In addition to unveiling the 2nd Gen NH-D15 for consumer processors, Noctua showcased two upcoming CPU air coolers for AMD’s next-generation Ryzen Threadripper processors. Unfortunately, the prototype doesn’t have an official name, but Noctua says the single-tower and twin-tower coolers are based on his NH-U14S TR4-SP3 and his NH-D9 DX-4677 4U respectively. … apparently …
Both Threadripper coolers feature a large 70 x 56mm base plate to fully and effectively cover the Threadripper processor. Noctua hasn’t confirmed the socket, but it looks like the new Socket SP6 (LGA4844) which houses AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 7000 (codenamed Storm Peak) chip based on the Zen 4 microarchitecture. Noctua’s surface area is about the same as the dimensions of Socket SP6, which reportedly measures 58.5 x 75.4 mm.
Noctua didn’t provide many details about the Threadripper cooler. Up to 2 cooling fans can be installed. There is space for a third cooling fan in the dual tower model. However, testing shows he sees little benefit from adding a third cooling fan, so retail models may stick with a two-fan configuration to keep costs down. To ensure maximum coverage, the two Threadripper coolers come with NT-H2 thermal compound pre-applied in a honeycomb pattern. It also features the latest in his SecuFirm2 mounting system, which secures itself to a socket with four spring-loaded screws.
Ryzen Threadripper 7000 processors can scale up to 64 cores and 128 threads. Noctua made CPU air coolers for previous Threadripper chips with similar configurations. So don’t let the size of your new cooler fool you. It should be able to cool AMD’s Cove-Heavy processors just fine.
Noctua plans to launch two Threadripper coolers in October, suggesting AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 7000 processors should hit store shelves by then. Based on comments from Asus employees, we already know that the Ryzen Threadripper 7000 will arrive before the end of the year. Noctua’s ETA seems to narrow the potential timeframe for the launch of Zen 4 powered processors. There are high hopes that AMD will be able to revive the HEDT market segment with its Ryzen Threadripper 7000 lineup. Noctua already has two high-performance CPU air coolers for the Ryzen Threadripper 7000, so consumers who prefer air to liquid cooling have plenty of options.
