When you buy a retail computer CPU, it usually comes with a standard cooler. However, most enthusiasts find that the stock cooler just does not cut it in terms of performance. So, they often end up getting a more advanced cooler that better suits their needs. Choosing the right cooler isn't a one-size-fits-all deal – it is a bit of a journey. You have to consider what you need, what you want, your budget, and how much space you have in your setup. All these factors come into play when picking out the perfect cooler.

When it comes to high-performance coolers, Noctua is a name that frequently comes up among enthusiasts. Known for their exceptional build quality and superb cooling performance, Noctua coolers have been a favorite in the PC building community for years. A typical Noctua cooler will be punctuated by incredibly quiet fans and top-notch cooling efficiency overall, which has made them ideal for overclockers and builders who want to keep their systems running cool and quiet.

In this review, we'll be taking a closer look at the NH-D15 G2 cooler, the successor to the legendary NH-D15. This cooler comes with a hefty price tag of $150 but promises to deliver the best performance that an air cooler can currently achieve. The NH-D15 G2 is available in three versions: one standard version as well as two specialized variants – LBC (Low Base Convexity) and HBC (High Base Convexity). These variants are designed to make better contact with specific CPUs; the LBC is recommended for AMD AM5 processors, while the HBC is tailored for Intel LGA1700 processors, mirroring the slightly different geometry of their respective heatspeaders. Conversely, the standard version is an “one size fits all” approach for users who care more about long-term compatibility over squeezing out every ounce of potential the cooler has.

Continuing our ongoing look at the latest-generation ATX 3.1 power supplies, today we are examining Cooler Master's V Platinum 1600 V2, a recent addition to the company's expansive PSU lineup.

The V Platinum 1600 V2 is designed to cater to top-end gaming and workstation PCs while offering maximum compatibility with modern ATX directives. And while it boasts a massive 1600 Watt output and a long list of features, the V is a workhorse of a power supply rather than a flagship; Cooler Master is aiming the PSU at budget-conscious users who can't justify spending top dollar, but whom none the less need a powerful and relatively efficient (80PLUS Platinum) power supply.

So often we see PSU vendors go for broke on their high-wattage units, since there's a lot of overlap there with the premium market, so it will be interesting to see what Cooler Master can do with a slightly more modest bill of materials.