Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black CPU Cooler Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black premium dual-tower CPU cooler. The NH-D15S chromax.Black is an all-black version of Noctua’s award-winning NH-D15S, designed to offer high compatibility and excellent cooling performance with a sleek aesthetic.

2. Key Features

• Premium Dual-Tower Heatsink: Proven design for high cooling performance.
• High Compatibility: Asymmetrical, single-fan design ensures 160mm height fits most tower cases, 65mm RAM clearance, and does not block the PCIe slot on most ATX & Micro-ATX boards.
• NF-A15 PWM 140mm Fan: Renowned for quiet operation and automatic speed control via PWM, providing full cooling performance under load and whisper-quiet operation at idle.
• chromax.Black Design: All-black fan and heatsink for a sleek, stealth look.
• SecuFirm2 Mounting System: Easy and secure installation on various Intel (LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x) and AMD (AM5, AM4) sockets.
• NT-H1 Thermal Compound: Includes high-end thermal paste for optimal heat transfer.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black Heatsink
• NF-A15 HS-PWM chromax.Black 140mm Fan
• SecuFirm2 Multi-Socket Mounting Kit (for Intel and AMD)
• NT-H1 High-Performance Thermal Compound (3.5g tube)
• Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
• Fan clips for second NF-A15 fan (optional, fan not included)
• Noctua Metal Case-Badge

4. Setup and Installation

The Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black utilizes the SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system for secure installation. Detailed, step-by-step instructions for your specific CPU socket (Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x or AMD AM5, AM4) are provided in the included manual and on the Noctua website. Always refer to the official instructions for your specific motherboard and CPU socket for precise guidance.

4.1 Pre-Installation Checks

• Case Compatibility: Ensure your PC case has sufficient clearance for the cooler's dimensions (160mm height).
• RAM Clearance: The asymmetrical design provides 65mm RAM clearance. Verify your RAM modules fit within this height.
• PCIe Slot Clearance: The design is optimized to avoid blocking the top PCIe slot on most ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards.

4.2 General Installation Steps (Summary)

1. Prepare your motherboard by installing the appropriate backplate and mounting bars for your CPU socket as per the SecuFirm2 manual.
2. Apply a small amount of the supplied NT-H1 thermal compound to the center of your CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS).
3. Carefully place the NH-D15S heatsink onto the CPU, aligning it with the mounting screws.
4. Secure the heatsink using the provided screws, tightening them gradually in a cross pattern until firm.
5. Attach the NF-A15 PWM fan to the heatsink using the included fan clips. Ensure the fan is oriented to push air through the heatsink towards the rear exhaust of your case.
6. Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cable to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. If desired, use the Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.) for reduced fan speed and noise.

5. Operating Instructions

The NF-A15 PWM fan included with your NH-D15S chromax.Black cooler supports automatic speed control via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). When connected to a compatible motherboard CPU_FAN header, the fan speed will automatically adjust based on CPU temperature, providing optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise.

• Automatic Control: For most users, connecting the fan directly to the CPU_FAN header and enabling PWM control in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI is recommended.
• Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.): If you desire even quieter operation, you can connect the fan via the supplied Low-Noise Adaptor. This will reduce the maximum fan speed, resulting in lower noise levels at the expense of a slight reduction in peak cooling performance.
• Monitoring: Utilize motherboard monitoring software or BIOS/UEFI settings to observe CPU temperatures and fan speeds to ensure proper operation.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler.

• Dust Removal: Periodically clean the heatsink fins and fan blades to prevent dust buildup, which can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use compressed air or a soft brush.
• Fan Cleaning: The NF-A15 fan can be easily detached from the heatsink for thorough cleaning.
• Thermal Paste: The NT-H1 thermal compound typically lasts for several years. If you remove the heatsink for any reason, it is recommended to clean off the old thermal paste from both the CPU and the heatsink base and apply a fresh layer.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black cooler, consider the following:

• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the heatsink is securely mounted and making proper contact with the CPU.
  • Verify that thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly.
  • Check fan orientation; it should be pushing air through the heatsink.
  • Confirm fan is spinning and connected to the CPU_FAN header.
  • Ensure adequate airflow within your PC case.
• Excessive Fan Noise:
  • Check if the fan is rubbing against any cables or components.
  • Ensure fan screws are tightened correctly.
  • Consider using the Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.) if not already in use.
  • Adjust fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Installation Difficulties:
  • Refer to the detailed SecuFirm2 manual for your specific socket.
  • Check for RAM or VRM heatsink interference. The NH-D15S is designed for high compatibility, but some configurations may still be tight.

For further assistance, please visit the official Noctua support website.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is backed by a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, reflecting Noctua's commitment to quality and reliability. For technical support, warranty claims, or additional information, please visit the official Noctua website or contact their customer service.

Noctua also offers mounting upgrades for future socket types free of charge, ensuring long-term compatibility for your cooler.