Noctua has once again delayed the release of several upcoming fans and CPU coolers, including the highly anticipated second-generation NH-D15 dual tower cooler. Previously expected to arrive in Q4 of 2023, the updated roadmap now indicates a release in Q2 of 2024. This marks another setback in a series of delays that have kept enthusiasts waiting for the next high-end cooler from Noctua. Initially scheduled for a late 2021 launch, the cooler has faced multiple postponements.
Regrettably, these delays are not limited to just the NH-D15; they are impacting some of Noctua’s other products, including new cooling fans. For example, in comparison to the company’s January 2023 roadmap update, both the slim 60mm fan and the next-generation 140mm fan have experienced delays, shifting from Q3 2023 and Q4 2023 to Q1 2024. Furthermore, Noctua has pushed back the release of the NH-D12L, one of its upcoming CPU coolers, from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024.
Noctua has not disclosed the specific reasons for these additional delays, but if history is any indication, quality control issues may be a contributing factor. This was the case with the delays in 2022 regarding its next-gen 140mm fans, which were significantly postponed due to unexpected production-related issues. These challenges necessitated a restart of Noctua’s lengthy lifetime test runs, which take several months to complete.
While Noctua’s transparency in providing roadmap updates is commendable, enduring a three-year delay on a product is far from ideal. This ongoing delay makes it uncertain when the next-gen NH-D15 will finally be available, which could potentially harm the company’s reputation. Furthermore, these continued delays could be detrimental to Noctua’s competitive position. The CPU cooler market is currently highly competitive, with several high-performance coolers offering similar or better performance at more affordable prices.
Consequently, it is imperative for Noctua to expedite the release of this product if it intends to maintain its reputation as a leader in air cooling solutions. Hopefully, this latest delay will be the final one for the next-generation NH-D15 CPU cooler.
Via Hot Hardware