slot above the GPU combined with 3090 (GPUs with RAM on the back that need extra cooling), or if you're using additional cooling on top of the backplate like EKWB setup, but Air cooling the CPU.

Fin count is very important because it determines thermal conductivity, fin thickness determines thermal capacitance and the number of heatpipes determines efficiency of heat transfer. Like all Noctua fans, the supplied NF-A15 features an MTTF rating of more than 150,000 hours and the entire NH-D15S package comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.Also a couple of Asus Z690 motherboards where u can rotate by 180 degrees and actually use the NH-D15S in the complete opposite way intended and clear the top VRM heatsink, while touching and choking the GPU in the first PCI-E slot (ggwp for 3080 TI/3090/6900XT) xD But yeah those situations are so niche, 95% of the time, NH-D15 will be as compatible.

This new variation on their current high-end model offers a unique twist since its design features an asymmetrical layout that increases compatibility with a motherboard's expansion slots. Time and time again they’ve proven that they can deliver the highest quality products, with class leading and award winning cooling and acoustic performance. so the results may not be 100% precise but it should give you a clear indication of the noise levels for the cooler. It may also help with RAM compatibility as I'm running Corsair Dominator Platinum sticks so instead of swapping those out for some Vengeance LPX I have running about I can just go with the D15S, lose one degree performance which is nothing really and keep my current RAM sticks.

The NH-D15S provides 65mm clearance for tall memory heatsinks so you can install RAM with tall heatsinks without much issue. The Airflow of the fan is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and the higher the CFM value, the more air the fan is moving but also the higher the dB. With the D15S, Noctua presents an asymmetrical shape to improve compatibility with high RAM modules and large graphics cards. degrees and 27 degrees, with my sensors showing an average of 28 degrees even after all the tests and gaming, running an i5 11600K CPU, which are known to be pretty toasty.