The Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3 is widely regarded as an exemplary CPU cooler, boasting a remarkable combination of exceptional cooling performance and near-silent operation. Its latest iteration marks the arrival of its successor. With a decade of rigorous analysis and refinement, the latest iteration of this pioneering technology has achieved unparalleled levels of cooling performance while minimizing noise levels to an unprecedented degree.
In our comprehensive review of the Noctua NH-D15, we highlighted how its six heatpipes and two substantial 140mm fans combine to make it the premier CPU cooler on earth, at least for standard air coolers up until now. While all-in-one liquid coolers and customized water-cooling solutions can provide significant cooling efficiency, they often come at a higher cost and may generate more noise than other options.
While maintaining its impressive legacy, the revamped Noctua NH-D15 G2 makes a notable upgrade by expanding its heatpipe count from six to eight, demonstrating a clear commitment to thermal excellence. These tiny copper tubes employ a liquid coolant that efficiently dissipates heat by repeatedly evaporating inside the CPU’s warmth, condensing back into a liquid state upon reaching the heatsink, effectively transferring heat away from the CPU core. Using capillary action, the fluid is continually drawn back to the CPU plate, where it’s reheated in a seamless cycle.
With the instantaneous transfer to eight heatpipes, the cooler’s power is significantly enhanced, swiftly removing warmth from your CPU where it can be efficiently dissipated via the substantial heatsink and fans.
The revamped fan design features innovative NF-A14x25r G2 followers, boasting a cutting-edge combination of a progressive bend impeller, centrifugal turbulator hub, and aerodynamically optimized winglets. These options enable fans to direct more airflow towards the outer blade areas where efficiency is higher, ensuring even loading across the blade and preventing distortion.
Utilizing its innovative follower design, the NH-D15 G2 leverages a reworked heatsink fin stack, featuring a 5mm reduced entry point, which harmonizes with the central fan in the push-pull fan setup to ensure optimal load stability. The enhanced airfoil design and airflow efficiency of the brand-new fans enable Noctua to reduce the fin spacing from 1.9mm to a mere 1.6mm.
The NH-D15 G2’s performance difference from its predecessor is remarkably minute, barely discernible as an improvement over the original. So impressive is the new cooling system that it can seamlessly convert into a 2-3°C temperature reduction compared to its predecessor, the G1, when paired with contemporary processors. Notwithstanding similarities with its predecessor, Noctua’s evaluations demonstrate a substantial boost in overall thermal dissipation capacity, boasting an impressive 620W performance under a 15-minute sustained load, outpacing the G1’s 460W rating by a considerable margin.
The brand-new cooler from Noctua has launched in three distinct versions, all boasting its iconic brown and beige design, currently the only available option. There are typically two base plate models: the standard one, and another with an excessive curve (HBC), specifically designed for use with Intel’s 13th and 14th generation CPUs that benefit from the mid-section of the cooler exerting greater downward pressure on the CPU. Additionally, there is a Low Base Curve (LBC) model suitable for AMD AM5 CPUs or other flat CPUs comparable to AM4, LGA2066, LGA2011, and lapped or custom-designed flat heat spreaders.
The price tag for this marvel of CPU cooling? Lots. Priced at a competitive $150 MSRP, this non-liquid-based cooler is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium cooling solution. While prioritizing performance over visual appeal, this device’s efficiency remains unimpaired. You’ll soon be able to purchase the brand-new cooler on popular retailers such as Amazon US and Amazon UK.
If you’re not keen on investing in an expensive CPU cooler, consider the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo, which offers sufficient cooling capacity for low- to mid-range CPUs at a reasonable price of just $40. Discover our comprehensive guide to top-of-the-line All-in-One (AIO) CPU coolers, offering unparalleled cooling performance beyond what Noctua has to offer, perfect for upgrading your PC’s aesthetics while maintaining exceptional thermal management capabilities.
