many liquid coolers without the complications.
CharlesG –
This cooler is truly impressive. The quality is evident in every detail, from the fin design to the finish, the mounting bracket, and the CPU mounting surface.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks:
Despite these issues, I still rate the product 5 stars. It ranks among the best coolers for performance and ease of installation—if only all tower coolers were this straightforward to mount.
In terms of temperatures, it maintains my Ryzen 3700X between 70C and 78C under extended Prime 95 load in a 24C room within the Fractal Design Define C case, using Noctua 120mm case fans (2 in the front, 2 on top, and 1 in the rear). At its peak, alongside a GTX 1070 running Furmark, it stays in this temperature range with all fans operating at around 60% duty cycle, never needing to engage the aggressive fan curve for temperatures above 80C. That said, my case is set up for quiet operation rather than maximum cooling, so other cases might perform better.
During regular use, temperatures hover around 40C to 60C. I’m still adjusting the Ryzen 3000 settings to manage its aggressive voltage spikes and boosts by default, stabilizing fan curves until it reaches 70C to avoid random spikes in speed.
All in all, this cooler is excellent, and I would definitely purchase it again.
Bill –
I replaced my failing all-in-one cooler with this product, and the results blew me away. I didn’t even need a second fan to keep my i7 8700K CPU’s temperature around 68°C while playing Hogwarts in 4K. When idle, it hovers around 22°C. I could add the second fan, but it would stick out and prevent me from closing the front glass of my case, which isn’t a problem given my current usage. If you’re into overclocking, the extra fan might help, but for 4K gaming, this cooler performs excellently. I found that the temperature difference between using one fan versus two was only about 1°C based on various tests I checked. It’s surprisingly quiet, especially considering how much air it moves. Most importantly, I no longer have to worry about the reliability issues common with AIO coolers. After this experience, I see no reason to choose an AIO cooler over this one, except for aesthetics. I did sacrifice some flashy lights, but I’m thrilled to have eliminated the stress of a liquid cooler. It looks fantastic, is of high quality, and is worth every cent. The installation was straightforward, the instructions were clear, and everything I needed was included. I highly recommend it.
CharlesG –
You can’t go wrong with this product. Noctua offers outstanding customer support, and they truly stand behind their products. It looks stunning in my PC; I actually prefer its larger size, as it adds a unique and appealing aesthetic compared to a standard AIO cooler. It outperforms any well-known liquid cooling option and operates quietly.
Broogs –
Very good, silent.