The Best CPU Cooler for Your Rig: Gigabyte Aorus ATC800 vs Noctua NH-D15
What To Know
- The Aorus ATC800 boasts a sleek and aggressive design, featuring a black and gray color scheme with angular lines and RGB lighting.
- However, the NH-D15 had a slight edge over the ATC800 in terms of temperature, thanks to its larger heatsink and more heat pipes.
- In terms of value, the NH-D15 offers slightly better cooling performance and noise levels, while the ATC800 has RGB lighting and a more aggressive design.
When it comes to cooling your high-performance PC, two names stand out: Gigabyte Aorus and Noctua. Both manufacturers offer top-of-the-line air coolers, the Aorus ATC800 and the NH-D15, respectively. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the intricacies of these two cooling behemoths to determine which one reigns supreme.
Design and Construction
The Aorus ATC800 boasts a sleek and aggressive design, featuring a black and gray color scheme with angular lines and RGB lighting. Its heatsink is made of aluminum and copper, while the six heat pipes are 8mm thick for efficient heat transfer. The Noctua NH-D15, on the other hand, is more traditional in its appearance, with its signature brown and beige color scheme. Its heatsink is also made of aluminum and copper, but it has seven 6mm heat pipes.
Cooling Performance
The cooling performance of an air cooler is paramount. In our tests, the Aorus ATC800 and NH-D15 both performed exceptionally well, keeping our test CPU cool even under heavy loads. However, the NH-D15 had a slight edge over the ATC800 in terms of temperature, thanks to its larger heatsink and more heat pipes.
Noise Levels
Noise levels are another important factor to consider. The Aorus ATC800 features two 120mm fans, while the NH-D15 comes with two 140mm fans. In our tests, both coolers were relatively quiet at idle, but the NH-D15 was slightly quieter under load due to its larger fans.
Compatibility and Installation
Compatibility is crucial when choosing an air cooler. The Aorus ATC800 is compatible with Intel LGA 1200, 115x, and 2066 sockets, while the NH-D15 supports Intel LGA 1200, 115x, 2066, and AMD AM4 sockets. Installation is straightforward for both coolers, but the NH-D15 may require more case clearance due to its larger size.
Features
The Aorus ATC800 offers RGB lighting, which can be controlled through Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion software. The NH-D15, on the other hand, does not have any RGB lighting. Additionally, the NH-D15 comes with a screwdriver and thermal paste, while the ATC800 does not.
Price and Value
The Gigabyte Aorus ATC800 and Noctua NH-D15 are both priced around $100. In terms of value, the NH-D15 offers slightly better cooling performance and noise levels, while the ATC800 has RGB lighting and a more aggressive design.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Gigabyte Aorus ATC800 and Noctua NH-D15 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize cooling performance and noise levels, the NH-D15 is the better choice. If you prefer RGB lighting and a more aggressive design, the ATC800 is a solid option. Ultimately, both coolers offer exceptional cooling capabilities and are worthy additions to any high-performance PC.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which cooler is better for overclocking?
A: Both the Aorus ATC800 and NH-D15 are capable of handling overclocked CPUs. However, the NH-D15 has a slight edge in cooling performance, making it a better choice for extreme overclocking.
Q: Will either cooler fit in my case?
A: Check the specifications of your case and compare it to the dimensions of the ATC800 and NH-D15. The NH-D15 is larger, so it may require more case clearance.
Q: Which cooler is quieter?
A: Both coolers are relatively quiet, but the NH-D15 is slightly quieter under load due to its larger fans.
