2nd Gen Noctua NH-D15 Takes the Fight to AIO CLCs

Here are some of the first pictures of Noctua's next-generation NH-D15 CPU cooler. One of the pioneers of this design, the D-15 in its 2024-bound avatar comes with a complete design overhaul, including its two large fin-stacks, that are designed not to impede components around the CPU socket, such as elaborate VRM and SSD heatsinks, rear I/O shrouds, and of course memory. The fin-stacks are denser, with a reduced gap between fins of 1.6 mm (compared to 1.9 mm of the original NH-D15), which translates to 20% more surface area for heat dissipation.

The surface for contact remains nickel-plated copper, but Noctua is using eight 6 mm-thick heatpipes, compared to six on the previous generation. The heatpipes make contact with practically the entire base plate, so this cooler should be suitable for even chiplet-based processors. Ventilation is care of two included "next-gen" 140 mm fans that offer superior performance and noise characteristics compared to anything in Noctua's lineup right now. The cooler uses Noctua's SecuFirm 2+ retention module using spring-loaded screws to mitigate excessive mounting pressure that can bend motherboard PCB. Noctua will include a tube of the company's latest NT-H2 thermal paste (9 W/mK), and NA-TPG1 thermal paste spill guard. The company plans to launch this cooler some time in Q2-2024.