Is Noctua worth it?

I have an i5-3570, and ive been using a stock cooler for ages now, my main issue is the 50+db noise from it, so I really want a real COUcooler. Ive been looking into the Noctua NH-D15, Its fully compatible with my system, but I know that overclocking my i5-3570 () isnt a good idea, so is it worth it to get a D15. My priority is something very silent.

If silence is the reason, then Noctua is the way to go.

the d-14 aint no joke bro
here is my old d14 next to the stock intel cooler

and here it was installed in a case

the hyper 212+ or the hyper 212 evo may fit your bill tho

there like half the size, and only 25-30 bucks
not to mention that your cpu isnt even the K type cpu
so your not goint to be doing any mad science and overclocking on it to make the temps all crazy

but if you must blow a hundred bucks why not go grab an h100 or an nzxt kracken ?

the 2 quietest options would be the noctua or the hyper 212s as they use larger low rpm fans
honestly both are legendary tier.
ive had my i5-2500k to 5.0 ghz on that d-14 before (something that your cpu can not do)
your cpu does not have unlocked core speed multipliers, you cant overclock unless its baseclock overclocking, which is the older method, your not going to get anywhere useful like that

1 Like

Thx for the detailed reply, but I know the D14 wont fit with my RAM, and the AIOs can apparently get pretty loud.
But ill double check some more noise level benchmarks

the hyper 212+
or the hyper 212evo
there no joke
god tier
and $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=hyper_212_%2b-_-35-103-065-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&cm_re=hyper_212_evo-_-35-103-099-_-Product
over like 7 thousand 5 star ratings between the 2
( the evo is the newer version btw , but pretty much the same evo is a tad better)

Top Critical Review
3 out of 5 eggs
Excellent cooler, but HUGE
It's... really, REALLY tall....

and keep in mind the 212 is less than HALF the size of the d14

the fan that comes with the 212 even at 100% MAXXED speed is still nearly un hearable
the only way to be a more quiet fan is to just leave it unplugged.

my pc build currently is rigged for silence.
i am super picky when it comes to noises.
the air that the fan blows will be louder than the fan itself

Any compatible cooler + a noctua or equivalent fan. No need for anything like a d15/14 etc. Something like a cm212 is still overkill but fine.

If you can clean off the dust from inside it, yes I would say.

Absolutely. I have my d14 running full throttle and its just a low windy hiss behind my desk (I'm using the haf evo case). For case fans I have been pleasantly surprised by Akasa Apache fans, but they are as ugly as Noctua's fans. I must have missed a memo somewhere that said "quiet relatively effective cooling fans must come in ghastly colour schemes or the maker will be shot and then prosecuted".