Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 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 narrow margin (4.0 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about users prioritizing air cooling over liquid solutions — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #7 in Best Cpu Air Coolers

Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2

3.8

4 sourcesall derived

Tom's Hardware reviewed the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 and noted it features an upgraded fan with a wider RPM range (500-1650 RPM) and reduced noise profile at 27 decibels. The cooler supports up to 180 watts TDP, representing an improvement over the original model. YouTube reviewer Mike from Mike's Unboxing Reviews highlighted its affordability. This cooler is best suited for budget-conscious builders seeking basic cooling performance without significant upgrades.

Strengths

— New fan with wider RPM range of 500-1650 RPM
— Reduced noise profile at 27 decibels compared to previous version
— Increased TDP support up to 180 watts

Watch-outs

— Limited performance gains over previous Gammaxx 400 version
— No significant improvements in cooling efficiency beyond fan upgrade

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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

Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2

The Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 offers a wider RPM range and reduced noise but provides only modest performance gains over its predecessor, unlike the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE which includes an extra heat pipe. Compared to the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black, it lacks dual fans and a more advanced design, though it's significantly more affordable and suitable for AM4 platform users.

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	Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2	Noctua NH-D15
Noise Level	27 dBA	24.6 dB(A)
Compatibility	AM4	AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1200
Price	£15-£29	$150
Height	155 mm	168 mm
Heat Pipes	4 sintered powder heat pipe	8
Fan Size	120 mm	NF-A14 G2 x2
Cooler Type	Air Cooler	Air Cooler
Dimensions	129×77×155 mm	5.98"L x 5.91"W x 6.61"H
Voltage	12 VDC	12 volts
Wattage	2.16W	2.28 watts
Material	Copper	Copper, nickel plated

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