I'm building a PC that will house a 9950X and a 5090 GPU in an Antec Flux Pro case. I'm considering using the Noctua NH-D15 G2 for cooling instead of going for an AIO cooler. The reason I prefer not to invest in an AIO system is that I want to keep things simple, and I can't stand the noise from AIO pumps. Is it a bad idea to use the NH-D15 for this setup?
5 Answers
One thing to keep in mind is how much space the D15 will take up inside your case. Make sure it doesn’t restrict airflow for your GPU.
Honestly, if you already have the NH-D15, stick with it! It's a solid cooler. But if you're looking for alternatives, the Peerless Assassin can provide similar performance for a fraction of the cost. Noctua has great customer support, but the price difference is significant!
I'm using a Phantom Spirit 120 for my 9950X, and it works great. It does get a bit noisy under full load, though. Just something to consider if you go that route!
The NH-D15 is one of the best air coolers on the market and is almost on par with many AIOs. You'll be fine using it!
Yeah, particularly with 240mm AIOs, the D15 holds its own. Just keep in mind it is a bit pricey, but totally worth it for the performance!
It's not stupid at all! The only concern would be if the NH-D15 doesn't handle the heat well, but I think you'll be fine. If you're worried, you might also want to check out the Phantom Spirit 120 SE; it could save you some cash. And if it doesn’t work out, switching to an AIO could be easy and you won't lose a ton of money as Noctua coolers tend to hold their value.
I actually use the Peerless Assassin with my 9950X3D, and it outperforms the H150i. Definitely worth considering!