CONCLUSION

   When Noctua announced the new line of Chromax.black CPU coolers we were worried that the black coating would reduce cooling efficiency (even by just a little) but as you can see from our charts between the original NH-D15 and the NH-D15 chromax.black we recorded 0.6 degrees Celsius difference, a number which is well within the margin of error. Of course the same was expected from the two NF-A15 chromax.black fans since they are identical in specifications with the “regular” NF-A15 ones. As also mentioned in the introduction page we’re perfectly aware that the new NH-D15 chromax.black is just an all-black (much better looking) version of the “original” NH-D15 but we had to check things for ourselves, just in case (and we’ll be doing the same thing with other Chromax.black models as well).

   The NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler by Noctua currently retails for USD99.95 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 99.90Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which puts it roughly USD10/10Euros over the “regular” NH-D15 model. With that in mind (and also with the fact that at launch the NH-D15 did cost the same as the Chromax.black version) if a black CPU cooler is a must for you then we all think that the extra cost is negligible. Looks, excellent build quality, top cooling efficiency, rich bundle and a 6-year limited warranty is what you’re getting with the brand new Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black CPU cooler, winner of our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Limited RAM Clearance Issues
- Superior Cooling Efficiency
- Black Coating
- Dual 140mm 1500RPM Fans
- Ability to Add An 3rd Fan
- Noise Levels
- 6 Year Limited Warranty

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Size (Not For All Cases)