Noctua NH-D15 G2 CPU Cooler - HBC (High Base Convexity) Edition

The NH-D15 G2 is the further improved second generation of Noctua’s iconic NH-D15. With its state-of-the-art, speed-offset NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans, eight heatpipes and asymmetrical fin-stacks that have been carefully fine-tuned to work in tandem with the new fans, it achieves even better quiet cooling performance than its award-winning predecessor. As such, the G2 version is a true flagship model that continues the legacy of the original NH-D15 by pushing the boundaries of air cooling and rivalling the efficiency of many all-in-one (AIO) water cooling solutions. Optimised for strongly concave CPUs, the specialised High Base Convexity (HBC) version provides excellent contact quality on Intel LGA1700 processors that are used with full ILM pressure or have become permanently deformed in long-term use. In addition to its further improved performance, the NH-D15 G2 also offers enhanced compatibility thanks to an offset construction that allows it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current motherboards. Last but not least, the G2 version has been upgraded to the Torx®-based SecuFirm2 ™ multi-socket mounting system with included NM-SD1 screwdriver as well as to Noctua’s superior NT-H2 thermal compound. In short, the NH-D15 G2 has been further refined in virtually all respects from the heatsink and the fans all the way down to the mounting, thermal paste and accessory package. Topped off with Noctua’s trusted 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, it’s the new number one choice for customers who demand the best of the best in air cooling.

Next-generation performance

For an entire decade, the original NH-D15 was widely regarded as the best air cooler on the market. The G2 version continues this legacy by further improving the renowned quiet cooling performance of its iconic predecessor. Especially in challenging conditions with higher heat-loads, the NH-D15 G2 can achieve up to several degrees lower temperatures and thereby offer a thermal headroom that enables higher turbo clock speeds.

Optimised, asymmetrical fin-stacks

The NH-D15 G2 has been painstakingly optimised to best utilise the superior airflow and pressure performance of the novel NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans. Thanks to the fans’ improved P/Q performance, the fin-spacing could be reduced from 1.9mm to 1.6mm, which made it possible to integrate 23 extra fins and increase total fin surface area by 20%. At the same time, the width of the front fin-stack has been cut by 5mm so that the loading is more balanced between the two fans.

More performance, smaller size

Thanks to the higher fin density made possible by the new NF-A14x25r G2 fans as well as the asymmetrical fin-stacks and a slightly smaller gap between the stacks, the G2 version combines improved performance with a slightly smaller size compared to the original NH-D15 (9mm less heatsink depth, same heatsink width, same total height including fans).

8 heatpipes for superior performance at higher heat-loads

The NH-D15 G2 utilises eight instead of six heatpipes compared to the original NH-D15. The increased thermal capacity of the extra heatpipes is especially helpful at extreme heat-loads such as 250W and beyond, where the performance boost over the original NH-D15 is the biggest.

Three for platform-specific optimisation

Optimal contact quality between the heatsink and the CPU is vital for achieving the best possible cooling performance. Since current CPU platforms differ significantly in terms of contact surface flatness and hotspot location, the NH-D15 G2 is available in a regular all-round version with medium base convexity as well as specialised LBC (Low Base Convexity) and HBC (High Base Convexity) in order to ensure the best possible contact in different scenarios.

Specialised HBC (High Base Convexity) version

The High Base Convexity (HBC) version achieves optimal contact quality on CPUs that become strongly concave when the socket is closed due to the pressure of the ILM (Independent Loading Mechanism). As such, it is ideal for Intel LGA1700 processors if no washers or so-called contact frames are used to reduce ILM pressure or if the CPU has been permanently deformed in long-term use. For further details, see this FAQ.

Offset design for better PCIe clearance

Like the NH-D15S, the NH-D15 G2 is offset towards the upper edge of the motherboard (when installed in standard orientation blowing towards the I/O panel) in order to increase clearance towards the PCIe slots. This enables it to clear the top PCIe x16 slot on most current motherboards (see motherboard compatibility list).

High RAM compatibility in single fan mode

Thanks to its recessed lower fins, the NH-D15 G2 provides at least 59mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks in single fan mode, making it compatible with most high-end RAM modules