A long time ago, when I was a younger and not nearly as smart as I am today, I had a very bad habit of purchasing and building my own desktop computers. They were of average build quality, but they were all shiny and fast, and they were the only thing that made me feel good about my life. Fast-forward to today, when I have four beautiful computers that I have spent the last 5+ years building. I have spent many hours researching the best cases, cooling solutions, power supplies, etc. I have done my research to help you, the reader, in making the best purchase when looking for a new computer.
Recently, NZXT has had a number of major releases including some new cases, some new motherboards, and a new Kraken Z series liquid cooler aimed at the enthusiast crowd. Since our last Kraken Z review, NZXT has added some new models, including the Kraken Z63 with 120mm of radiator space that competes directly with the Noctua NH-D15. Our goal is to compare these two products using the most objective criteria including Acoustics, Acoustic Noise, Overall Performance, Ease of Use, and Airflow.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 and Noctua NH-D15 are both excellent cases, so it’s not surprising that their performance and build quality is close to the same. Both cases are very well-built and provide excellent performance. However, since NZXT based the Kraken Z63 on the Phanteks Enthoo Pro series, there are a few design changes that can be found between the two cases.. Read more about noctua nh-d15 vs aio 2020 and let us know what you think.
When it comes to popularity, there are a lot of companies that provide a variety of cooling options. NZXT and Noctua are at the top of their game.
In this article, I’ll compare and contrast two of the finest models from each manufacturer, the NZXT Kraken Z63 and Noctua NH-D15.
So grab a snack or a cup of coffee and stick with me for the duration of this article.
Check out some of the best CPU coolers for the AM4 socket.
Is the NZXT Kraken Z63 a better alternative to the Noctua NH-D15?
Here are five points to consider while deciding between the NZXT Kraken Z63 and the Noctua NH-D15:
1. Cooling Solution Type
When it comes to choosing CPU cooling, the argument is never-ending. The majority of enthusiasts are undecided on which cooling technique to employ.
I’ll keep this short and sweet, but first, let me explain how CPU cooling works.
The air cooler and the liquid cooler both have similar objectives. They absorb heat from the CPU and route it away from the hardware in the same manner.
When it comes to air conditioning, the fans are now the most important component. Heatpipes transfer heat from one location to another in this kind of cooler. The heat first travels to the heatsink, when the fan kicks in to drive the air away from it.
When it comes to liquid or water cooling, a separate water block containing coolants is used. Heat is absorbed as these coolants pass through the waterblock and into the radiator tubes, where they come into touch with hot air.
Check out the finest RGB CPU AIO cooler that our specialists have tested and evaluated.
The fans here play an important role in removing the heat. The cycle repeats when the coolant enters the block again.
Let us now get down to business.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 is a cooler version of the brand’s well-known Kraken line. This water cooling monster does an excellent job of keeping the temperatures in check. This cooler is an excellent option if you have a 10-core CPU and want to achieve high overclocking levels.
If you’re searching for air cooling options, the Noctua NH-D15 is the finest of the bunch. In fact, in terms of performance, I believe it outperforms many mid-range water coolers.
However, in this instance, while choosing between an air and a water cooler, I had to opt with the water cooler. As an air cooler, the NH-D15 may be a great complement to lower-tier CPUs. In most instances, it equals the Kraken Z63 in terms of performance, however it falls short if you’re looking for something radical for a high-end build. The Kraken Z63, on the other hand, has a small advantage over the Noctua NH-D15 when it comes to overclocking, making it better in all circumstances.
As a result, the NZXT Kraken Z63 as a liquid cooler is a clear winner for high-end functions.
Check out the comparison between NZXT Kraken Z63 & Corsair iCUE H115i Elite Capellix.
Aesthetics is the second factor to consider.
Let’s ignore the performance of the individual coolers for the time being.
So, how can we compare and contrast?
PC enthusiasts nowadays aren’t only pleased with the results of their projects. Furthermore, they are a little obsessed with making their build seem nice. That is to say, the look of their rig is quite important these days.
Now, the CPU cooler may contribute to the overall aesthetics of the system.
If I have to mention the NZXT Kraken Z63, it is one of the brand’s flagship products. It has a nice LCD on the CPU block that may be customized to your liking. This allows you to see a variety of data at once, and the best thing is that the light it produces within an RGB setup is very appealing.
Animated GIFs, on the other hand, may be used to bring a personal touch to your system.
From the fittings to the build-up, everything about the Noctua NH-D15 seems to be flawless. This air cooler, unlike the Kraken Z63, isn’t designed for RGB setups.
However, the lack of RGB fans in both coolers may be questioned. However, the Kraken Z63’s LCD on the CPU block makes it more suited for any RGB setup.
As a result, the Kraken Z63 should be used for RGB setups, while the Noctua NH-D15 should be considered for minimalist designs.
Also, compare the Corsair Dominator and Corsair Vengeance RAM in a real-world scenario.
3. Volumes of sound
Most of us like quiet operations while gaming or working at our computers. CPU coolers, on the other hand, are usually one of the loudest components.
Coolers with bigger fans are now noticeably quieter than those with tiny fans.
The explanation is straightforward. To get a comparable output level, the larger ones do not spin as quickly as the smaller ones. That is to say, if your cooler has 140 mm fans, it will make less noise than a 120 mm cooler.
Then there’s the clincher.
The Kraken Z63 and the Noctua NH-D15 both have a comparable number of fans and sizes. The variation in sound levels between them, however, is what distinguishes them.
The Noctua NH-two D15’s fans spin at speeds ranging from 300 to 1500 RPM. This range is between 500 and 1800 RPM for the Kraken Z63.
There is a significant variation in noise levels as a consequence of such a disparity in speeds. For example, the Noctua NH-D15 has a maximum noise level of 26 dBA, while the Kraken Z63 has a maximum noise level of 40 dBA at times.
The NH-D15 has a standard range of 19-25 dBA, while the Kraken Z63 has a range of 22-40 dBA. As a result, if you want little noise, the Noctua NH-D15 comes out on top. Also, compare the Samsung SSD 980 Pro with Samsung 980 in a real-world comparison.
4. Compatibility of Sockets
Before you choose between these two coolers, make sure you know which sockets each of them supports.
Nowadays, manufacturers strive to provide components that are globally compatible. The same may be said about CPU coolers. Most CPU cooler manufacturers make an effort to ensure that their products are compatible with the majority of CPU sockets. However, certain models are missing a particular socket.
In the case of both of these coolers, certain sockets are missing.
LGA1366, sTR4, and sTRX4 are not supported by the Noctua NH-D15. The NZXT Kraken Z63, on the other hand, supports these three sockets.
Similarly, unlike the NH-D15, the Kraken Z63 does not support AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, or FM2+.
So, before you purchase, double-check that your motherboard is compatible with the cooler you’re considering.
Also, have a look at our expert’s picks for the best cooler master cpu coolers.
5. Costing
At the end of the day, money is the most important factor in every purchase you make.
In this case, we’re talking about two cooling systems that aren’t of the same kind in terms of functioning. When compared to water cooling systems, air coolers are often more cost-effective. It’s the same in this case since the Kraken Z63 is more expensive than the Noctua NH-D15.
However, the degree of performance determines the reasonability in this case. You may get the NH-D15 for 50-60% cheaper than the Kraken Z63. The performance level of these coolers, on the other hand, isn’t that far away.
As a result, the Noctua NH-D15 is the obvious victor in terms of reasonability.
Last Thoughts
If you want to choose the finest CPU cooling solution among two options, there are a lot of things to consider. However, the information provided above is sufficient to provide a fair comparison between the NZXT Kraken Z63 and the Noctua MH-D15. Hopefully, after reading this post, you will be able to choose between these two options.
Most computer cases come with a fairly short warranty, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t built to last. In fact, many people give far more thought to the case than the computer itself, and even build a system around their case. This is especially true of water cooling and case modding enthusiasts, whose computers are often viewed as additions to the case, and not as a separate device.. Read more about noctua nh-d15 vs corsair h60 and let us know what you think.
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is there anything better than Noctua NH-D15?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
The Noctua NH-D15 is a great CPU cooler, but it is not the best. There are many other coolers that are better than the Noctua NH-D15.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is Noctua NH-D15 the best?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
Noctua is a company that makes computer cooling products. The NH-D15 is one of their best products, and its the best air cooler for gaming.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Are Noctua coolers better than AIO?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
Noctua coolers are generally better than AIOs, but it depends on what youre looking for. If you want to keep your PC running at a high temperature, then an AIO is the way to go. If you want to have more control over your cooling system and be able to change out parts as needed, then a cooler like the Noctua would be better for you.”}}]}
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything better than Noctua NH-D15?
The Noctua NH-D15 is a great CPU cooler, but it is not the best. There are many other coolers that are better than the Noctua NH-D15.
Is Noctua NH-D15 the best?
Noctua is a company that makes computer cooling products. The NH-D15 is one of their best products, and its the best air cooler for gaming.
Are Noctua coolers better than AIO?
Noctua coolers are generally better than AIOs, but it depends on what youre looking for. If you want to keep your PC running at a high temperature, then an AIO is the way to go. If you want to have more control over your cooling system and be able to change out parts as needed, then a cooler like the Noctua would be better for you.
