The NOCTUA NH-D15 G2 HBC is a high-end processor cooler, which is the improved second generation of the iconic NH-D15 chip. With a double tower, 2 quiet 140 mm PWM fans, eight heat pipes and asymmetrical fins carefully coordinated with the new fans, it provides even better, quiet cooling performance. It has been improved in practically every aspect, from the heatsink and fans to the mounts, the thermal paste and the accessory package.

Next generation performance
For a full decade, the original NH-D15 was widely regarded as the best air cooler on the market. The G2 version continues this tradition by building on the famously silent cooling performance of its iconic predecessor. Especially in challenging conditions with higher thermal loads, the NH-D15 G2 can reach temperatures several degrees lower, thereby offering a thermal reserve that enables higher turbo clocks.

Optimized, asymmetric fin stacks
The NH-D15 G2 has been meticulously optimized to take full advantage of the excellent airflow and pressure performance of the new NF-A14x25r G2 fans. Thanks to the improved pressure/quality (P/Q) performance of the fans, the distance between the fins can be reduced from 1.9 mm to 1.6 mm, which allowed the integration of 26 extra fins and a 20% increase in the total surface area of ​​the fins. At the same time, the width of the front slats has been reduced by 5 mm, so the load is more balanced between the two fans.

More performance, smaller size
Thanks to the higher lamella density enabled by the new NF-A14x25r G2 fans, as well as the asymmetric lamellas and a slightly smaller gap between the lamellas, the G2 version combines better performance with a slightly smaller size compared to the original NH-D15 (9mm less heatsink depth, same heatsink width, same overall height with fans).

8 heat pipes for excellent performance even with higher heat loads
The NH-D15 G2 uses eight heat pipes instead of the previous six compared to the original NH-D15. The increased heat capacity of the extra heat pipes is especially useful for extreme heat loads, such as 250W and above, where the performance increase over the original NH-D15 is greatest.

Three variants for platform-specific optimization
Optimum contact quality between the heatsink and the CPU is essential to achieve the best possible cooling performance. As current CPU platforms differ significantly in contact surface flatness and hot spot location, the NH-D15 G2 is available in normal, medium base convexity, universal versions, as well as special LBC (low base convexity) and HBC (high base convexity) versions to ensure the best possible contact in various situations.

Special HBC (High Base Convexity) version
The High Base Convexity (HBC) version achieves optimal contact quality on CPUs that become highly concave when the socket is closed due to pressure from 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 during long-term use.

Offset design for better PCIe space
Like the NH-D15S, the NH-D15 G2 is offset towards the top edge of the motherboard (when installed in standard orientation, facing the I/O panel) to make more room for the PCIe expansion slots. This allows you to keep the top PCIe x16 slot empty on most current motherboards.

High RAM compatibility in single fan mode
Thanks to its recessed bottom fins, the NH-D15 G2 provides at least 59 mm of free space for tall memory coolers in single-fan mode, making it compatible with most high-end RAM modules on the market. In dual-fan mode, the NH-D15 G2 must be used with either standard height RAM (up to 32mm) or – in cases with CPU cooler space greater than 168mm – the front fan can be moved upwards to make room for memory modules taller than 32mm.

Two NF-A14x25r G2 fans
Noctua's next-generation NF-A14x25r G2 fans set a new benchmark for performance-noise efficiency among round-frame 140mm fans. Their excellent acoustics and outstanding airflow and pressure characteristics are the cornerstones that allow the NH-D15 G2 to surpass its legendary predecessor.

Speed offset for optimal acoustics
When two fans operate in a push-pull configuration at exactly the same speed, their acoustic interaction can lead to unwanted harmonic phenomena such as intermittent vibrations or periodic hums. Therefore, the speed of the two NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans used on the NH-D15 G2 is slightly shifted (+/- ~25 rpm) to ensure optimal acoustics