Noctua NH-D15S has been at the forefront of coolers for many years. However, the typically beige color of Noctua fans is usually not very popular. But a new version of this cooler with the chromax.black attribute has recently been released. This version has a black finish from the fan to the last screw. In addition, it should not affect the efficiency of the heatsink, but all that remains is to verify it on a hot processor.
Conclusion and summary
Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black takes everything good from its predecessor and significantly improves this piece visually with a matte black finish from the fan to the last screw of the mounting system. The cooling efficiency is very respectable for an air cooler. The noise level of the cooler at higher speeds is rather at average values, but it is largely caused mainly by the air flowing from the fan. The fan itself has a cultivated acoustic sound at lower frequencies and does not have much disturbance. At lower speed levels, it is also pleasantly quiet and inaudible.
Unfortunately, there was also a significant increase in price by 20% compared to the original version. For a similar price, you can buy, for example, the NH-D15 with one NF-A15 fan. In addition, we get into the territory of cheaper liquid AIO coolers. Fortunately, the NH-D15S completely catches up with its cooling performance and noise and significantly surpasses them in long-term reliability, because there is no risk of pump failure. For your money, you also get excellent build quality and a six-year warranty. Apart from the really high price tag, nothing wrong can be said against this cooler, and therefore it deserves our editorial award ‘Approved’.
| Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black |
| + Excellent cooling performance |
| + Perfect build quality |
| + Premium appearance |
| + 6-year warranty |
| - Very high price |
