Feed: AnandTech
Feed Link: https://www.anandtech.com
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Title: The Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC Cooler Review: Notoriously Big, Incredibly
Good

Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:00:00 EDT
Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/21502/the-noct...

When you buy a retail computer CPU, it usually comes with a standard cooler.
However, most enthusiasts find that the stock cooler just does not cut it in
terms of performance. So, they often end up getting a more advanced cooler
that better suits their needs. Choosing the right cooler isn't a one-size-
fits-all deal - it is a bit of a journey. You have to consider what you need,
what you want, your budget, and how much space you have in your setup. All
these factors come into play when picking out the perfect cooler.

When it comes to high-performance coolers, Noctua is a name that frequently
comes up among enthusiasts. Known for their exceptional build quality and
superb cooling performance, Noctua coolers have been a favorite in the PC
building community for years. A typical Noctua cooler will be punctuated by
incredibly quiet fans and top-notch cooling efficiency overall, which has
made them ideal for overclockers and builders who want to keep their systems
running cool and quiet.

In this review, we'll be taking a closer look at the NH-D15 G2 cooler, the
successor to the legendary NH-D15. This cooler comes with a hefty price tag
of $150 but promises to deliver the best performance that an air cooler can
currently achieve. The NH-D15 G2 is available in three versions: one standard
version as well as two specialized variants - LBC (Low Base Convexity) and
HBC (High Base Convexity). These variants are designed to make better contact
with specific CPUs; the LBC is recommended for AMD AM5 processors, while the
HBC is tailored for Intel LGA1700 processors, mirroring the slightly
different geometry of their respective heatspeaders. Conversely, the standard
version is an "one size fits all" approach for users who care more about long-
term compatibility over squeezing out every ounce of potential the cooler
has.

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