Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Noctua NH-D15 vs Thermalright AXP90-X36

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Noctua NH-D15 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about users prioritizing air cooling over liquid solutions — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Cpu Air Coolers

Noctua NH-D15

4.0

8 sources1 derived$159.95as of Oct 2

GamersNexus reviewed the Noctua NH-D15 G2 as the company's first major dual-tower cooler since 2014, noting it's the most expensive air cooler tested at $150. The cooler features 8 heatpipes and three cold plate variants designed for different CPU IHS styles. While it offers strong thermal performance and acoustic benefits with its new NF-A14 G2 fans, reviewers found it less performant and more costly than competing liquid coolers. This makes it best suited for users prioritizing air cooling over liquid solutions, though those seeking maximum performance may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths

— Features 8 heatpipes for improved thermal performance
— Includes three cold plate variants (HBC, LBC, Standard) for optimized CPU compatibility
— NF-A14 G2 fans use PPA/PPB design to reduce beat frequency phenomenon

Watch-outs

— More expensive than some top liquid coolers, such as the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
— Less performant than competing liquid coolers

$159.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #8 in Best Cpu Air Coolers

Thermalright AXP90-X36

3.7

4 sourcesall derived$24.9as of Oct 2

The Thermalright AXP90-X36 is a compact low-profile CPU cooler designed for small form factor builds, featuring a 36mm profile that fits HTPC and ITX cases. According to TensorScience, it offers broad compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets and includes a nickel-plated copper base for efficient heat transfer. The cooler operates quietly at 22.4 dB and is well-suited for users seeking reliable cooling in space-constrained environments. However, it lacks mounting stops that could risk motherboard damage if overtightened, and it's not recommended for overclocking or high-intensity workloads. This cooler is ideal for casual users and regular desktop users who prioritize quiet operation and space efficiency.

Strengths

— Ultra-low profile design at 36mm height suitable for HTPC, ITX, and slim cases
— Broad compatibility with various Intel and AMD CPU sockets
— Nickel-plated copper base provides durable heat transfer

Watch-outs

— Lacks mounting stops on screws which could risk bending motherboard if overtightened
— Not suitable for overclocked CPUs or high-intensity operations

$24.9 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Noctua NH-D15

The Noctua NH-D15 offers 8 heatpipes and advanced fan technology but is more expensive than the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE and lacks the performance of liquid coolers. Compared to the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black, it's less quiet and more costly, though it provides superior thermal performance for users who prefer air cooling over liquid solutions.

Thermalright AXP90-X36

The Thermalright AXP90-X36 is the most compact option at 36mm, but it's less performant than the AXP90-X47 which offers better cooling efficiency. Compared to the ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2, it's more affordable and quieter but lacks the flexible mounting options and improved installation features of the IS-47-XT v2, making it better for casual users who prioritize quiet operation.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Noctua NH-D15	Thermalright AXP90-X36
Cooler Type	Air Cooler	—
Heat Pipes	8	4 x 6mm
Fan Size	NF-A14 G2 x2	92mm PWM fan
Price	$150	—
Height	168 mm	36mm
Noise Level	24.6 dB(A)	22.4 dBA
Compatibility	AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1200	Intel: 115X/1200/1700/1851 AMD: AM4/AM5
Dimensions	5.98"L x 5.91"W x 6.61"H	3.72"L x 3.74"W x 1.42"H
Voltage	12 volts	12 volts
Wattage	2.28 watts	3.6 watts
Material	Copper, nickel plated	Metal

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