Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual Tower CPU Cooler - LBC (Low Base Convexity) Edition
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 LBC (Low Base Convexity) version
The Low Base Convexity (LBC) version achieves optimal contact quality on relatively flat CPUs. As such, it is ideal for AM5 even if the offset mounting isn't used or if users seek to combine the lowest possible CCD temperatures with the lowest possible IOD temperatures. The LBC version is also recommended for AM4, LGA2066 and LGA2011 (-3) (free-of-charge NM-i20xx mounting kit required), direct die applications as well as CPUs that have been lapped flat or outfitted with flat custom heat-spreaders. 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 on the market. In dual fan mode, the NH-D15 G2 should be used with standard height RAM (up to 32mm, please refer to RAM compatibility list).
Two NF-A14x25r G2 fans
Noctua’s next-generation NF-A14x25r G2 fans set a new benchmark for performance-to-noise efficiency in round-frame 140mm fans. Their superb acoustics as well as their superior airflow and pressure characteristics are one of the cornerstones that enable the NH-D15 G2 to push beyond its legendary predecessor.
Speed-offset for optimal acoustics
When two fans operate in a push-pull configuration running at the exact same speed, their acoustic interaction can lead to undesirable harmonics phenomena such as intermittent vibrations or periodic humming. Therefore, the two NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans used on the NH-D15 G2 are slightly offset in speed ( /- ~25rpm) in order to ensure optimal acoustics.
PWM control with wide speed range
The NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans can be PWM-controlled from their maximum speed of 1500rpm all the way down to 300rpm. This makes it possible to adjust them for maximum performance or near-silent operation using either automatic, temperature-based motherboard speed control or manual controllers such as the NA-FC1.
Fans stop at 0% PWM
When the fans are set to 0% PWM duty cycle by the motherboard or PWM fan controller, they will stop. This makes the NH-D15 G2 ideal for creat