tech

NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 performance data

NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 performance data

Noctua’s Standardised Performance Rating (NSPR) is a platform-independent classification system that allows customers to assess and compare the efficiency of Noctua CPU coolers at a glance: The higher the NSPR score, the better the heatsink’s performance. With a score of 228, the NH-D15 G2 sets a new benchmark.

The first basis for the NSPR is a measurement of thermal efficiency at a fixed heat-load that is chosen according to the performance class of the heatsink. In this test, the NH-D15 G2 performs 3.2°C better than the original NH-D15:

Bar chart comparing thermal efficiency (temperature) of NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 at 250W heat-load.

The second basis for the NSPR is a measurement of dissipation capacity that reflects a cooler’s ability to sustain high heat-loads. For this test, the heat-load is increased until a temperature of 60°C is reached and kept stable for 15 minutes. In this test, the NH-D15 G2 managed a massive 160W boost over the original NH-D15 and pushed beyond 600W:

Bar chart comparing heat dissipation capacity of NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 at 60°C heating element temperature.

The results of both tests are then combined and balanced by multiplying the first result by ten and dividing the heat-load of the second test by ten (see https://noctua.at/nspr). This gives an NSPR score of 228 for the NH-D15 G2 versus 183 for the original NH-D15, making the G2 the first cooler to break the barrier of 200 and easily Noctua‘s best performing model to date:

Bar chart comparing NSPR (Noctua’s Standardised Performance Rating) scores: NH-D15 G2 at 228 vs. NH-D15 at 183, showing performance improvement of the G2.

On modern AMD and Intel CPUs with 180-250W heat-loads, this performance advantage will typically translate into a 2-3°C temperature reduction when comparing the original NH-D15 to the standard version NH-D15 G2 that uses the same medium base convexity:

Bar chart showing thermal performance of NH-D15, standard G2, LBC and HBC versions on Ryzen 9 7950X (180W) with and without offset mounting.
Bar chart showing thermal performance of NH-D15, standard G2, LBC and HBC versions on Core i9-13900K (250W) with washer mod and contact frame.

For further information about the Noctua Standardised Performance Rating, please see this article.

Mentioned products

Explore the products featured in this article.

NH-D15 G2

NH-D15 G2 HBC

NH-D15 G2 LBC