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NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 performance data

NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 performance data

Noctua’s Standardised Performance Rating (NSPR) is a platform-independent classification system that allows customers to assess and compare the efficiency of Noctua CPU coolers at a glance: The higher the NSPR score, the better the heatsink’s performance. With a score of 228, the NH-D15 G2 sets a new benchmark.

The first basis for the NSPR is a measurement of thermal efficiency at a fixed heat-load that is chosen according to the performance class of the heatsink. In this test, the NH-D15 G2 performs 3.2°C better than the original NH-D15:

Bar chart comparing thermal efficiency (temperature) of NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 at 250W heat-load.

The second basis for the NSPR is a measurement of dissipation capacity that reflects a cooler’s ability to sustain high heat-loads. For this test, the heat-load is increased until a temperature of 60°C is reached and kept stable for 15 minutes. In this test, the NH-D15 G2 managed a massive 160W boost over the original NH-D15 and pushed beyond 600W:

Bar chart comparing heat dissipation capacity of NH-D15 G2 vs. NH-D15 at 60°C heating element temperature.

The results of both tests are then combined and balanced by multiplying the first result by ten and dividing the heat-load of the second test by ten (see https://noctua.at/nspr). This gives an NSPR score of 228 for the NH-D15 G2 versus 183 for the original NH-D15, making the G2 the first cooler to break the barrier of 200 and easily Noctua‘s best performing model to date:

Bar chart comparing NSPR (Noctua’s Standardised Performance Rating) scores: NH-D15 G2 at 228 vs. NH-D15 at 183, showing performance improvement of the G2.

On modern AMD and Intel CPUs with 180-250W heat-loads, this performance advantage will typically translate into a 2-3°C temperature reduction when comparing the original NH-D15 to the standard version NH-D15 G2 that uses the same medium base convexity:

Bar chart showing thermal performance of NH-D15, standard G2, LBC and HBC versions on Ryzen 9 7950X (180W) with and without offset mounting.
Bar chart showing thermal performance of NH-D15, standard G2, LBC and HBC versions on Core i9-13900K (250W) with washer mod and contact frame.

For further information about the Noctua Standardised Performance Rating, please see this article.

Mentioned products

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NH-D15 G2

NH-D15 G2 HBC

NH-D15 G2 LBC