Noctua NH-D15 G2 Chromax.black Heatsink Review

For many computer builders the choice of CPU cooler often comes down to several factors.  Cost is usually the most critical while the type and overall performance are a close second.  When CPU overclocking was relevant there was a third factor which favored efficiency between thermal control and noise and would often make or break your overclocking success.  In this category there were few coolers that could best the Noctua NH-D15 and older Noctua NH-D14 in pure performance across both air or water.

In this review we will be looking at the Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black cooler.  This is the chromax.black edition of the popular NH-D15 G2 featuring the Noctua NF-A14x25 chromax.black fans, larger 8 heatpipe configuration and designed specifically for those who would rather have the “badass” black edition of this popular heatsink.

As mentioned before the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black comes with dual NF-A14x25 G2 chromax.black PWM fans.  These fans have been a highly demanded part from Noctua and have started to spawn an entire line of chromax.black products which add a more traditional color combo while still retaining the performance benefits of the traditional versions.  The new fan design provides a more efficient airflow pattern that results in a vertical column of air and lower overall noise.

Noctua had a similar fan design that used their focus flow frame design with variable pitch stator guide vanes.  The purpose of this design was to redirect the air existing the fan from the typical cone shape into more of a column that not only helped to direct airflow but improved heatsink efficiency by providing more airflow over critical cooling components.

The new NF-A14x25 G2 chromax.black PWM fan does the same using their unique blade shape forcing air to exit near the middle of the fan blade instead of flowing smoothly off the tip of the blade near the frame edge.  As with every high performance Noctua fan there is additional technology built in.  At the fan hub you will find textured fins that help to break up the stagnant air near the center of the fan.  You will also find guide vanes near the tips of each fan blade and the unique texture in the frame.  All of these things combined help to control overall turbulent noise, efficiency and airflow.