[Piers]

The NH-D15 isn't rated for the 250W+ your CPU can output.

 

[Piers]

https://ncc.noctua.at/cpus/model/Intel-Core-i9-12900K-1577

Yes, it is. It even has "best turbo/overclocking headroom"

Where's the Noctua figure in watts? A pretty icon from a manufacturer saying it's supported doesn't mean it will handle the 241W (~300W w/ AVX512 disabled) output of the world's most powerful desktop CPU.

Here's a list of coolers actually tested with up to ~130W output. TPU showed in its review the D15S is only slightly less effective than the D15 (by 1°C).

In fact, props to Noctua for acknowledging that "TDP" alone is becoming kind of meaningless.

A figure in watts is relevant, and if anything Intel is being more realistic with its new TDP ratings stating that PL2 has no time limit, meaning the 12900K will use ~240W during all-core loads.

 

[Piers]

This is telling me that my Noctua NH-D15 is only 5 degrees hotter under load than a water cooler like NZKT Kraken, which is highly regarded (280mm though, but still....)

Well, that's what the results show. Make sure you look w to all three fields

You're not reading anything I sent, are you? There's a reason Noctua doesn't post a figure in watts. But if you must know, their measurement of thermal efficiency at a fixed heat-load uses a 250W heating element after having reached a stable level for 15 minutes. So yes, it's rated and tested for that kind of power.

1. The results in watts weren't readily presented. A pretty icon is not a rating.
2. So a manufacturer claims 250W, yet independent testing shows that's not the case. I will always take the independent testing.
3. 250W for 15m isn't very impressive unless they guarantee steady state is reached.

Whether you think it can "handle it" is entirely up to you.

No, it's entirely up to the design process and the materials used in construction, as well as testing it.

I don't know where you pulled this chart from or why it's relevant.

It's called independent testing - you're providing the manufacturer's word as gospel. Independent testing shows Noctua is not being entirely truthful, which is the reason I imagine they use icons instead of stating the heat their products can dissipate in watts (on that page).

Loads of reports of prime95 stability and still finding crashing in games. Prime95 is past it's sell by date.

Agree. P95 is only useful in very niche situations.

 

[Piers]

Bro, just say you didn't click on my link or read the testing methodology. Ignored.

OK, so you have nothing of value to offer in response.