Noctua NH-D15S versus NH-D15 CPU Cooler Review

By Brian Nyhuis

NH-D15S Noise Testing

Noise testing was a highly requested item by our readers, and with this new system, we have those numbers for you!

To obtain our noise numbers, were using an Extech 407750 Sound Lever Meter with the wind screen on. This meter is placed six inches from the top side of the chassis on a level tripod. (See picture) It and the PC case are placed in the exact same spot with the side panel off, as to not taint results, because the movement of just one inch can skew results.


Noctua NH-D15S

All noise readouts are obtained at the end of the test (Idle or AIDA64) to allow the system sufficient time to get settled in. Ambient noise readout was gathered from only the system fans running not any component in the cooler.

AMBIENT NOISE: 39.1 dBA

Noctua NH-D15S - Noise

Overall Results: Again, as expected the coolers provided nearly identical results with the 2-fan configuration. What I find rather interesting, is that the sound meter actually read lower with two fans in place vs. a single. I verified RPMs werent different between the two, so Im a bit dumbfounded.