Since Noctua released its public-use air cooler patent in 2009, other high-end brands have flooded the market.
With a wide range of options now available to shoppers, it's difficult to make a quick decision. Various developments since the launch of Noctua have brought new twists to the air cooling industry. These newer brands ended up surpassing Noctua's initial release.
Brands like Be Quiet, ARCTIC, Cooler Master, etc. they are now the mainstays of the CPU cooling market. But with the latest releases in Noctua's NH series, the pioneers of cooling are back in the race for heat dissipation supremacy.
At the moment, one brand presents itself as a major challenge to Noctua refrigerators for market control. And that is the Be Quiet Dark Rock series.
Dark Rock Pro 4 comes with a huge collection of cooling-focused features that are worth checking out. But when you see what the NH-D15 has to offer, you might have two questions about which one to choose.
Interested in getting more out of your chosen CPU cooler?
Do not freak out!
In this comparison piece, you'll get in-depth details about both brands and what they offer. With access to this data, making a quick and informed choice undoubtedly becomes more comfortable. Check out both below!
table of contents
1 Dark Rock Profissional 4
2 General specifications
2.1 Plug support
2.2 Exceptional features
2.2.1 Improved rotation speed
2.2.2 Continuous noise level
2.2.3 Impressive air/pressure intake system
2.2.4 Composition of the material
3 NH-D15
4 General specifications
4.1 Bay Compatibility
4.2 Plug support
4.3 Featured features
4.3.1 Cooling capacity
4.3.2 Voltage range
5 Head-to-Head Comparison: How Do These Coolers Compare?
6 Why should you buy Dark Rock Pro 4 instead of NH-D15?
6.1 Why should I order Dark Rock Pro 4?
6.1.1 Less noise with maximum performance
6.1.2 Better airflow rate
6.1.3 Improved socket compatibility
6.1.4 Lower TDP index
6.2 Why should you buy the NH-D15?
6.2.1 Longer warranty
6.2.2 Better cooling potential
6.2.3 Possibility of easier assembly
6.2.4 Easier mounting bracket
7 frequently asked questions
7.1 Dark Rock Pro 4 vs NH-D15, which one is better?
7.2 Does Dark Rock Pro 4 and NH d15 come with thermal paste?
8 last word
dark professional rock 4
The all-black Dark Rock Pro 4 from Be Quiet is a performance-oriented cooler for high-end computing needs. It comes with an updated design that includes a pair of radiators and reaches a maximum of 200W of cooling power.
With a standard push-pull configuration in its configuration, Dark Rock Pro 4 allows more free RAM space for improved performance.
The heat dissipation characteristics and other robust characteristics of this cooler make it ideal for demanding tasks. The multi-card compatibility of this set makes it a great choice for accessing multiple slots without any issues.
And with Dark Rock Pro 4 support risers to accommodate the RAM sticks, you've got plenty of support for a smoother installation.
General Specifications
- From Silent Wings PWM fans
- Seven 6 mm copper heat pipes
- double tower layout
- Brushed aluminum top cap with diamond-cut finish
- 3 years manufacturer warranty
socket holder
- LGA1150
- FM2+
- FM2
- FM1
- AM4
- AM3+
- AM3
- AM2+
- AM2
- LGA2066
- LGA 2011-3
- LGA 2011
- LGA1366
- LGA1200
- LGA1156
- LGA1155
- LGA1151
Featured Resources
Improved rotation speed
With fan rotation speeds in excess of 2000 RPM, this cooler provides enhanced cooling support. Quick bursts of the fan during operation take full advantage of sending heat away from the motherboard bays.
This improved feature is enough for some buyers to choose it as their favorite option. But there's more about this cooler to consider before choosing below;
continuous noise level
Even at significant fan speeds, this cooler features a very quiet operating scheme. Buyers can be assured of improved cooling while maintaining the silence needed for an immersive computing and gaming experience.
Impressive air/pressure intake system
The air intake on this cooler provides significant ventilation support for your system. CPU cooling enthusiasts can be assured of greater mounting compatibility with the front-mounted Silent Wings 3 fan.
material composition
A durable brushed aluminum housing on this cooler promotes greater potential longevity for your components. The diamond finish on this box also maximizes hot air dissipation with greater comfort.
NH-D15
The Noctua NH-D15 is an evolution of its predecessor, the NH-D14, to provide significant cooling support for multiple systems. It features a dual tower cooler and an extended heatpipe system for smoother air support.
This cooler features a pair of premium fans to support a wide range of automated features. Additionally, the cooler supports a durable, easy-to-install mounting system for significant configuration potential.
Overclockers and computer enthusiasts who need superior cooling will enjoy this unit's silent operation.
General Specifications
- 2 NF-A15 PWM fans
- 2 low noise adapters (L.N.A.)
- Thermal paste NT-H1
- SecuFirm2™ mounting kit
- Warranty: 6 years
bay compatibility
- 140 mm by 150 mm by 25 mm (120 mm mounting holes)
- 140mm by 140mm by 25mm (120mm mounting holes)
- 120mm by 120mm by 25mm
socket holder
- LGA2066
- LGA 2011-3 (Caja ILM)
- LGA 2011-0
- LGA1200
- LGA1156
- LGA1155
- LGA1151
- LGA1150
- FM2+
- FM2
- FM1
- AM4
- AM3+
- AM3
- AM2+
- AM2
Featured Resources
fridge power
With two high-powered fans, this cooler promotes better ventilation across the entire CPU. It features a construction focused on removing heat from your processor and other components for potential smooth operation.
voltage range
The small 12V range of this cooler makes it the best choice for lower power consumption. If you're worried about saving more on your utility bills, consider this fan as a favorite option.
Head-to-head comparison: How do these coolers compare?
Feature | dark professional rock 4 | NH-D15 | |
1 | Take 1151 and 2066 | Sim | 1151 (yes); 2066 (no) |
2 | Depth | 90mm | 80mm |
3 | Height | 180 mm | 155 mm |
4 | maximum airflow | 90 CFM | 80 cubic feet per minute |
5 | maximum noise | 24,3dB | 24,6dB |
6 | minimum air flow | 34 CFM | 33 cubic feet per minute |
7 | Rotations every minute | 2000 rpm max. | 1000 rpm max. |
8 | Thermal Design Power | 350W | 300W |
9 | guarantee | 3 years | 6 years |
10 | ancho | 135 mm | 140mm |
Why should you buy Dark Rock Pro 4 over NH-D15?
Why should you order Dark Rock Pro 4?
Less noise with maximum performance
Even when at significant cooling speed, the cooler does not exceed 24.3 dB. With such a low noise rating, this cooler is barely louder than a human whisper.
With improved silent operating potential over the NH-D15, it could be an ideal choice for your next upgrade.
Better airflow rate
With a maximum airflow rate of 90 CFM, the Dark Rock Pro 4 comes with a superior flow rate. A higher flow rate promotes heat dissipation and allows for significant cooling support.
Improved socket compatibility
With support for many motherboard sockets, Dark Rock Pro 4 has improved potential to fit more PCs.
lower TDP index
The thermal design horsepower (TDP) of a chiller is critical to limiting the potential for heat generation. An updated version of the Dark Rock Pro 4 offers an impressive TDP rating of 250W. The NH-D15 coolers feature a TDP rating of 300W, which means it generates more heat during operation.
So if you're interested in getting less heat generation out of an air cooler, consider the Dark Rock Pro 4.
Why should you buy NH-D15?
longer warranty
NH-D15 refrigerators come with a six-year warranty coverage. With this enhanced warranty coverage, this cooler surpasses the Dark Rock's meager three-year warranty.
Having longer warranty coverage makes your investment profitable and gives you more comfort during use.
Better cooling potential
Under load, the NH-D15 supports CPU cooling at least six degrees cooler than Dark Rock Pro 4 coolers. With its CPU running at 50°F over the DRP4's 149°F, it has a significant cooling.
Easier mounting potential
The NH-D15 supports great mounting convenience with its SecuFirm mounting kits. These kits are compatible with AMD/Intel motherboards for a more accurate, hassle-free fit.
In addition, the NH-D15 has an extended screwdriver and screws and pegs for easy installation.
With several kits included in the NH-D15's packaging, it is easier to assemble than the Dark Rock Pro 4.
Simpler adjustment support
The NH-D15 air coolers feature much smaller dimensions than the Dark Rock Pro 4 fans. These coolers come with smaller builds, making them ideal for fitting into multiple cases without issue.
PC makers interested in significant ease of installation may be pleased with the overall design of this cooler. And since it's shallower, there's a greater chance of more airflow in your PC.
common questions
Dark Rock Pro 4 vs NH-D15, which is better?
Dark Rock Pro 4 has an improved noise reduction system than NH-D15 coolers. NH-D15 coolers, on the other hand, generally have better cooling potential than Dark Rock Pro 4 fans.
Does Dark Rock Pro 4 and NH d15 come with thermal paste?
A single Dark Rock Pro 4 order includes the main unit, thermal paste and installation manuals. Furthermore, the NH D15 comes with a heatsink, brackets and thermal paste along with a screwdriver.
last word
Comparing the Dark Rock Pro 4 to the NH-D15 could have been a daunting task. But with what this part offers, it's easier to get perfect coolers for your PC.
Selecting the right cooler has a lot to do with your PC's performance. And when it comes to choosing silent operating potential, the Dark Rock Pro 4 has you covered.
Computer and gaming enthusiasts interested in getting better CPU performance should consider the NH-D15. With upgraded design and cooling system, this cooler can provide perfect computer support.
Overall, these two coolers have something special going for them. Consider making the most of your selection and getting the coolers that best suit your needs. With the right cooler guaranteed, your CPU will perform better than ever!
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FAQs
Is the NH-D15 the best air cooler? ›
Noctua's NH-D15 CPU Cooler & Fan is of premium quality shows that Noctua is still setting the bar for high-end air cooling. Its impressive performance dissipating heat combined with its quiet operation make this unit a superb buy.
Which Noctua air cooler is the best? ›The Noctua NH-D15 is one of the company's best-performing air coolers. It can handle high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X, thanks to its high cooling capacity due to its size, and has whisper-quiet fans. Noctua's NH-D15 is one of the highest-performing CPU fan coolers available.
Which air cooler D15 is best? ›The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black is considered by many to be the best air cooler on the market.
What is the cooling power of Noctua NH d15s? ›The cooler has a cooling capacity of 220W due to its design and the used materials, in addition the cooler is accompanied by two 140mm NF-A15 fans, these are part of the NF line of fans, with a maximum speed of 1500RPM.
Which cooler is best for extreme heat? ›- Symphony Sumo 75 XL Powerful Desert Air Cooler.
- Crompton Optimus 65-Litre Desert Cooler.
- Orient Electric CD5003H Desert Air Cooler.
- Symphony Diet 3D 30i Portable Tower Air Cooler.
- Crompton Ozone Desert Air Cooler.
- Bajaj Platini PX97 Torque 36-Litres Personal Air Cooler.
- Bajaj DMH 65 Neo 65L Desert Air Cooler.
Nimble Cooler motor is best for your cooler. It comes with 100% Fresh copper and in cell cover which is best for motor.
What is the best alternative to NH-D15? ›- Noctua NH-D15. Best Overall. ...
- Source: DeepCool. DeepCool Assassin III CPU cooler. ...
- Source: Cooler Master. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition. ...
- Source: be quiet! be quiet! ...
- Source: Noctua. Noctua NH-L9i. ...
- Source: Noctua. Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3. ...
- Source: Noctua. Noctua NH-P1. ...
- Noctua NH-D15.
Yeti Tundra 65
The Tundra 65 boasts the most impressive all-around performance out of any cooler we tested. Through numerous rounds of our intensive insulation testing, the Tundra 65 continued to outlast the rest in keeping contents at safe temperatures for consumption.
Best High-End Silent CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15
The dual fan design drastically increases airflow, which allows your system to run quietly and hassle-free.
Overall the NH-D15 is a fantastic cooler. However, compared to the Coolermaster AIO cooler mentioned earlier, it's only at a 30w TDP deficit, with a maximum TDP of around 220w, whereas the AIO cooler comes with 250w.
Which company makes the best cooler? ›
- Hindware Snowcrest Fascino 60L Inverter Compatible Desert Air Cooler (White) ...
- Kenstar Cool Grande 60 Litres Desert Air Cooler (Inverter Compatible), Grey.
According to Mark Gallina, liquid cooling more “efficiently distributes heat over more convection surface area (radiator) than pure conduction, allowing for reduced fan speeds (better acoustics) or higher total power.” In other words, it's more efficient, and often quieter.
What is the cooling capacity of Noctua NH-D15 in Watts? ›Weight & dimensions | |
---|---|
Weight | 1.32 kg |
Energy management | |
Power consumption (typical) | 1.56 W |
Voltage | 12 |
Every Noctua fan I've tried has good circuitry and bearings. That means there's no clicking or whirring of motors and bearings when the fan is at low speed, so the only noise the fan makes is really through air movement. Every Noctua fan also has a 6 year warranty...
Is Noctua better than Arctic? ›As far as the thermal paste is concerned, the Noctua NT-H2 was 1c better than its predecessor, which is consistent with my colleague Aaron Lai's review in 2019. Meanwhile, there was no measurable difference between the ARCTIC MX-5 and the Noctua NT-H2, which is an excellent result.
Which air cooler is best 2023? ›Model | Capacity | Price |
---|---|---|
Crompton Ozone Desert Air Cooler | 75 litres | Rs 10199 |
Bajaj PX 97 Torque New Personal Air Cooler | 36 litres | Rs 5598 |
Symphony Diet 12T Personal Tower Air Cooler | 12 litres | Rs 5699 |
Bajaj DMH 65 Neo Desert Air Cooler | 65 litres | Rs 9498 |
The most important way to keep your cooler cold is to keep the heat out. A great way to do this is by lining the inside of your cooler with aluminum foil, which helps reflect heat and light that will quickly melt your ice. You can also use thermal bubble wrap to help keep the hot air out and cool air in.
What is the most extreme CPU cooler? ›- EKWB. EK-AIO Basic 240. View.
- Deepcool. Gammaxx L240 V2. Check Price.
- Corsair. Hydro Series H60. Check Price.
- Deepcool. AS500 Plus. Check Price.
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2. Check Price.
- Noctua. NH-D15 Chromax Black. Check Price.
- Noctua. NH-P1. Check Price.
Ductless/Mini-Split systems.
Ductless units are considered the most energy-efficient air conditioning systems on the market. They also can be installed in just about any home because they do not require expensive ductwork.
GET THIS. The Crompton Optimus inverter-compatible and portable air cooler is an ideal air cooler for any room or hall. It comes with a wide-angle air throw that ensures an even distribution of cool air across the room. It has a 100-litre water tank capacity that ensures long hours of cooling.
What is the best ventilation for an air cooler? ›
The best place to position your air cooler is right in front of the window. Hotter the air, faster the evaporation and cooler the air blown out by the fan. It's also important to create good ventilation in the room to push the humidity out. In order to do this, you need to open windows in the room.
Can I add another fan to NH-D15S? ›Using the supplied extra fan clips, the NH-D15S can be upgraded with either a second round-frame 140mm fan with 120mm mounting holes (such as the NF-A15) for maximum performance or a common 120mm fan (such as the NF-F12) for improving performance while maintaining compatibility with RAM modules of up to 45mm height.
What is the maximum fan speed of NH-D15? ›Cooler Type | CPU Air Cooler |
---|---|
Fan Size | 140 mm |
Fan Thickness | 0.98" / 25.00 mm |
Fan Speed | 300 to 1500 rpm |
Noise Level | 24.6 dBA |
Performance: While the base performance of the NH-D15 and NH-D15S heatsinks are identical, the dual fan configuration of the NH-D15 can provide 1-3°C better performance.
Which cooler holds ice the longest? ›- RTIC 52 Ultra-Light – Best Overall. ...
- Lifetime 65-Quart High-Performance Cooler – Best Value. ...
- Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Hard Ice Chest Cooler – Best Budget Pick. ...
- YETI Tundra 65 – Best Premium Cooler. ...
- Orca 140-Quart Cooler – Best Large Capacity. ...
- Igloo BMX 25 – Best Small Cooler.
- RTIC 52 Ultra Light Cabela Polar Cap Equalizer 80qt Cooler – Best Overall.
- Yeti Tundra 65 – Best Value.
- The Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler – Best Budget Pick.
- Yeti Roadie 24 – Best Small Cooler.
- RovR Products RollR 45.
- Orca 40 Quart Cooler.
- Engel HD30 Soft-Sided Cooler.
If you took the brand logos off each of their 45-quart coolers and compared them side-by-side, you'd have a tough time telling them apart. So, yes, RTIC coolers are designed to perform just as well as Yeti coolers and their user reviews seem to bear that out.
What is the most silent CPU cooler 2023? ›Best Quietest CPU Coolers | Noise Level (Db) | Cooling Method |
---|---|---|
CoolerMaster Quietest CPU Cooler | 15 | Liquid |
ARCTIC Quietest CPU Cooler | 18 | Fans (Air) |
Noctua Quietest CPU Cooler | 19.2 | Fans (Air) |
Thermaltake Quietest CPU Cooler | 23.6 | Fans (Air) |
Best Flexible CPU Cooler
If you want a cooler that's easy to install, can work around the rest of your kit, and will look great in your case, then the Corsair A500 is our pick.
The quietest AIO cooler is the Corsair H100i Pro RGB. Expect to pay around $119.99 USD / £114.99 GBP. The latest update to the classic Corsair H100i liquid CPU cooler isn't just about that new ring of LED light around the shrunken pump. It's not even about the slicker radiator design, either.
Do air coolers last longer than aios? ›
Air systems can be used for a decade without an issue. But most AIO coolers are limited to a lifespan of about five or six years, either because the pumps die, or because of permeation (drying up of the coolant).
Is NH-D15 quiet? ›Noctua NH-D15 Dual Radiator Quiet CPU Cooler with Two NH-A15 Fans. Built on the basis of the legendary NH-D14 and carrying on its quest for ultimate quiet cooling performance, Noctua's flagship model NH-D15 is an elite-class dual tower cooler for the highest demands.
Can an NH-D15 cool a 11900K? ›The biggest reason for this is that the Noctua NH-D15 features a performance that's unbeatable. It can help cool your entire build, even when you're overclocking. You can't find a better cooler at this price right now. It's the perfect cooler to get for something as powerful as the i9 11900K.
Which cooler has the best low power consumption? ›The Symphony Air Cooler is a great choice for home cooling. This air cooler under 10000 features a powerful blower, Honeycomb Pad, low power consumption SMPS Technology, and i-Pure Technology for clean air. It provides high-efficiency cooling with low power consumption and ensures efficient cooling of the room.
What is the downside of liquid cooling? ›Although liquid cooling can be 2-10 times more effective than air cooling, there are still some drawbacks: Cost – Custom liquid cooling will cost you a lot more than a standard air-cooling system. You are paying for the more complicated operation and the better performance.
What are the disadvantages of liquid cooling system in PC? ›- Expensive. Due to their more complex nature, even the most basic AIO liquid cooling system is more expensive than its air-cooling counterpart.
- Complicated installation. ...
- Possible problems and maintenance.
Best overall | Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black | SEE IT |
---|---|---|
Best for gaming | Be Quiet! BW006 Pure Loop 240mm AiO Cooler | SEE IT |
Best high-end | Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD Liquid CPU Cooler | SEE IT |
Noctua NH-D15
It's a genuinely top match CPU cooler at a reasonable price, and if you've got one of the best gaming CPUs then its high TDP (thermal design power) rating means it'll be more than capable of the job.
...
Use the following criteria to select the model that works best for you:
- CPU socket: Which CPU socket are you using? ...
- Motherboard: Which motherboard are you using? ...
- CPU, and performance/noise considerations:Which CPU are you using?
6-year manufacturer's warranty
Noctua fans are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the NF-F12 features an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and comes with a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty.
Is Noctua a Chinese company? ›
Noctua is an Austrian computer hardware manufacturer of CPU-coolers and computer fans which is primarily aimed at the enthusiast market.
Is Noctua NH-D15 the best cooler? ›Considering the mid-range pricing for a high-end CPU air cooler coupled with the impressive thermal performance, we would say the Noctua NH-D15 is definitely worth it. Arguably, the NH-D15 is one of the best coolers on the market.
What is the most popular Noctua cooler? ›The Noctua NH-D15 is one of the company's best-performing air coolers. It can handle high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X, thanks to its high cooling capacity due to its size, and has whisper-quiet fans. Noctua's NH-D15 is one of the highest-performing CPU fan coolers available.
Are Noctua or Corsair fans better? ›The Noctua NF-P12 redux is cheaper and quieter then the Corsair ML120, so it is best for most situations. The Corsair ML120 is great when you need a fan that can run both quiet or loud and powerful.
Why do people love Noctua fans? ›Designed in Austria, Noctua's premium cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb quietness, exceptional performance and thoroughgoing quality.
Is Noctua D15 better than AIO cooler? ›Overall the NH-D15 is a fantastic cooler. However, compared to the Coolermaster AIO cooler mentioned earlier, it's only at a 30w TDP deficit, with a maximum TDP of around 220w, whereas the AIO cooler comes with 250w.
Why is the Noctua cooler so good? ›"You have the membrane, and higher pressure inside and lower pressure outside, and this pressure distance creates a very efficient acoustic coupling between the surface of the membrane, in the case of the speaker, and the fan blade, in the case of the fan, and the air.
Do air coolers last longer than AIO? ›AIOs are prone to wear and tear, and Air Coolers can last decades. AIOs can be noisier at idle (pump-noise), so they might not be your go-to-choice for low-noise builds, but they can be less noisy when under full load, thanks to their potentially higher radiator mass, the number of fans, and fan sizes.
Is an AIO better than a heatsink? ›Sound. Liquid cooling, especially when using an All-in-One (AIO), tends to be quieter than the fan on a CPU heatsink. Again, this can vary, in that there are air coolers with fans specifically designed to reduce noise, and fan settings or fan selection can impact the amount of noise generated.
What is the best airflow for CPU cooler? ›Air should travel in clear path through the case. Generally, you want the case fans in front of the case drawing in air while the fans at the rear blow air out. If your case has vents at the top, they should be placed as exhaust fans because hot air will rise.
How hot does 12900K NH-D15 get? ›
While the previous processor was happily sitting at about 60 degrees at full load, the 12900K is quite a bit hotter, topping out at 90 (idle about 30 while regular workload seems to be around 50-60).
Is NH-D15 enough for i7 12700k? ›Noctua NH D-15 is one of the best if not the best air cooler on the market. It is easily enough to cool i7 12700k, provided that the airflow in the case is sufficient.
Is NH-D15 enough for 5800X? ›definitely. the NH-D15 is rated for around 200W, while the 5800X's TDP is around 105W. so it will cool it no problem.