Introduction
Noctua is renowned for producing some of the best air coolers in the industry, and the NH-D15 G2 LBC continues this tradition with an updated design tailored for modern high-performance CPUs. In this review, we’ll examine its design, performance, key features, and how it compares to other coolers in the market. For those looking to keep their system cool and quiet without delving into liquid cooling, the NH-D15 G2 LBC might just be the perfect solution.
Design and Build Quality
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC is a true engineering marvel. Like its predecessor, it features a dual-tower design that makes it one of the largest air coolers available. This size allows it to dissipate more heat, thanks to the eight heat pipes (an upgrade from six on the original NH-D15), which offer superior heat transfer capabilities. The towers are asymmetrical, allowing better clearance for PCIe slots and RAM, making it more compatible with modern motherboard layouts
Each tower is topped with Noctua’s signature NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans. These 140 mm fans are specifically designed to minimize noise while maximizing airflow. Running at up to 1500 RPM, they offer a noise level of only 24.8 dBA, making them among the quietest in their class
The fans are mounted with SecuFirm2+ mounting hardware, which includes Torx screws for easier installation and better security.
Aesthetically, the NH-D15 G2 sticks to Noctua’s signature brown and beige color scheme, which is functional but divisive. For users who prefer a more subtle look, Noctua’s Chromax kits are available for a more modern, all-black aesthetic
Key Features of the NH-D15 G2 LBC Air Cooler
The NH-D15 G2 LBC boasts several standout features that make it a top contender in the premium air-cooling market:
- Eight Heat Pipes: The addition of two extra heat pipes (up from six) significantly enhances the cooler’s thermal capacity, ensuring it can handle high TDP CPUs.
- NF-A14x25r G2 PWM Fans: These 140mm fans are optimized for quiet yet powerful operation, with noise levels kept below 25 dBA even at full speed
- Low Base Convexity (LBC) Variant: Specifically designed for CPUs with flat heat spreaders like AMD’s AM4/AM5 platforms, the LBC variant ensures better contact and improved cooling
- SecuFirm2+ Mounting System: The new Torx-based system makes installation easier and more secure, while offering compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms
- Low-Noise Adapters & Thermal Paste: Included accessories such as the Low-Noise Adapter and NT-H2 thermal compound ensure optimal performance while minimizing noise.
Cooling Performance: NH-D15 G2 LBC Tested
Cooling is where the NH-D15 G2 truly shines. We received the LBC variant designed for flat CPUs like AMD’s AM4/AM5 and Intel’s older LGA2011/2066, this version ensures optimal contact with the processor’s heat spreader for better thermal conductivity. In our tests, the cooler performed exceptionally well on both AMD and Intel platforms. Our testing system, although a bit dated was more than capable of testing coolers.
- Ryzen R7 2700X Processor
- TUF X570 Motherboard
- Kingston FURY™ Beast DDR4 RGB Special Edition 16GB
- Kingston A2000 SSD
- DeepCool DQ 850 PSU
The cooler’s eight heat pipes and dual-fan setup ensure consistent airflow and efficient heat dissipation. Even under stress, the NH-D15 G2 LBC maintained excellent temperatures without ramping up fan noise.
Noise and Acoustic Performance
One of the defining aspects of Noctua’s products is their focus on low noise, and the NH-D15 G2 LBC is no exception. Even under full load, the cooler operates at noise levels comparable to smaller air coolers and is notably quieter than most liquid cooling systems. With our system we saw the cooler hitting 53°C while running CINEBENCH and similar loads. I personally plan to run a lot more tests with different TIM’s in the future and will revisit this review with those test results.
In our noise-normalized tests, the NH-D15 G2 LBC was able to reduce temperatures by an additional 2°C compared to the original NH-D15 model, while maintaining exceptionally low noise levels. This makes it ideal for users who want powerful cooling without having to deal with the hum of high-performance fans.
Market Positioning: How Does the Noctua NH-D15 G2 Compare?
Priced at $149.90 or at INR 10000 if we are looking at the Indian market, the NH-D15 G2 LBC sits at the top of the air-cooling market. Its primary competitors in the air-cooling space include the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 and the Cryorig R1 Ultimate. While both offer solid performance, the NH-D15 G2 outperforms them in terms of cooling efficiency, noise levels, and overall versatility
However, its price point also brings it into direct competition with AIO liquid coolers like the NZXT Kraken X63 and Corsair H115i and the DEEPCOOL LD240. Although liquid coolers generally offer better raw cooling performance (e.g., the DEEPCOOL LD240 recorded 49.1°C in similar tests), the NH-D15 G2 LBC holds its own by providing near-silent operation and requiring no maintenance. The six-year warranty also ensures peace of mind, making it a durable, long-term investment
Final Thoughts on the Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC Air Cooler
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC is an excellent choice for users seeking high-end cooling without the complexity of liquid cooling systems. It offers premium build quality, top-tier thermal performance, and a near-silent operation, making it one of the best air coolers available today.
While its price may seem high for an air cooler, the NH-D15 G2 LBC justifies this with its exceptional performance, robust design, and long-term reliability. Whether you’re a hardcore overclocker or a PC enthusiast who values a quiet and cool system, the NH-D15 G2 LBC is a worthy investment that will keep your CPU running smoothly for years to come.
Gold for the NH-D15 G2 LBC since platinum is not an option for now !
