CONCLUSION

   Once again since we're all about total transparency i need to point out that Noctua send us their Chromax accessories many months back but due to several changes in the layout of the lab and our sample storage area they got misplaced (fell behind several PC tower samples) and honestly it's not hard to forget a sample when it's nowhere to be seen. With that out of the way we all feel that the Chromax line is a step towards the right direction by Noctua but in a market filled with RGB illuminated products it just might not be enough to attract gamers and enthusiasts alike. We are perfectly aware that RGB illuminated fans may not be able to perform on par with the standards Noctua has (and they may not look "professional" enough) but at the same time we feel that they can and should make it happen (as for professionals there's no need for them to change their industrial fan line). We also would like to see higher performance all-black fans added in the Chromax line since it makes very little sense to ask from any consumer to spend extra money (and by no means a tiny amount) only to get the same fans as the ones bundled with the CPU cooler but in black. Finally you should all keep in mind that by adding the Chromax aluminum covers not only does the height of the heatsink increase by 6mm (from 158 to 164mm) but also does the total width by 3mm (from 125mm to 128mm).

   Noctua products are known for three things high performance, build quality and price so and the Chromax line of accessories is not an exception since currently the NF-A15 HS-PWM fan retails for USD26.90/26.7Euros, the NA-HC3 heatsink cover retails for USD29.90/30Euros and the NA-HC4 retails for USD29.90/31Euros (the y-cables and the 30cm extension cables each retail for USD9.90/10Euros). With that in mind in order to completely equip the NH-D15 with all of these accessories you will have to pay almost as much as the cooler itself and to some people that will sound as a bit extreme. Still according to internet “chatter” the Chromax line by Noctua is quite successful and although we do feel that they should eventually also join the RGB lighting wagon we do recommend the Chromax line of accessories to people who are looking to match their Noctua CPU cooler to their case or desk theme in general (or for something different than the regular Noctua color theme).

PROS

- Large Selection of Accessories
- Available Colors
- High Build Quality
- Easy To Mount

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Identical Fan Specifications With Normal Models
- Slight Increase In CPU Cooler Size