Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Arctic Freezer 36 vs Noctua NH-D15

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 3.6). The gap is mostly about users prioritizing air cooling over liquid solutions — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #9 in Best Cpu Air Coolers

Arctic Freezer 36

3.6

8 sources1 derived$21.49as of Oct 2

The cooler features a single-tower design with a fat tower that improves airflow, and its fan mount uses four screws for a firm connection. However, performance is middling on AMD CPUs compared to competition. The Freezer 36 follows the prior Freezer 34 Esports Duo and avoids the mistakes of the Freezer 50, which was criticized for strapping plastic appendages to a cooler.

Strengths

— Offers good value when on sale
— Uses a single-tower design with a fat tower for better airflow
— Features a fan mount that snaps in with four Phillips 2 screws for firm connection

Watch-outs

— Requires installation of an included contact frame for Intel CPUs
— Performance is middling on AMD CPUs compared to competition

$21.49 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

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 →

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

Arctic Freezer 36

The Arctic Freezer 36 offers good value when on sale but is outperformed by the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE, which includes an extra heat pipe and better airflow direction. Compared to the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black, it lacks dual fans and a more advanced design, though it's more affordable and easier to install without requiring a contact frame for Intel CPUs.

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.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Arctic Freezer 36	Noctua NH-D15
Cooler Type	Single-tower air cooler	Air Cooler
Height	159 mm	168 mm
Heat Pipes	4x	8
Fan Size	120 mm	NF-A14 G2 x2
Noise Level	25 dBA	24.6 dB(A)
Compatibility	Intel LGA 1851, 1700; AMD AM5, AM4	AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1200
Price	$52	$150
Wattage	3.96 watts	2.28 watts
Dimensions	104 mm x 126 mm x 159 mm	5.98"L x 5.91"W x 6.61"H
Voltage	12 volts	12 volts
Material	Aluminium	Copper, nickel plated

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