Quick Differences Between NH-d14 vs. NH-d15

Most users desire a computer’s superior performance and smooth functioning. It is necessary to have efficient and appropriate software and hardware to operate it to accomplish this. The capacity of the computer to operate at incredibly low temperatures, even at peak usage, is critical for efficiency.

A superior cooling system is critical. The solution is obtained in Noctua’s NH-D14 and NH-D15, which deliver the satisfying experience of having a high-performance computer at a price justified by the output. As much as CPU cooling is a critical factor to consider in your computer, the Noctua NH-D14 and the NH-D15 are two of the finest alternatives.

Now, one may wonder which of these CPU coolers is appropriate for their particular build. Well, we will evaluate these two popular coolers in this article, detailing how they differ widely in terms of their design, efficiency, cooling performance, size, and, of course, their price. Additionally, we shall compare them in a concise evaluation. Let’s get started;

A quick comparison table between NH-D14 and NH-D15

NH-d14 vs. NH-d15

1. Noctua NH-D14

Noctua NH–D14 CPU cooling system is essentially a 2011 model. Even so, this model is one of the excellent choices you could make. The design is a dual-fan “Tower heatsink type” air cooler with 120 mm or 140 mm fan options.

Six heat pipes are connected to two large heat sinks on the CPU cooler. The NF-P14 and the NF-P12 dual fans are configured on the system. The CPU cooler supports CPU overclocking at a high voltage level. Due to the asymmetrical layout, it should work with most motherboard designs. Additionally, you have the option of mounting the SecuFirm2 multi-socket system.

The fans are usually silent. At slower speeds, the fans make no noise, whereas, at high rates, a slight buzzing sound is generated. The sound, on the other hand, records at approximately 30 decibels. The build quality is outstanding and sufficient in grandeur. One will be awestruck by the quality of the craftsmanship and technology.

A few issues could be that it operates at a reduced profile with DDR memory. Additionally, its covering can be a significant issue during product assembly. Therefore, it would be best to verify that the cooler fits your casing criteria.

NH-D14 features

• The NT-H1 thermal component is a commercially available TIM solution.

• A superb component cooling system is one of the model’s standout features.

• The asymmetrical shape enables it to be used with virtually all configurations.

• Due to the six heat pipes, a double radiator design is an ideal choice for enhanced heat dispersion and airflow efficiency.

2. Noctua NH-D15

If you are a fan of Noctua products and wish to upgrade from the Noctua NH– 14, I recommend the Noctua NH-D15, as I find this model the finest option. The air-cooled CPU cooler would be ideal for a double-tower air cooling system with a 140 millimeters size.

Due to double heat sinks instead of a single, it is recognized as the D-Type cooler. This will assist you in optimizing the cooling process’s performance. Six heat pipes are attached to the initial fin plates, four of which are crimped.

The fin is substantially more streamlined than the D-14’s. The nickel-plated fins are built of aluminum. The Noctua NH-D15 is considered one of the greatest coolers on the market today in terms of effectiveness. It is more refined and quiet in operation. You can choose low-noise adapters for a significantly more fluid and noise-free operation.

NH-D15 features

• It provides improved heat dissipation and airflow efficiency.

• You can take advantage of the larger fin stack and increased heat pipe configuration.

• Excellent compatibility across RAM and motherboard layouts in single fan mode

• Compatibility with a diverse variety of systems should be ensured by support for a diverse range of sockets.

• Support for PWM and superb low-noise adapters ensure greater and quieter performance.

Differences between NH-D14 and NH-D15

1. General review

The NH-D14 dual tower heatsink was launched back in 2009 and had a reputation for being a more efficient cooler when temperatures rise. On the other hand, the Noctua NH-D15 is a 2018 modification of the NH-D14 that addresses several issues while maximizing the efficiency and ease of assembling.

2. Design

NH-D14 is a simple-to-assemble product by design. It is equipped with two fans held in place by two-wire clips that make it easier to install and detach consistently. Additionally, it features rubber strips that serve as silencers, reducing vibration and minimizing mechanical noises when operating. The NH-D14 is built with jagged zigzag margins over a surface level to optimize the blades’ ventilation with minimal interference and noise from turbulence.

The NH-D14’s large surface area allows for efficient heat dissipation, reducing CPU temperatures even at maximum performance. Its weight of between 2 to 2.7 pounds has a negligible effect on the computer’s weight and motherboard pressure.

The NH-D15 heatsink fin leading edges are constructed in a hybrid manner, with a low inclination V-shaped slant toward the center and a few smooth zigzag edges. This increases its ability to allow air to move freely between the fins with the least resistance and noise. It is nearly identical in size to the NH-D14. However, it weighs about 2.2 and 2.7 pounds when completely constructed. Once installed, it increases the amount of RAM that can be used.

3. Efficiency

By design, the NH-D14 features a nickel-plated copper/aluminum hybrid heatsink. Copper, a superior conductor of heat, is a useful component in heat pipes coated with a layer of Nickel to tolerate corrosive conditions with high temperatures. The Nickel’s ductility and toughness reduce NH-D14’s performance degradation over time, increasing its durability. Additionally, it includes IC Diamond paste.

As with its predecessor, the NH-D15 features a copper/aluminum hybrid heatsink that has been Nickel electroplated for improved cooling and durability. It features two NF-A15 PWM fans with a maximum speed of 1500 rpm that is simpler to mount and disassemble than the NH-D14’s speed of 1300 rpm.

Additionally, the heatsink is widened, and the heat pipe spacing increases for improved cooling performance. The NH-D15 includes two RC-7 Low Distortion Adapters that enable the heatsink to operate in complete silence. Additionally, a Y-Cable and an NT-H1 TIM tube are included.

4. Cost

The price of the NH-D14 is approximately $80. On the other hand, the NH-D15 is priced at about $90 due to its superb top-tier cooling performance.

Buying guide: Which CPU cooler do I need to purchase?

Noctua offers a diverse range of CPU coolers to meet various needs and applications. Before buying NH-D14 or NH-D15, I would advise that you choose the model that fits best for you based on the following factors:

a) Motherboard– Always ensure you utilize the motherboard’s compatibility guide to determine what cooler model is compatible with your motherboard.

b) Thermal Design Power (TDP) of the CPU, overclocking, and noise level– As a general rule, the larger, the cooler, the greater the cooling performance. While some of our tiny, moderate cooler models are optimized for low-power CPUs, the larger coolers are great for high-power CPUs and overclocking.

Additionally, proper cooling and noise are intrinsically tied. By selecting a cooler with a sufficient performance margin for your CPU, you can operate the fan(s) at relatively reduced speeds and noise levels.

Contrary, when you pick a cooler that your CPU will fully utilize, the fans will end up spinning faster or at their optimum speeds more frequently when the CPU is fully loaded.

c) CPU socket– Using the model’s socket compatibility chart, choose a cooler model that best fits your socket.

d) Compatibility with cases and cooler height – Choose a cooler that fits your model about the particular product web pages’ height parameters.

e) RAM compatibility

Summary

Noctua CPU air coolers’ longevity, functionality, and features make them a great pick by nearly all metrics. In any event, if you’re in the market for a new CPU cooler, it could be prudent to get the D-15 even though the D-14 is more affordable. You may not get the appropriate level of assistance as the product has been withdrawn.

However, if you already own an NH-D14, you do not need to switch to the NH-D15 at this time. When it comes to replacing it, you can always migrate to D-15.

Conclusion

In summary, computer fans would be conflicted between these two premium versions, NH-D14 and NH-D15, if it wasn’t for the NH-D15’s asymmetrical structure, which provides additional space toward the PCle slot, greater RAM clearance, and efficiency, which can reach 33.8-37.4°F better.

Regardless of this, either of these two investments could deliver one of computing’s most amazing experiences.