Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC, Dual Tower CPU Cooler, Specialised Low Base Convexity Version for AMD AM5/AM4 (Brown)

==============================================NH-D15 G2 for the AM5 Ryzen 7 9800X3D===This will be my third NH-D15, all of which are in use and working flawlessly. You can see my past reviews for the NH-D15 G1 under the top reviews of that product page.The G2 is updated with newer NF-A14x25r G2 fans (vs NF-A15), 8 heat pipes (vs 6), and 20% more surface area from what the specs say, and the same 6 YEAR warranty. The installation kit is surprisingly better than the G1, which was already really good. The G2 is quieter than the G1 by a good amount, it doesn't drone as much under load, and seems to come back down in temperature very fast. This still comes with thermal paste as well, and a new paste guard.I absolutely recommend going with the G2 if you're moving to a higher-end AM5 or LGA1700 chip. Could you go with a G1 on AM5/LGA1700... Possibly, but it may not work as well, and you might need to buy the NM-AM5/4-MP83 mounting kit depending on when you bought your G1. I can't link it here, but Noctua's site has an FAQ link on each variant's product page that links to a very neat "Which version of the NH-D15 G2 should I buy (LBC, Standard or HBC)?" page with a comparison table on it. You can also just web search that title a find it right away. I can't speak about the HBC for Intel and all its parts and install, but most of this will likely mirror just fine to that variant.It's interesting that 3 variants of these coolers are now offered. I ended up buying this LBC for the AM5 knowing that with the past two I've owned I didn't move them to new systems, I just bought a new one each time. I know some people have bought the generic variant of the G2 and it also works fine, better if the offset is used. So far there's no Chromax variant that I'm aware of, it's probably still too new for them to start releasing even more models of it.The build quality of the hardware is outstanding, none of the parts feel cheap or of poor manufacturing. Assembly and installation is easy to follow even though it looks way too large to sit on the socket. Some may be concerned about strain on the CPU/socket but I'd say it's comparable to some AIOs in this category, the pipes on some AIOs can absolutely put tension on a CPU socket.The RAM I'm using, like with the G1, is still fairly tall. However, the width of the Fractal Torrent does allow the secondary fan to fit just fine even after raising the front fan to fit the taller RAM.If you're unsure about the optional secondary fan fitting, take a 140mm case fan and set it on top of your RAM (vertically as if it were on the cooler sitting above the RAM). If it still clears the side of your case with a few millimeters to spare then you're likely OK. Both 140mm fans are almost fully adjustable, they move/notch up and down on wire clips using the heat-sink fins as mounting points. The fans are 140mm with 120mm mounts, probably for compatibility to fit a 120mm fan as the optional for those with taller RAM.==================================================Keywords to help searches for fitment and usage:-Ryzen 7 9800X3D-MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk-Fractal Torrent (full size)-G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo

The Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC is a next-generation air cooler that refines and improves upon the legendary NH-D15, delivering unmatched cooling performance, near-silent operation, and premium build quality. If you're looking for the best air cooler on the market, this is it.Exceptional Cooling PerformanceWith its dual-tower heatsink design and two next-gen NF-A14x25r fans, the NH-D15 G2 LBC delivers outstanding thermal performance, keeping even the most power-hungry CPUs like the Intel Core i9-14900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X cool under extreme workloads. Whether you're gaming, overclocking, or rendering, this cooler ensures low temperatures and high stability.Ultra-Quiet Operation – Noctua's Signature SilenceNoctua is known for industry-leading acoustics, and the NH-D15 G2 LBC continues that tradition. The low-noise optimized fans provide excellent cooling with minimal noise, and the LBC (Low Bearing Clearance) design ensures that even in compact high-end builds, the fans operate smoothly without unnecessary turbulence or vibration.LGA 1700 & AM5 Compatibility – Future-Proof DesignNoctua has designed the NH-D15 G2 LBC with broad socket compatibility, including LGA 1700, AM5, and other high-end platforms, ensuring that it works with the latest Intel and AMD CPUs. This makes it a long-term investment for multiple system upgrades.Premium Build Quality – Built to LastWith six heat pipes, nickel-plated copper base, and an all-metal construction, the NH-D15 G2 LBC is built like a tank. Noctua backs its coolers with an industry-leading 6-year warranty, showing confidence in the durability and reliability of their products.Easy Installation – SecuFirm2+ Mounting SystemThe SecuFirm2+ mounting system makes installation straightforward and secure, providing perfect contact pressure for optimal cooling. The included NT-H2 thermal compound ensures excellent heat transfer out of the box.Final Verdict: 10/10 – The King of Air CoolingThe Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC is the best air cooler you can buy. It offers exceptional cooling performance, whisper-quiet operation, and premium build quality, making it perfect for high-end builds, overclockers, and enthusiasts. If you want the best cooling without going liquid, this is the ultimate choice.🔥 Highly recommended for anyone who values top-tier air cooling performance! 🚀

You get what you pay for. In this case, you are getting an air cooler that is literally the best of the best with refinement and attention to detail. My maximum temp on my Ryzen 7 9800X3D won't exceed 73 deg C and that is with the fans at 70%. Speaking of the fans, I cannot hear them and there are TWO of them mounted to this cooler. Even at 70% I still cannot hear them.I think the stellar performance is due to the fact this is a LBC cooler, specifically machined super flat with no concavity or convexity, so contact with the IHS is superb.Included are some very important accessories:1. Socket AM5 processor thermal paste guard/shield2. Noctua NH-2 thermal paste (as good as Arctic MX-6, but easier to spread)3. Easy to use off-set mounting solution that can also be used in "standard" mode without the 7mm AMD offset4. Low noise adapter cable, but you won't need it!NOTE: DO NOT use this with any Intel CPU. Intel CPUs don't have a flat IHS and tend to distort under their mounting pressure over time anyway. Get the regular NH-D15 G2 (AMD or Intel) or NH-D15 G2 HBC (high base convexity) for Intel specific applications.The only downside is the price. That said, the only way you will get a better cooler for your AM5 CPU is if you switch to water cooling and the issues that can come with.