Noctua NH-D15 Review

Computer components have a new ally when it comes to their eternal battle against heat, the NH-D15 is the latest dual-tower heatsink from Noctua and it promises even lower temperatures than the ones from Noctua's amazing NH-D14.
If you still don't know Noctua by now, they design and produce some of the best air cooling solutions on the market both in terms of performance and quietness. Not only that but they also have an excellent customer service and extended warranties that go up to 6 years, providing mounting kits for free to customers who might need them.

The NH-D15, much like every other cooler that we received from Noctua, comes extremely well packaged, layers upon layers of protection assure that the product you just bought will arrive in pristine condition and perform its intended function with no problems.
Manuals and mounting kits for both Intel and AMD are included and come in separate boxes to help users in the process of mounting their cooler correctly. Aside from that you also get a few accessories like thermal paste, a screwdriver, low-noise adapters and clips to set-up the (also included) second 150mm PWM fan.

Where looks are concerned, the NH-D15 keeps Noctua's traditional brown and beige color scheme. This visual design is certainly unique, it works almost as a branding of sorts, allowing users to identify components from Noctua almost instantly. On the other hand its color scheme is so unique that it will stand out in almost every build, possibly ruining a carefully color matched build.
Noctua is well-know for the attention they dedicate to the construction quality of their products, thankfully the NH-D15 is no exception. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy here, from the heatsink to the fans everything is solid and very well-built, the SecuFirm2 mounting system in particular is incredibly tough and easy to set-up, but more on that later.

Installation Process
Thanks to the detailed and easy to understand manual, mounting the NH-D15 is a breeze (pun intended). Not only that but the actual process for securing everything into place is super simple and easy to execute, even for someone who may not have much experience in this business the SecuFirm2 system should not present any major problems or complications.
Compatibility issues with memories should not occur thanks to the recessed lower fins, providing clearance for memories with tall heatsinks (up to 64mm in single fan mode or 32mm in dual or triple fan mode).

Performance and noise levels
For testing purposes I've used the NH-D15 with my old but reliable AMD A8-5600K, a cooler this powerful shouldn't really have any issues with the 5600K, especially when you consider how well ventilated my testing rig is and the fact that I'm using the dual fan configuration.

Regarding the test itself, we stressed the CPU with the System Stability Test from AIDA64 for about 30 minutes for each cooler, after this period we recorded the minimum, maximum and average temperatures during that half an hour. While not the most demanding test ever, I find it quite realistic when comparing its temperatures with the ones I get from long playing sessions.

Noise levels were virtually non-existent, even when under load the fans were silent and only when I manually cranked them up to 100% (1500 RPM) was I able to hear them from inside the testing rig's case.


Final Thoughts
Noctua has done it again, the NH-D15 is an improvement over its D14 predecessor in almost every way.
It's actually amazing to see a company such as Noctua keeping their standards high not only when it comes to performance and numbers but also in the construction quality and customer service departments, it shows a level of commitment and dedication to their products that we just don't usually see anymore.
If your wallet and your computer case can handle such a behemoth of a cooler (165mm in height) then I can't recommend the D15 enough.

The Good
+Construction quality
+Multiple fan configurations
+Performance
+Noise level
+Elegant design
+Great price to performance ratio
+6 year warranty

The Bad
-Color scheme is not for everyone

Thanks to Noctua for providing the review sample

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Noctua presents three new 92mm coolers

Noctua today announced three new 92mm class CPU coolers. Whereas the NH-U9S and NH-D9L are retail models that suceed the popular NH-U9B SE2, the NH-D9DX i4 3U targets Intel Xeon LGA2011 based workstations and servers. All three models use the recently announced NF-A9 PWM 92mm premium fan to achieve class-leading quiet cooling performance.

"Providing a great balance between high efficiency and compact size, the NH-U9B SE2 is still one of our most popular models", says Mag. Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "The NH-U9S and NH-D9L stay true to this proven formula but now offer even better performance, better compatibility and PWM support for automatic fan speed control."

Continuing the renowned legacy of Noctua's award-winning NH-U9 series, the NH-U9S is a premium quality quiet CPU cooler in classic 9cm size. Its asymmetrical design with 5 heatpipes not only provides even better cooling performance than the previous generation but also improves compatibility: Thanks to its 95x95mm footprint, the NH-U9S clears the RAM and PCIe slots on all Intel and most AMD based mainboards, including µATX and ITX.

The NH-D9L features 4 heatpipes and is 15mm lower than classic 9cm coolers such as the NH-U9 series (110mm vs. 125mm), which doesn't only guarantee full 3U compliance but also makes the NH-D9L ideal for compact HTPC and Small Form Factor cases that have airflow paths parallel to the mainboard. Like the NH-U9S, the NH-D9L has a 95x95mm footprint and thus provides 100% RAM and PCIe compatibility on all Intel and most AMD based mainboards.

The NH-D9DX i4 3U is the same heatsink as the NH-D9L but comes with LGA2011 mounting for both Square ILM and Narrow ILM Xeon platforms as well as support for LGA13x6.

"Our DX i4 series are renowned among builders of LGA2011 based Intel Xeon systems and one of the few available quiet cooling solutions for Narrow ILM platforms", explains Mag. Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "With the new NH-D9DX i4 3U model, we can now offer a cooler for 3U cases that offers similar performance as the previous 4U model NH-U9DX i4."

All three new models come with the new NF-A9 PWM for further improved quiet cooling performance. Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2 mounting systems, Noctua's proven NT-H1 thermal compound and full 6 years manufacturer's warranty, the NH-U9S, NH-D9L and NH-D9DX i4 3U are premium grade solutions through and through.

Prices and availability
All three models are currently shipping and will be available shortly.
The manufacturer suggested retail prices are as follows:
NH-U9S: EUR 54.90 / USD 59.90
NH-D9L: EUR 49.90 / USD 56.90
NH-D9DX i4 3U: EUR 56.90 / USD 59.90

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Noctua presents NH-D15 elite-class dual tower CPU cooler

Noctua today introduced its new flagship-model NH-D15. Built on the basis of the legendary NH-D14 and carrying on its quest for ultimate quiet cooling performance, the NH-D15 is an elite-class dual tower cooler for the highest demands.

"Having convinced tens of thousands of quiet cooling enthusiasts around the globe, our NH-D14 has become a reference for top-tier dual tower heatsinks", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "In the end, it took us more than three years of continuous development, countless thermal simulations and over hundred samples to come up with a substantial improvement in efficiency. Staying true to our policy of not releasing anything we're not 100% satisfied with, we had to accept some delays in order to squeeze out the last few percent of performance, but now we're proud to finally release the NH-D15 as a worthy successor to the venerable D14." 

Noctua's NH-D14 has received more than 350 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines, making it one of the most successful premium heatsinks ever built. With its expanded layout and dual NF-A15 fans, the NH-D15 further improves the D14's much acclaimed quiet cooling performance. 

Compared to the NH-D14, the NH-D15's fin-stack has been widened from 140 to 150mm and its heatpipes are now spaced further apart, which allows for a more uniform heat distribution over a larger surface area and thus contributes to the NH-D15's superior efficiency. Thanks to its recessed lower fins, the NH-D15 provides 64mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks in single fan mode, making it compatible with most high end RAM modules on the market. 

The NF-A15 premium fans supplied with the NH-D15 support PWM for convenient automatic speed control through the mainboard. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced from 1500 to 1200rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptor for even quieter operation. 

Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, Noctua's proven NT-H1 thermal compound and full 6 years manufacturer's warranty, the NH-D15 forms a complete premium quality solution that represents a deluxe choice for overclockers and silent-enthusiasts alike. 

The NH-D15 will be available by mid-April at suggested retail prices of EUR 89.90 / USD 99.90.

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Noctua NH-U12S Review

Noctua is a company from Austria that's been around for almost ten years now, they're mainly known for their computer cooling solutions, particularly very silent and efficient fans.

Noctua is also synonym of quality and cutting-edge technology as their products are constantly being revised and updated to provide the user with the best experience possible.

The product we will be reviewing today, the NH-U12S is the latest version of the popular and award-winning NH-U12 CPU coolers, they first appeared back in 2005 and since then, revision after revision, have been improved and updated with all the new technologies Noctua has been introducing over the years.

Like with most other products from this Austrian company, the packaging is perfectly executed and shows an amazing attention to detail, in the incredibly competitive CPU cooler market every little thing counts to get the upper hand over the competition and Noctua certainly seems to be aware of that.

For starters the actual box is very sturdy and guarantees that your cooler will arrive in perfect condition. Secondly, the amount of accessories Noctua includes with the NH-U12S is astonishing, besides the actual heat-sink and 120mm fan here's what you can expect to find tucked inside the elegant brown and beige box:

• 1x Syringe of NT-H1 thermal compound/paste;
• 1x Low-Noise adapter;
• 1x Screwdriver;
• 1x Installation kit for another 120mm fan (Push Pull config)
• 1x Noctua logo (metal sticker)
• 6 year warranty

As you can see it's an extremely complete package.

Even though the overall contents of the package are great they only mean something if the actual product delivers when it comes to cooling performance, fortunately once again Noctua does not disappoint and delivers one of the best air CPU cooling solutions that you can find on the market today.

Like previous iterations of the NH-U12, Noctua does not rest on the fact that the cooling performance of the NH-U12S is top-notch, they also introduce a few other features that will guarantee that the end-customer will be satisfied.

Probably the most important "extra" is how silent the included PWM fan is, running at super low RPMs even when under heavy load. 

Another great and important feature, especially for high-end machines, is the 100% RAM compatibility, what this means is that even when using RAM modules with tall heatspreaders, the Noctua heat-sink will never obstruct the RAM in any way, I'm using the Kingston HyperX Beast which are pretty tall and there were no issues during the installation.

The final feature I want to mention is the compatibility with past or future CPU sockets, if you have for example an older LGA775 socket you can ask Noctua to send you (free of charge) the NM-I3 mounting kit, Noctua also promises to provide upgrade kits for future sockets if technically possible.

Finally let's talk about how the cooler looks, here's where some people might have a problem, the extremely elegant, original and traditional Noctua brown and beige color scheme is back, while I personally appreciate this low profile design, I also understand that some people like to have flashy cases to go along with their high-end components, that can be a problem with the NH-U12S as there are no LED's, bright colors or extravagant shapes here, everything is primarily designed to be functional and not ostentatious.

Final Thoughts

Noctua is quickly becoming one of my favorite manufacturers when it comes to cooling off your computer, they combine great performance with tons of extras and cutting-edge technology at an affordable price ($66 on Amazon.com). Their products are not only some of the best but also some of the most consistent as well, with each new version they improve on almost every single aspect of their products, always keeping the end-consumer in mind.

Noctua wants to show and prove to everyone that they are among the best when it comes to air cooling solutions, so far I would say they have succeeded as the NH-U12S is highly recommended.

The Good

-Amazing cooling performance

-Very silent

-Packaging

-6 year warranty

-Versatile

The Bad

-Visual design is not for everyone

Thanks to Noctua for providing the review sample

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Noctua NF-S12A Review

Noctua is a company from Austria that's been around for almost ten years now, they're mainly known for their computer cooling solutions, particularly very silent and efficient fans.

Noctua is also synonym of quality and cutting-edge technology as their products are constantly being revised and updated to provide the user with the best experience possible.

The product we have for you today is Noctua's third generation S12 case fans, the first generation of fans from this family came out somewhere around 2006, since then Noctua has been improving the design and integrating new technologies into the frames and blades of their fans.

The NF-S12A fans actually come in three somewhat different versions, the PWM, the ULN and finally the FLX. While these three versions look pretty much the same and the tech behind them is also very similar, their RPM's and packaging content differ.

• NF-S12A PWM - 900/1200 RPM (automatic speed control)
• NF-S12A FLX - 700/900/1200 RPM
• NF-S12A ULN - 600/800 RPM

The S12 series quiet case fans come equipped with an improved blade design that has a few "Anti-Stall Knobs", these little knobs near the blades edges keep them from stalling due to their "high angle of attack", this means more efficiency at lower speeds.

Working in tandem with the knobs is the sturdy AAO frame or "Advanced Acoustic Optimisation Frame", according to Noctua, the anti-vibration pads on both sides of the AAO frame combined with the "Stepped Inlet Design" and "Inner Surface Microstructures" refine even further the S12 series performance, both in terms of noise and airflow.

For those of you who are not super scientists and may not know what all these technologies mean, they basically improve the S12 series in various ways, for example the "Stepped Intel Design" are a sort of mini-stairs on the side of the frame, they are there to reduce the overall noise and increase the airflow. The "Inner Surface Microstructures" are small fissures located on the inside of the frame, they help reduce the blades passive noise, improve airflow and static efficiency.

Moving on to the actual appearance of the S12 case fans you can expect to encounter a visual design very similar to other Noctua products, meaning that the traditional and extremely subtle brown and beige color scheme is back, giving these fans a unique look when you compare them to the competition.

This solid and discreet appearance is intentional and shows that Noctua is targeting a more mature audience with their products, personally I think they nailed it.

Advancing to the packaging contents you can expect to find within each box a few common items like 4x Fan Screws, 4x Anti-Vibration Rubber Mounts and 1x Braided Extension Cable.

On a more particular note each of the versions comes packed with some unique cables (all of them braided):

• NF-S12A PWM - 1x Y-Cable, 1x Low-Noise Adaptor
• NF-S12A ULN - 1x Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor, 1x 3:4-Pin Adaptor
• NF-S12A FLX - 1x Low-Noise Adaptor, 1x Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor, 1x 3:4-Pin Adaptor

The boxes themselves are surprisingly well designed, with a velcro sealed door on each side of the package and a lot of information regarding the product you are about to buy on the inside of those doors.

It's actually pretty impressive how Noctua managed to shove so much info regarding the new features and specifications of each fan on such a small box.

After testing the fans I can say that I am really impressed, when compared to Cooler Master and Thermaltake fans they were able to maintain the same temperatures while running at much lower speeds, meaning that in terms of acoustic performance the S12 fans completely blow the competition out of the water.

At the time of this review the NF-S12A fans were priced at around $20 on Amazon, which is a slightly higher value than most other 120mm fans, but still a very acceptable price, especially if you consider that Noctua offers a 6 year warranty period and a MTBF of 150,000 hours.

Final Thoughts

This company from Austria seems to have done it once again, with each new incarnation of their products the Noctua name gets closer and closer to becoming an official synonym for performance and innovation, from their detailed and well designed boxes to the excellent build quality of their fans, everything is planned and executed with an extremely high attention to each and every detail.

We definitely recommend the Noctua NF-S12A fans for anyone interested in a reliable and silent cooling solution.

The Good

-Excellent build quality

-Excellent acoustic performance

-Good temperature performance
-6 Year Warranty

-Braided Cables

The Bad

-Color scheme is not for everyone

Thanks to Noctua for providing the review samples

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