CPU Cooler advice
CPU Cooler advice
It's much simpler than it seems. Many CPU coolers already have thermal paste on the heat sink, but the NH-D15 doesn't. I haven't owned one myself, but I've used another Noctua model that came with its own paste to apply.
But it's actually quite straightforward and less likely to go wrong than you might think. Just watch a video of that cooler in action and it'll be easy. A small drop—about half a pea size—right in the center of the IHS really helps.
It's much simpler than it seems. Many CPU coolers already have thermal paste on the heat sink, but the NH-D15 doesn't come with it. I haven't owned one myself, but I've used another Noctua model that included a tube of paste you apply yourself. But it's not too complicated and is easier to get right than you might think. Just watch a video of that cooler and it'll be straightforward. A half pea-sized drop in the middle of the IHS really works well. Thanks for the advice, it's been a big help.
There are distinctions between the NH-D15 and the NH-D15s.
Both perform similarly, and their prices are comparable.
However, the D15 models have been updated to accommodate graphics cards in the first PCIe slot and also support taller RAM modules.
They are also 5mm shorter overall.
For more details, see the specifications here: https://noctua.at/en/tdp-guide