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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The ID-COOLING FROZN A720 is a credible high-performance air-cooler alternative to the original Noctua NH-D15, but the available evidence does not prove that it matches the Noctua in a direct comparison—or that it currently costs $50–$60 less. Tom’s Hardware found strong results for the A720 on an Intel Core i7-13700K, while noting loud noise at maximum fan speed. Its review did not test the NH-D15 alongside it. The price evidence available is also variant-mismatched: the cited Noctua price is for the newer NH-D15 G2, not the original.
What the A720 and NH-D15 comparison can—and cannot—tell you
Both are large dual-tower air coolers intended for demanding desktop CPUs. The A720 has seven heatpipes and two 140 mm PWM fans; the original NH-D15 has six heatpipes and two NF-A15 fans. Those specifications make them reasonable alternatives to compare, but they do not establish which one cools better in the same PC.
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Tom’s Hardware’s review of the A720, published on 9 February 2024, reported that it topped the publication’s testing charts and kept an Intel Core i7-13700K from throttling in most scenarios. The review’s maximum tested result was 240W+ with that CPU. The test used an MSI Z690 A Pro DDR4 motherboard, a 23°C ambient room, 10-minute thermal runs, and both noise-normalized and other test scenarios. This is useful evidence for the A720’s capability on that Intel platform, not proof of the same result on another CPU or an AMD system—and not a head-to-head win over the NH-D15. Tom’s Hardware’s test and verdict also identify loud noise at maximum fan speed as a drawback.
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#1 Best Overall
- Proven premium heatsink (more than 300 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites), now available in an all-black design that goes great with many colour schemes
- Extra-wide 140mm dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes and dual fans provides maximum quiet cooling efficiency on a par with many all-in-one watercoolers, ideal for overclockers and silent-enthusiasts!
- Dual-fan design with renowned, award-winning NF-A15 140mm fans with Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM for automatic speed control: Full cooling performance under load, whisper quiet at idle!
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x and AMD AM5 & AM4 (offset mounting option for best efficiency)
- Renowned Noctua quality backed up by 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, deluxe choice for Intel Core & Core Ultra (e.g. 285K, 265K, 245K) and AMD Ryzen (e.g. 9950X, 9900X, 9700X, 9600X)
Specifications and fit: A720 vs. original NH-D15
| Specification | ID-COOLING FROZN A720 BLACK | Noctua NH-D15 (original) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 163 mm (ID-COOLING specification) | 168 mm (Noctua specification) |
| Heatpipes | Seven 6 mm heatpipes | Six |
| Fans | Two 140 × 140 × 25 mm PWM fans; 500–1,800 ±10 RPM listed speed | Two NF-A15 PWM fans |
| Listed TDP | 300 W, manufacturer specification | Not stated in the cited Noctua specifications |
| Weight with fans | 1,300 g | 1,320 g |
| Supported sockets listed by manufacturer | Intel LGA20XX, 1851, 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155 and 1156; AMD AM5 and AM4 | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1954, LGA1700, LGA1200 and LGA115x |
| Warranty | Not stated in the cited ID-COOLING specification | Six years |
Specifications are from ID-COOLING’s FROZN A720 BLACK listing and Noctua’s original NH-D15 specifications. The NH-D15 G2 is a separate generation; do not apply the original NH-D15’s specifications or warranty details to it.
Check case and memory clearance before buying
The A720 is 5 mm shorter than the original NH-D15, but that difference does not make either cooler a guaranteed fit. Compare the cooler’s full height with your case’s CPU-cooler clearance, and check the memory modules against the cooler and fan positions.
Rank #2
- Further improved second generation of the iconic, award-winning NH-D15: Even better quiet cooling performance thanks to 8 heatpipes, 20% more surface area and novel NF-A14x25r G2 fans!
- All-black chromax version, ideal for AMD Ryzen (e.g. 9800X3D, 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9950X, 7950X, 7800X3D, 5800X3D) and Intel Core or Core Ultra CPUs (e.g. 285K, 265K, 245K, 14900K, 13900K, 12900K)
- Two state-of-the-art NF-A14x25r G2 140mm fans with speed-offset for acoustic fine-tuning, Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM for automatic speed control: maximum efficiency under load, near silent at idle!
- Offset design with recessed lower fins clears top PCIe x16 on most current motherboards and offers 59mm RAM clearance in single fan mode (32mm with both fans, see Noctua Compatibility Centre)
- Includes superior NT-H2 thermal paste and Torx-based SecuFirm2+ mounting system with NM-SD1 screwdriver for easy installation on AMD AM5 & AM4 as well as Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200 & LGA115x
Tom’s Hardware reports that with the A720’s memory-side fan at the front, the RAM clearance limit is 40 mm unless the fan is raised. Raising it can cause some cooling loss and increases the cooler’s effective height, so account for the raised fan when checking the case. Noctua’s specification page lists the original NH-D15’s dimensions, but the cited sources do not establish a directly comparable RAM-clearance limit for it.
- Check the exact case’s maximum CPU-cooler height.
- Measure RAM height and determine whether the front fan can remain in its standard position.
- Confirm that the motherboard, socket and cooler revision have the required mounting hardware before ordering.
Noise and cooling are a trade-off
The A720’s two fans are specified by ID-COOLING at up to 1,800 ±10 RPM and 33.5 dB(A) maximum noise. These are manufacturer-listed fan figures, not a measurement of the complete cooler in every system. Tom’s Hardware’s practical warning is that the cooler can be loud at maximum fan speeds.
Rank #3
- State-of-the-art dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes and 2 fans provides class-leading cooling performance for overclocking or near-silent systems
- Successor of the classic NH-D14; more than 250 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines
- 2 highly optimised NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x and AMD AM5 & AM4 (offset mounting option for best efficiency)
- Renowned Noctua quality backed up by 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, deluxe choice for Intel Core & Core Ultra (e.g. 285K, 265K, 245K) and AMD Ryzen (e.g. 9950X, 9900X, 9700X, 9600X)
If noise matters, a fan curve that avoids running at maximum speed may be preferable, but the resulting temperatures depend on your CPU and system. Tom’s Hardware included noise-normalized testing as well as other scenarios; its published assessment should not be mistaken for a guarantee that every user will get both maximum cooling and quiet operation.
Does the A720 really cost $50–$60 less?
That exact saving is not established by the available dated prices. Tom’s Hardware listed an A720 MSRP of $69.99 in its February 2024 review. A PriceHistory.app snapshot dated 6 September 2026 reported $69.99 for the A720, while a 9 September 2026 snapshot reported $159.95 for the NH-D15 G2. The latter is the G2 generation, not the original NH-D15, and the two snapshots do not verify a same-retailer, same-date price comparison.
Rank #4
- Further improved second generation of the iconic, award-winning NH-D15: Even better quiet cooling performance thanks to 8 heatpipes, 20% more surface area and novel NF-A14x25r G2 fans!
- Regular all-round version for optimal results on AMD AM5 using the included offset mounting as well as on Intel LGA1851 (and LGA1700 when using the included NM-ISW1 washers to reduce CPU warp), ideal for Ryzen 9 9950X, Core Ultra 285K, etc.
- Two state-of-the-art NF-A14x25r G2 140mm fans with speed-offset for acoustic fine-tuning, Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM for automatic speed control: maximum efficiency under load, near silent at idle!
- Offset design with recessed lower fins clears top PCIe x16 on most current motherboards and offers 59mm RAM clearance in single fan mode (32mm with both fans, see Noctua Compatibility Centre)
- Includes superior NT-H2 thermal paste and Torx-based SecuFirm2+ mounting system with NM-SD1 screwdriver for easy installation on AMD AM5 & AM4 as well as Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200 & LGA115x
Before treating price as decisive, compare the exact A720 and exact Noctua model at the same retailer at the time you buy. Check whether the Noctua is the original NH-D15, a chromax.black version or an NH-D15 G2 variant, and compare shipping and tax consistently. The cited listings are PriceHistory.app’s A720 page and PriceHistory.app’s NH-D15 G2 page; prices and availability can change.
Who should consider the FROZN A720?
- Consider it if you want a substantial dual-tower cooler and value the A720’s strong published result on the tested i7-13700K platform, subject to case and RAM fit.
- Look elsewhere or compare carefully if low noise at full cooling capacity is essential, your memory is taller than 40 mm, or your case has tight cooler-height limits.
- Choose on verified terms if your decision depends on the NH-D15’s warranty or exact savings: compare the correct Noctua generation, confirm socket mounting for your board, and check live pricing rather than relying on a G2 price as a stand-in for the original.
Tom’s Hardware also reported a mounting-hardware mistake during its review setup involving AMD and Intel hardware; ID-COOLING confirmed that the resulting test outcomes were as expected. This is a reason to verify the correct mounting parts and installation instructions for your platform, not evidence that the cooler is incompatible.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Further improved second generation of the iconic, award-winning NH-D15: Even better quiet cooling performance thanks to 8 heatpipes, 20% more surface area and novel NF-A14x25r G2 fans!
- Specialised LBC (Low Base Convexity) version for optimal contact quality on relatively flat CPUs such as AMD AM5 (even without offset mounting), AM4 or Intel LGA2066 (optional NM-i20xx kit required), deluxe choice for Ryzen 9950X, 9900X, 9700X, 9600X, etc.
- Caution: Not recommended for use on Intel LGA1700, LGA1200 or LGA115x! Please choose the regular NH-D15 G2 or the NH-D15 G2 HBC (High Base Convexity) version for these platforms!
- Two state-of-the-art NF-A14x25r G2 140mm fans with speed-offset for acoustic fine-tuning, Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM for automatic speed control: maximum efficiency under load, near silent at idle!
- Offset design with recessed lower fins clears top PCIe x16 on most current motherboards and offers 59mm RAM clearance in single fan mode (32mm with both fans, see Noctua Compatibility Centre)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
