Compare: Wraith Prism vs NH-D15 G2

Design and Aesthetics:

Wraith Prism

The Wraith Prism cooler, although not the best at keeping things cool and quiet, does a good job for the CPUs that it comes bundled with. It showcases a stunning design featuring customizable RGB lighting, adding a touch of personalization to your PC build. Its well-crafted, slim construction ensures compatibility with a variety of cases, including those with limited height clearance.

NH-D15 G2

This cooler is quite large and showcases Noctua's signature design, appealing to diehard PC builders who don't want to compromise on cooling performance. The NH-D15 G2 closely resembles the previous generation, with a few updates. This version features eight heat pipes and offset depths on the two heatsinks

Install Notes:

Wraith Prism

Installing the Wraith Prism cooler is a straightforward process, thanks to its compatibility with AMD's mounting system. Some users may encounter minor challenges when securing the backplate, but with care and patience, most builders will find the installation hassle-free.

NH-D15 G2

The NH-D15 G2 retains the same installation design as its predecessor, with the addition of a new bracket that allows for offset mounting on AM5 CPUs. The installation process is straightforward, guided by clear instructions that adhere to industry standards for top-tier coolers. However, the cooler's large size may pose challenges when maneuvering it within the case.

Cooling Performance:

Wraith Prism

When it comes to keeping your computer cool, the Wraith Prism cooler does a good job, especially with the CPUs it comes with. It might not be the best for super powerful processors, but for most people, it keeps things cool enough even when you're gaming or working on heavy stuff. We test it using the normal, slower setting, so it works well right when you start using it, providing a reliable and visually appealing cooling solution.

NH-D15 G2

The Noctua's NH-D15 G2 cooler is hard to beat in terms of cooling performance, even outperforming AIOs from various other brands—a result expected given its larger size. However, when compared to the previous generation, its performance is on par, offering little improvement.

Noise Performance:

Wraith Prism

The Wraith Prism cooler is pretty quiet compared to the basic coolers that usually come with CPUs. It has a special fan design and air flow system that keeps the noise down without making it less effective at cooling.

NH-D15 G2

Compared to the average cooler, the Noctua NH-D15 G2 is louder than most on the market. However, when performance is evaluated on a noise-normalized basis, this cooler is tough to beat, offering excellent cooling for a given noise level. This means you can keep your cooler quiet when needed, while still having the headroom to increase the speed for enhanced cooling performance.

Summary:

Wraith Prism

The Wraith Prism cooler is a top contender in the market for those looking for an efficient and visually striking cooling solution. Its solid performance, customizable design, and competitive pricing make it a highly recommended choice for a wide range of PC builders.

NH-D15 G2

The Noctua NH-D15 G2 retains the familiar installation design of its predecessor, with the addition of a new bracket for offset mounting on AM5 CPUs. While its large size may make installation a bit challenging, the process is straightforward, with clear instructions that meet industry standards. The cooler's substantial size is matched by its performance, offering exceptional cooling that even surpasses many AIOs from other brands. Although its performance is on par with the previous generation, the NH-D15 G2 still delivers excellent cooling, particularly when considering noise levels. Despite being louder than the average cooler, it excels in noise-normalized performance, allowing users to maintain quiet operation while having the flexibility to ramp up speed for maximum cooling when needed.