- Review -

07.05.2014 TweakTown.com

While we had the computer in readiness for the stock level of testing, we saw the fans were spinning at 1100 RPM, and sat idle at a chilly 26.5 degrees. Once we kicked AIDA64 into action, we found that the NH-D15 comes in to the top five on our chart, ahead of all other air coolers we tested on this system, and even in the range of top tier AIOs with its 49.5 degree result. Just sliding out of the top five once we applied the overclock, the NH-D15 placed sixth overall, but again, look at what it is competing with at this level. The 69.33 degree average of all of the testing beats out the next best air cooler by almost two degrees, and most others by a fair bit more. Considering how the noise level charts play out along with these thermal results, we have to say: Noctua is definitely worthy of that crown they once had. As we mentioned, the fans were set to receive only 7.5V for this level of testing, and while spinning at 1100 RPM, they delivered only 24 dB of noise. Most of that is in the fan hub, as there is a slight hum that can be heard up close, but from a foot away, or with a case door in the way, you will be hard pressed to hear this over a PSU or video card idling. Even once we pushed 12V through the 150mm fans, we found the noise level to be just audible from a foot away, and again it is more of a mechanical hum that is audible rather than fan blade "whoosh" that most fans deliver. So, while it beats all other coolers thermally, it also offers less noise than be quiet. solutions, and even some five dB less than other Noctua models in the list. Well done Noctua, well done. [...] Noctua sort of comes out of nowhere after almost five years, and delivers such a knockout blow that is hard not to gasp when you see it coming. Building from what was the world's first of its kind, surpassing all of the mimics on the market, and doing it with much needed improvements in clearance and performance, is yet another reason why we always recommend Noctua coolers. It's also why most of the staff here currently have them or have had them in the past. They are just that good, and the NH-D15 proves that Noctua is still on top of the game, even if they have been pretty quiet lately!

"Noctua regains the cooling crown with the release of the NH-D15! Yes - it's a beast, it may not fit in your chassis, but how can you deny an air cooler that tops all others on the charts, and does it with less noise than all the rest." (Chad Sebring, TweakTown.com)