How Much Does it Cost?
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 HBC Next Gen Dual Tower CPU Cooler is available now for £129.98, which is obviously a lot for an air cooler, but this is an extremely high-end product, that’s been engineered over many years, heavily refined and builds upon what was (and still is in many ways) one of the best air coolers to have ever existed. The fans alone make up quite a lot of the value of this cooler too, with a single fan costing around £35.99 each or £69.98 for a twin pack from Scan.co.uk, a bit of a step up from their £24.98 NF-A14 fans, but well, they’re pretty amazing fans.
There’s no getting away from the fact that the Noctua NH-D15 TG2, G2 HBC, or the G2 LBC variant are the most expensive air coolers on the market right now, with the DeepCool Assassin IV VC Vision coming in at £124.99, and the be quiet! Dark Rock Elite Dual is coming in at £99.99. This makes it roughly the same price as many flagship 240mm and 360mm AIO liquid coolers, not counting those with massive LCD screens slapped on them.
Overview
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 undoubtedly lives up to the hype. It takes an already legendary air cooler and refines every aspect, resulting in a product that not only matches but often surpasses the cooling performance of many all-in-one liquid coolers, all while maintaining Noctua’s signature whisper-quiet operation. The build quality is exceptional, as we’ve come to expect from Noctua, and the inclusion of their latest SecuFirm2+ mounting system ensures broad socket support and a straightforward installation process.
Build Quality
Noctua’s attention to detail is evident in every facet of the NH-D15 G2. From the robust fin stacks to the precisely engineered heatpipes and the high-quality NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans, this cooler feels premium and built to last. The SecuFirm2+ mounting system is also a testament to their engineering prowess, offering a secure and reliable fit for a wide range of CPU sockets.
Socket Support
The NH-D15 G2 boasts excellent compatibility, supporting all current mainstream Intel and AMD sockets, including AM4 and AM5. The optional AM5 offset mounting kit further demonstrates Noctua’s commitment to providing optimal performance on the latest platforms. Plus, Noctua has a strong history of providing free upgrade kits for future sockets, further extending the lifespan of their products.
Upgraded Fans
The new NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans are a significant upgrade. Their refined design and advanced materials result in increased airflow and static pressure while maintaining incredibly low noise levels. These fans are a key component in the cooler’s exceptional performance and quiet operation, and the hallmark of quality we’ve come to expect from Noctua.
Cooling Performance
As our testing has shown, the NH-D15 G2 delivers top-tier cooling performance. At stock settings, it outperforms the vast majority of air coolers and even trades blows with high-end AIOs. Under optimised settings with our i9-12900K, it kept temperatures remarkably low, solidifying its position as one of the best air coolers we’ve ever tested. While some AIO coolers may deliver a few degrees lower temperatures, it’s often at the cost of noise levels, and many AIOs get hotter over time under extended loads as the liquid temperature increases, resulting in slower return to idle temps. With air coolers, that’s not the case, the cooler responds very quickly to load with consistent temperature changes and cooling.
Acoustic Performance
Noctua has once again excelled in the noise department. The NH-D15 G2 operates at incredibly low noise levels, even under full load. The gentle whoosh of air is a far cry from the often intrusive hum of other cooling solutions, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive users or acoustically sensitive workspaces.
Should I Buy One?
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 is undeniably a premium product with a premium price tag. At £129.98, it sits at the higher end of the air cooling market and even rivals some 240mm and 360mm AIO liquid coolers in cost. However, the performance it offers is truly exceptional, and the quiet operation is unmatched.
If you are looking for the absolute best in air cooling, demand near-silent operation, and are willing to invest in a cooler that will likely last through multiple system builds, then the Noctua NH-D15 G2 is an outstanding choice. It’s a testament to Noctua’s engineering excellence and a worthy successor to the legendary D15. While the price might be a barrier for some, the performance, build quality, and quiet operation are not in doubt, but at the same time, it’s hard to ignore than you can get equal cooling performance for a lot less money, and even extremely quiet cooling for less money, but here you most certainly have both. It’s really down to what you want as a user from your cooler in terms of budget and quality.
