Noctua Unveils NH-D15 G2, Thermosiphon, and Next-Gen Fans

Noctua has long been synonymous with premium cooling solutions, and their latest announcements continue to push the envelope of air and liquid cooling technology. The eagerly anticipated NH-D15 G2, innovative thermosiphon prototype, and new fan designs were detailed at Computex 2024 by Noctua, showcasing their commitment to innovation and performance.

NH-D15 G2: An Evolution in Cooling Excellence

The NH-D15 G2 is set to launch this month, bringing significant enhancements over its predecessor. Priced at $150, this new model aims to deliver top-tier air cooling performance, rivaling some liquid coolers. The NH-D15 G2 features eight heat pipes, up from six in the original, and a refined fin stack with increased density and optimized pitch. These changes are designed to maximize heat dissipation and improve overall cooling efficiency.

Noctua has also introduced a novel approach to cold plate convexity, offering three variations: low base convexity (LBC), high base convexity (HBC), and standard. This customization allows users to match the cooler more precisely to their CPU’s thermal profile, potentially gaining an extra 1-2°C of cooling performance, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of high-end air coolers. To put this simply, if the convexity is too complex, you can stick with the Standard.

Included in the package are two fans and a set of four 1mm washers for an ILM (Integrated Loading Mechanism) washer mod, which helps ensure optimal mounting pressure and improves thermal transfer.

Thermosiphon: The Future of Pumpless Liquid Cooling

Noctua’s venture into liquid cooling introduces a prototype thermosiphon, aiming to provide liquid cooling performance without the mechanical failure risks associated with pumps. This pumpless design relies on the natural phase change of a refrigerant to circulate coolant, similar to heat pipe technology but with significantly higher heat-carrying capacity.

The thermosiphon features an evaporator and condenser setup, promising efficiency comparable to all-in-one liquid coolers. While details on availability and pricing remain under wraps, the prototype marks an exciting development in Noctua’s product lineup.

Next-Gen Fans: Engineering Excellence

Noctua’s latest fans incorporate Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) in the impeller and ABS+PBT for the frame, addressing previous issues of deformation under prolonged use. Despite initial setbacks, the new design includes strengthened structures and innovative load relief rings. These silicone pads around the mounting holes distribute compressive forces more evenly, reducing deformation and ensuring long-term reliability.

Additionally, Noctua has developed a new 120mm fan, tentatively named the NF-A12 G2. This fan is part of the Gen 2 lineup, featuring similar advancements as its larger counterparts, and promises to deliver superior airflow and static pressure.

Grace Hopper Cooler

On the server side, Noctua unveiled the Grace Hopper cooler, designed for high-performance computing environments. This new cooler is tailored for Hopper workstations equipped with Grace Hopper GPUs. These workstations demand exceptional cooling solutions due to their intensive workloads, and Noctua’s Grace Hopper cooler is poised to meet these requirements with superior heat dissipation and reliability.

The Grace Hopper cooler integrates Noctua’s latest fan technology, ensuring maximum airflow and minimal noise levels, which is critical in a workstation application. Although specific performance metrics were not disclosed, Noctua’s reputation suggests that this cooler will set new standards in this unique workstation cooling.

Noctua’s Venture into Power Supplies

While primarily known for its cooling solutions, Noctua is making a cautious entry into the power supply market. Although details are limited, the power supply, a Seasonic 1600w model rebranded under Noctua, promises to uphold the same standards of quality and performance that their cooling products are known for. They have done extensive engineering with the fan grill to minimize the noise of an already quiet PSU, beyond just adding a fan.

This move is intriguing as it signals Noctua’s ambition to diversify its product portfolio. The development cycle appears to be nearly complete, with the anticipated release being later this year. Its development indicates that Noctua is exploring new avenues to provide comprehensive solutions for PC builders.

Closing Thoughts

Noctua’s latest offerings highlight their relentless pursuit of cooling excellence. The NH-D15 G2, with its advanced heat pipe design and customizable cold plate convexity, is poised to set new standards in air cooling. The innovative thermosiphon prototype and next-gen fan designs demonstrate Noctua’s engineering prowess and commitment to delivering top-tier performance and reliability.

As these products hit the market, enthusiasts and professionals will have powerful new tools to keep their systems cool and efficient. Noctua continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in the cooling industry, and these new products are a testament to its innovative spirit and dedication to quality. We spent a considerable amount of time with the Noctua team, and their obsessive engineering is mind-blowing, to say the least, and is exactly what we have come to expect from the A-Team in Austria.

Special thanks to Jakob and Elizabeth for their hospitality and comprehensive tour of the Noctua booth at Computex.

Engage with StorageReview