Product Comparison: Noctua NH-D15 vs NZXT Kraken X61

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Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler

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NZXT Kraken X61 All-in-One Liquid Cooling System

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General Specifications

Brand

Noctua

NZXT

Model

NH-D15

Kraken X61

Origin

Austria

About the Product

Built on the basis of the legendary NH-D14 and carrying on its quest for ultimate quiet cooling performance, Noctua’s flagship model NH-D15 is an elite-class dual tower cooler for the highest demands.

The Kraken X61 takes our industry-leading 280mm platform to new heights by bringing the latest in cooling hardware and software technology directly to your PC. It is the first consumer closed loop cooler with an integrated variable speed pump. The variable speed pump keeps noise to a minimum during use without sacrificing top end pump power. Our legacy Kraken Control software has been replaced by our all-new software suite, CAM. NZXT CAM allows you to control your Kraken X61's fan speeds, Hue lighting, and other custom cooling settings. CAM also supports multi-Kraken systems natively, allowing you to designate a Kraken as a CPU or GPU cooler and link the fan/pump performance to those specic components.

Key Specs

Cooling Type

Air Cooling

Water Cooling

Max. Airflow

82.5 CFM

106.1 CFM

Number of Pipes

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler

If you're not going with water cooling this is your best choice. This product beats out most of the entry level water cooling options and performs really close to the top end ones.
Keeps CPU extremely cool.
I'm actually a bit surprised but Noctua has convinced me. I don't often use Air coolers for builds anymore but if and when I need to I know that Noctua does make high performing products.
Best, most effective air-cooled heat sink I've ever owned. Don't even need the second fan that's included, I'm under 60 degrees C at full load at my max overclock.
With good airflow, this will allow you to overclock without worrying about cooling.

NZXT Kraken X61 All-in-One Liquid Cooling System

This was my first AIO water cooler, and I'd like to say, I think it was wonderful. The tubing is plenty long, very flexible too.
This closed loop system is so easy that anyone can upgrade to water cooling. Install took about 20 minutes, make sure it will fit your case before you buy it as it does have a fairly large radiator.
Allows air to freely flow to exhaust fans, does not change airflow as much as air coolers.
Radiator needs to be cleaned to maintain efficient cooling of water.
My main issue with this is the fact that the pipes are too long other than that it's great.

Size & Weight

Height

6.5 in.

11.02 in.

Width

5.9 in.

5.51 in.

Depth

6.34 in.

1.06 in.

Weight

2.91 lbs.

4.25 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler

Installation is easy considering the size.
It does a nice job of cooling but it's huge. It blocks access to the memory modules on my motherboard.
Be prepared for the size of it and make sure it will fit in your case.
Only major complain is the size it's huge and a pain to put on and still interferes with ram space.
Be careful with the size of this monster. It is HUGE. If you have a large computer case, this shouldn't be a problem at all. The size of the cooler helps with its performance.

NZXT Kraken X61 All-in-One Liquid Cooling System

One serious issue I had which prevented the full five stars was its size. This thing is huge.
Installation was a bit of a pain only due to the size of the radiator, but once it's in, you can truly appreciate how well-made and how sleek it looks.
It was too big, even for his ridiculously huge tower, that looks like it ate a few normal sized desktops, and had a growth spurt as dramatic as my oldest son's, and he seems to be competing with the hulk in speed and proportion.
It was big, heavy and got in the way of my RAM slots.
However keep in mind this is a big radiator so make sure you check your case compatibility chart to see if this will fit.

Features

Socket Compatibility

Intel:, 2011-3, 2011, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, AMD:, AM2, AM2 +, AM3, AM3 +, FM2, FM1, FM2+

Intel:, 2011-3, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1150, AMD:, FM2, FM1, AM3 +, AM3, AM2 +, AM2

Speed

1500 RPM

2000 RPM

Cooled CPU (Max. TDP)

220 W

270 W

Noise Level

24.6 dBA

37 dBA

Number of Coolers

Bearing Type

SSO2

Nano Bearing

Heat-Exchanger Material

Copper

Power Connector Type

4-pin

4-pin (chiller), 3-pin (pump)

Extras

Dual NF-A15 140mm fans, SecuFirm2 mounting system

Integrated Hue and digital fan control with CAM connectivity.

What customers say about "Features"

Noctua NH-D15 Premium CPU Cooler

Even at 100% fan speed, they are not very loud.
Slightly puzzled by the inclusion of the speed reduction adapters, as even at full speed, these fans are completely silent.
This fan is quieter at full speed than my stock CPU cooler was at it's slowest.
It's about the same as the noise floor in a normal room.
A long way from the scary temperatures I was getting prior to the new cooler. I cant imagine this cooler getting hot ever!

NZXT Kraken X61 All-in-One Liquid Cooling System

Runs very quiet - due to the nature of its variable speed pump.
The noise is surprisingly typical of a 120mm fan with no noticeable pump noise from a distance of about two feet.
The fan provided doesn't get noticeably louder under heavy load either.
With that being said, this is a wonderful cooler, being very effective, yet very quiet! Would highly recommend it to someone looking for a reliable and efficient all-in-one unit.
The fan splitter to power the pump is a really nice touch.
When the pump RPMs drop down to the min speed it makes a noise.
Upon booting it up for the first time, there was a liquid sound like a shaking water bottle but it quickly subsided.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

6 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link