Noctua NH-D15 air cooler performance versus other air and water models in overclocking setups for Skylake 6700K builds
Noctua NH-D15 air cooler performance versus other air and water models in overclocking setups for Skylake 6700K builds
Lars01 is facing a similar challenge. I own the fractal design r5, i7 6700k, and an ASUS Z170 motherboard. The issue is selecting a CPU cooler. I currently have a HyperX Savage 2666 MHz CL13 2x8 GB RAM, which operates at 1.35 volts. The RAM stands 34.5 mm tall, and Noctua suggests it only supports modules up to 32 mm with dual fans. I purchased the HyperX Savage 30% off so I’m hesitant to send them back for a lower-profile RAM option. I need low-profile RAM to fit my Noctua NH-D15. I noticed you have a Noctua NH-D15 and Trident Z RAM that aren’t low-profile, but how did you manage it? Did you adjust the fan height or used a different method? I’m eager to build my PC but am stuck on choosing the right cooler.
I understand what you mean.
You just raised the fan with the tall ram, didn't you?
I was thinking about buying the Nh D14 because of clearance issues, but now you've made me consider the Nh D15.
Do you think raising the fan increases CPU heat since it's not in the optimal position? Or do you think the difference is very small?
Are you using both 140mm fans on the D15 or just one 120mm and one 140mm?
Also, could you share your specs and what your current fan setup looks like? I'm interested.
Lars01 :
Okay, i see
You just moved the fan up with the tall ram you have
I was going to buy the Nh D14 instead just because of the clearance problems, but you have now convinced me to go for the nh D15
😀
Do you think moving the fan up makes the cpu to heat more because the fan is not where it should be or do you think it has minimal to none difference? Are you using the two 140mm fans on the D15 or are you using one 120mm and one 140mm? And by the way, can you tell me your'e specs and how you're fan setup is? I am intrested
😉
Yes, the fan is positioned just as securely higher up the cooling tower. The 140mm fan is a wider diameter than the base to top of tower fins, so moving it up still covers from bottom to a bit further over top. The greatest heat removal is from the middle fan. I’m using both original 140mm fans. seems earlier models had a 140 and a 120 read somewhere of a slight performance reduction due to different fan sizes, but still surpassed a single fan. The actual benchmarks using just the middle fan are also really impressive. But if going for the maximum cooling then adding the second fan helps and could be important if playing games highly over-clocked. However, the difference between 120 and 140 for second fan may be very small indeed. I don’t think there is any measurable difference for repositioning the outer fan though, or rather you’d need a laboratory standard test bench to detect any difference at all.
I was considering going for the offset model NH D15S, but on checking out specifications its basically a single fan version of the NH D15 with offset helping some sli set-ups and not having a second fan means no ram clearance issues, but also no option for a second fan. However this model gives one the option of using one or two fans and performance-wise this is the best.
This test review shows the differences in performance using 1 fan, 2 or the lower voltage lower fan speed low noise setting. I use the full voltage one for maximum performance and the noise is still ultra-low. It speeds up when you need it, so can be heard then but still not bad and reassuring it has an effect and on board monitoring shows it has an instant effect on temperatures. So I have set it for the turbo mode to go into full speed at 60 degrees, which is highly effective.
The specs of my rig are rather high, but I want it to last can’t afford another upgrade for a long time, hence why waiting for a graphics card. It remarkable how the 6700k on board graphics perform. I’ve upgraded after using laptops but they can’t compete with decent desktops desktop, so can’t utilise an earlier graphics card and rather save the cost until Pascal comes out. If gaming, the benchmarks if relying on integrated, are hit at 3D, but for 2D it is very good. Of course a discreet graphics card helps. Main specs are 6700K processor that works well at 4.4GHz and 4.5GHz and can run it at 4.6GHz. But as using integrated graphics felt should lower it to 4.4 GHz at least until I get a dedicated graphics card. The ram is Trident Z 32 GB (4x8GB) 3200 MHz (OC) further overclocked with less than 1 step increased latency at 3466 MHz CL 17 18 18 38. OS is run on a Samsung m.2 950 Pro, along with standard SanDisk ultra II SSD and a WD blue 1 TB HDD. My specs are for working with software that requires ram. For a gaming PC 16GB ram is more than ample, with the emphasis usually being on a good graphics card or cards.
At the moment I’ve 3 input fans, including Fractal Design one includes, plus a Be Quiet silent wings at the front and another at the base, the 2 Nocua cpu fans on the cooler and the Fractal Design output fan. I may add an LED fan somewhere, but set it at a lower speed simply because even the best LED fans are much nosier than the fans I’ve got, which are all quiet. The Fractal Design fans are surprisingly good and worth keeping and the Noctua fans are incredible in terms of both performance and quietness. The Noctua ones are best for high static pressure so next to the cooler and that’s where it’s essential to have the highest performance.
The following article
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling...5-review/2
shows how small the difference is between one and two fans on the Noctua though and that is because a lot the heat dissipation is from the dual tower configuration of fins and the central fan does such a good job at transporting cooler air through. The second fan just takes it to the next level. This article suggests possibly as little as 1 degree C difference, but have read other reports that suggest 2 degrees, still very little, but if pushing the system then that 2 degrees is extra cooling is well worth having. It does all this super quiet, also having 2 fans gives a backup.
Noctua fans are also very durable so not likely to stop, but heat sink itself has a great effect. It still performs well long enough to realise and make adjustments to fix it, although you need at least one fan to funnel the air across the fins to be efficient. With water cooling if anything goes wrong the block offers almost no cooling action, whereas with a large heat sink as in Noctua and with fans competes well up to mid-range water cooling, but without any risk of leaks. I can see why the Noctua has such a high reputation amongst professionals for workstations and for gamers who can see the advantages of air cooling and concentrate on getting most out of their gaming. Also for the cost of moving to a higher end custom water cooling solution that would pay for a really top rated graphics card set-up. Getting the Noctua means its the best air cooling possible and one can then spend as much as they can afford on best graphics card or cards.
😀