NH-D15 chromax.black

The NH-D15 chromax.black is an all-black version of Noctua’s award-winning flagship model NH-D15 premium-quality quiet CPU cooler. Thanks to the same proven dual-tower heatsink design and NF-A15 PWM fans, it stays true to the NH-D15’s successful formula of rivalling the performance of all-in-one water coolers while maintaining superb quietness of operation. At the same time, the chromax.black version with its black fans and black coated heatsink combines these assets with a sleek stealth look. Topped off with the renowned SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, Noctua’s enthusiast-grade NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NH-D15 chromax.black is a deluxe choice for both overclockers and silent enthusiasts who seek an elite-class heatsink that looks just as great as it cools.

Details

Award-winning NH-D15 cooler

Tens of thousands of enthusiast users all over the world swear by the NH-D15’s quality and performance. Recommended by more than 200 international hardware websites and magazines, it is renowned for being one of the best high-end coolers on the market.

chromax.black design

The NH-D15 chromax.black is black from head to toe: Featuring a black coated heatsink, black fans with black anti-vibration-pads, black fan clips and black mounting parts, it’s right at home in all-black builds and easy to integrate with other colour schemes.

Colour-customisable

Using the optional NA-HC3 and NA-HC4 heatsink covers as well as the NA-SAVP3 anti-vibration pads (available in black, blue, green, red, yellow, white), the NH-D15 chromax.black can be fully customised to fit popular build colour schemes such as black and red or black and white.

6 heatpipe dual tower design

As compared to conventional single tower heatinks, the NH-D15's fine-tuned six heatpipe dual tower design provides more surface area, better heat-distribution and superior airflow efficiency in dual fan mode.

Widened fin stack and expanded heatpipe layout

Compared to the NH-D14, the NH-D15's fin-stack has been widened from 140 to 150mm and its heatpipes are now spaced further apart, which allows for a more uniform heat distribution over a larger surface area and thus contributes to the NH-D15's superior efficiency.

High RAM compatibility in single fan mode

Thanks to its recessed lower fins, the NH-D15 provides 64mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks in single fan mode, making it compatible with most high end RAM modules on the market. In dual fan mode, the NH-D15 should be used with standard height RAM (up to 32mm).*

Dual NF-A15 140mm fans

The NH-D15 features two of Noctua's premium class NF-A15 140mm fans. Complying with Noctua's AAO standard and featuring sophisticated aerodynamic design measures such as Flow Acceleration Channels, the NF-A15 has quickly built up a reputation as one of the best 140mm fans on the market.

PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors

The NF-A15 premium fans supplied with the NH-D15 support PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the motherboard. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 1500 to 1200rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptors for even quieter operation.

Excellent component cooling

Extending below the fin-stacks, the large NF-A15 fans not only contribute to the NH-D15's superb CPU cooling capabilities but also provide massive airflow over surrounding motherboard components and heatsinks, thus ensuring excellent component cooling performance.

SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system

Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting systems have become synonymous with quality, safety and easy installation. Supporting Intel LGA1200, LGA115x (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156) and LGA20xx (LGA2066, LGA2011-0, LGA2011-3), as well as AMD AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM2(+) and FM1, the SecuFirm2™ mounting included with the NH-D15 is straightforward to install, provides perfect contact pressure and will stand the test of time even under heavy use.

Compatibility with past and future sockets

Thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm™ ecosystem, the NH-D15 can be made compatible with the older LGA1366 and LGA775 sockets using the optional NM-I3 mounting kit, which is provided free of charge. If technically possible, Noctua will also provide upgrade kits for future sockets, which makes the NH-D15 a safe long-term investment.

NT-H1 thermal compound

Noctua’s much-acclaimed NT-H1 is a pro-grade TIM solution that provides minimum thermal resistance, excellent ease of use and outstanding reliability. Chosen again and again by overclockers and enthusiast users worldwide, it has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality thermal compounds.

Soldered interface between heatpipes and fins

With many heatsinks, the fins are press-fitted to the heatpipes. Due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of copper and aluminium, this fit can loosen over years of thermal cycling, which may lead to reduced performance. By contrast, the NH-D15’s fins are soldered to the heatpipes in order to guarantee a superior thermal interface that doesn’t deteriorate even after many years of usage.

6-year manufacturer’s warranty

Noctua products are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A15's feature an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and the entire NH-D15 package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty.

*In chassis with more than 165mm CPU cooler clearance, the front fan can be moved upwards to make room for memory modules taller than 32mm.

See all 72 reviews for this product

Cooler Specification

Socket compatibility

Intel LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 & AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ (backplate required), AM4

Height (without fan)

160 mm

Width (without fan)

150 mm

Depth (without fan)

135 mm

Weight (without fan)

980 g

Height (with fan)

165 mm

Width (with fan)

150 mm

Depth (with fan)

161 mm

Weight (with fan)

1320 g

Material

Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

Max. TDP

see CPU compatibility list

Fan compatibility

140x150x25 (with 120mm mounting holes), 140x140x25 (with 120mm mounting holes), 120x120x25

Scope of delivery

Black NH-D15 heatsink
2x NF-A15 HS-PWM chromax.black premium fan
2x Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
4-pin PWM Y-cable
NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound
Black SecuFirm2™ Mounting Kit
Noctua Metal Case-Badge

Warranty

6 Years

FAN Specification

Model

2x Noctua NF-A15 HS-PWM chromax.black

Bearing

SSO2

Max. rotational speed (+/- 10%)

1500 RPM

Max. rotational speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%)

1200 RPM

Min. rotational speed (PWM, +/-20%)

300 RPM

Max. airflow

140,2 m³/h

Max. airflow with L.N.A.

115,5 m³/h

Max. acoustical noise

24,6 dB(A)

Max. acoustical noise with L.N.A.

19,2 dB(A)

Voltage range

12 V

MTTF

> 150.000 h

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS (PDF)

FAQs

Motherboard Compatibility

CPU Compatibility

Case Compatibility

Installation Manual (PDF)

Information Sheet (PDF)

Disclaimer:
We create and update our compatibility lists with the utmost care. Unfortunately, mainboard manufacturers tend to change certain components and heatsinks without pointing it out by using corresponding revision names. If you run into problems while installing our coolers on one of the mainboards listed as being compatible, please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at.

Please also keep in mind that other components such as narrow or small cases as well as memory modules with special (higher) heat-spreaders can cause compatibility-issues.

For use in systems from Dell, HP or Lenovo, please note this FAQ.

Please refer to the following drawing for the exact measurements and clearance for RAM and chipset coolers:

The front fins of the NH-D15 generally protrude over the RAM slots. Due to the recessed lower fins, it is still possible to use RAM modules with up to 65mm height in single fan mode. In dual fan mode, the front fan will sit above the RAM slots as well. In this case, Noctua recommends using standard height RAM (up to 32mm). However, in chassis with more than 165mm CPU cooler clearance, the front fan can be moved upwards to make room for memory modules taller than 32mm (e.g. moving the fan 5mm up will increase the total height from 165 to 170mm and make room for 37mm tall modules).

Can't find the motherboard you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at in order to obtain compatibility information for motherboards that aren't listed below.

When modern CPUs use their turbo modes, they can (depending on the configuration of the UEFI BIOS) dissipate much more heat than indicated by the manufacturer’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) specification. Just like manual overclocking, this puts higher demands on the cooling solution. Our CPU compatibility list helps you to choose the cooler model that is best suited for a given CPU and your individual requirements as far as turbo and overclocking headroom are concerned. We classify our coolers according to the following categories:

best turbo/overclocking headroom

medium turbo/overclocking headroom

low turbo/overclocking headroom

compatible without turbo/overclocking headroom

compatible with certain restrictions (see comment)

incompatible (see comment)

For further information on CPUs exceeding their TDP ratings and how to configure the UEFI BIOS in order to avoid excessively high temperatures, please see this FAQ.

Please also see our general buying guide, motherboard compatibility list and FAQs for further help on how to select the best cooler for your configuration.

Can't find the CPU you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@noctua.at in order to obtain compatibility information for CPUs that aren't listed here.

NA-HC3 chromax.black.swap
chromax.black.swap edition heatsink covers with swappable inlays (red, blue, green, yellow, black, white)

Compatible with Noctua NH-D15, NH-D15S and NH-D15 SE-AM4 heatsinks

Ideal for matching with Noctua’s industrialPPC or chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads
NA-HC4 chromax.black
chromax.black edition heatsink covers

Compatible with Noctua NH-D15, NH-D15S and NH-D15 SE-AM4 heatsinks

Ideal for matching with Noctua’s industrialPPC or chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads
NA-HC4 chromax.white
chromax.white edition heatsink covers

Compatible with Noctua NH-D15, NH-D15S and NH-D15 SE-AM4 heatsinks

Ideal for matching with Noctua’s industrialPPC or chromax line fans and anti-vibration pads
NA-SAVP3 chromax.black
Anti-vibration pads for NF-A15 series

chromax.black edition
NA-SAVP3 chromax.blue
Anti-vibration pads for NF-A15 series

chromax.blue edition
NA-SAVP3 chromax.green
Anti-vibration pads for NF-A15 series

chromax.green edition
NA-SAVP3 chromax.red
Anti-vibration pads for NF-A15 series

chromax.red edition
NA-SAVP3 chromax.white
Anti-vibration pads for NF-A15 series

chromax.white edition
NA-SAVP3 chromax.yellow
Anti-vibration pads for NF-A15 series

chromax.yellow edition
NF-A15 HS-PWM chromax.black.swap
140x150x25mm, round frame

4-pin PWM, 1500rpm max.

chromax.black.swap edition
NM-I3 Mounting-Kit
The NM-I3 SecuFirm2™ Mounting-Kit makes Noctua CPU coolers compatible with Intel's LGA775 & LGA1366 sockets.
NT-H2 10g
Further improved second generation of the award-winning NT-H1 with even better thermal performance

Not electrically conductive and non-corroding

Excellent long-term stability (usage time on the CPU up to 5 years)

10g pack for around 9-60 applications (depending on CPU size, e.g. ~9 applications for TR4, ~60 for LGA1151)
NT-H2 3.5g
Further improved second generation of the award-winning NT-H1 with even better thermal performance

Not electrically conductive and non-corroding

Excellent long-term stability (usage time on the CPU up to 5 years)

3.5g pack for around 3-20 applications (depending on CPU size, e.g. ~3 applications for TR4, ~20 for LGA1151)
NA-SCW1
Cleaning wipes for removing thermal compounds such as Noctua NT-H2 and NT-H1

Ideal for cleaning the contact surface of the heatsink as well as the heat-spreader of CPUs, GPUs or other chips

Pre-moistened with a custom detergent mixture for easy and efficient cleaning

Large size (15x12cm) is usually enough to clean both the chip and the cooler

Pack contains 20 individually packed wipes