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To test the performance of the Noctua NH-D15 we built a powerful X79 based system on an open test bench to push the cooler to it’s limits. As we were testing on an open test bench, we directed a Be Quiet! Shadow Wings 120 mm fan at the VRM circuitry to better simulate the airflow generated in a case. We will be testing the cooler both at full speed (1500 rpm) and with the optional low noise adapter installed. We will be using a Noctua NH-U14S and a Phanteks PH-TC14PE for comparison purposes in this review.
Test System
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3930K
- Motherboard: Asus P9X79
- Memory: 16 GB (4 x 4 GB) Mushkin Blackline 1600 MHz
- Thermal Paste: Noctua NT-H1
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 7950
- Graphics Card (noise tests): HIS Radeon HD 5550 Silence
- Power Supply: Seasonic Platinum P1000W
Software
- Prime 95 (64-bit)
- CPUID Hardware Monitor
Overclocking
We manually overclocked the i7-3930K to 4.6 GHz by increasing the multiplier to 46x, leaving the baseclock set at 100 MHz. We set the voltage to 1.375V.
I’ve never liked Noctua heatsinks because they’re way too bulky. It’s a nice product don’t get me wrong.
Why is it being compared against the U14 which only has a single tower? Why isn’t it compared to the D14? I’m curious as to improvements in regards to cooling, not just form factor.