be quiet! Dark Rock Slim 180W TDP CPU Cooler with Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM Fan | Intel 1700 1200 2066 1150 1151 1155 2011 Square ILM | AMD4 AMD5 | Compact Construction | Black | BK024
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AI Verdict
A whisper-quiet, premium-looking air cooler that guarantees zero RAM interference, but its high price tag makes it a tough sell against cheaper, better-performing rivals.
If you prioritize a dead-silent PC and premium aesthetics over raw cooling power, this cooler fits perfectly. Its 180W TDP limit and $60 price tag make it a poor choice for high-end CPUs or budget-conscious builders seeking maximum thermal performance.
If you need to cool a high-end CPU or want better value, look for a dual-tower cooler with at least 6 heat pipes and a 200W+ TDP rating.
Regret Score™
Very Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Silent Wings 3 120mm fan stays virtually inaudible at just 23.6dB(A) under full load
- 72mm heatsink depth guarantees 100% clearance for tall RGB memory modules on all motherboards
- Black ceramic coating and brushed aluminum top cover provide a stealthy aesthetic
- Handles 65W-105W CPUs like the Ryzen 5600X or Core i5-12400 with ease while maintaining low noise
Cons
- Severely outclassed in raw cooling performance by $35 dual-tower coolers
- Struggles to keep high-TDP processors from thermal throttling under heavy multi-core loads
- Brushed aluminum top plate is a massive dust and fingerprint magnet
- Only includes a single 120mm fan, limiting maximum heat dissipation
Dimension Scores
Handles mid-range CPUs fine, but gets easily beaten by cheaper dual-tower coolers on high-TDP chips.
The included Silent Wings 3 fan is legendary for hitting a near-silent 23.6 dB(A) at max RPM.
Features a premium black ceramic coating, copper heat pipes, and a thick brushed aluminum top plate.
Only one standard 4-pin PWM fan cable to route, making it incredibly simple to manage.
Best For
- Mid-range gaming builds using 65W CPUs where absolute silence is the top priority
- Showcase builds featuring tall, expensive RGB RAM that you don't want blocked by a bulky heatsink
- Users who want a stealthy, all-black aesthetic without the pump noise of an AIO liquid cooler
Not Recommended For
- Budget builders looking for the best price-to-performance ratio
- Overclockers or users running 150W+ CPUs like the Intel Core i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9
Watch Out For
- You are paying a $60 premium primarily for the Silent Wings 3 fan and black aesthetic, as $35 competitors offer better thermal performance.
- The brushed aluminum top cover requires constant wiping to remove highly visible dust and fingerprints.
- Securing the mounting bridge screws is frustrating if you try to install it inside a cramped case — pull your motherboard out first.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07R5TQQMR |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 1 watts |
| Language | English |
| Material | Copper |
| Item Weight | 1.37 pounds |
| Noise Level | 23.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Fan |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 50.5 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | BK024 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 2.83"L x 5"W x 6.28"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04260052187319 |
What Buyers Say
The Dark Rock Slim stands out as a whisper-quiet cooler that modern budget competitors beat in raw performance. The 72mm zero-interference design perfectly showcases expensive RGB RAM without any clearance anxiety. The included Silent Wings 3 fan runs without bearing noise, even spinning at 1500 RPM. Forum discussions frequently point out the massive premium for the brand and aesthetic, as $35 dual-tower coolers easily beat its 180W TDP limit.
“It looks amazing and I literally can't hear it running, but honestly I overpaid considering a $35 cooler would have given me better temps.”
Common Praise
- The Silent Wings 3 fan produces a pleasant, quiet white noise even at 1500 RPM
- 100% RAM clearance means tall memory sticks fit perfectly
- The all-black ceramic coating looks incredibly sleek in a glass case
- Mounting hardware is a huge improvement over previous be quiet! cooler generations
Common Complaints
- Gets destroyed in thermal benchmarks by cheaper $35 Thermalright coolers
- Struggles to keep temps down on heavily overclocked or high-TDP processors
- The brushed aluminum top plate is a magnet for dust and smudges
- Price is too high for a single-tower, 4-heatpipe cooler
Ownership Tips
- The black coating doesn't chip easily during installation, unlike some cheaper painted coolers.
- Dust settles very visibly on the flat aluminum top plate after just a few weeks.
- You can comfortably leave the fan curve at 100% because the motor noise is practically non-existent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dark Rock Slim enough to cool a Ryzen 5600X?
Yes. The 5600X is a 65W chip, and this cooler handles it quietly, keeping gaming temps around 65-70°C.
Will this block my RGB RAM?
No. The heatsink is only 72mm thick, meaning it sits completely behind the RAM slots on standard motherboards.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes. The box includes a small tube of thermal paste, enough for one or two applications.
Can I add a second fan for push-pull?
Yes. The package includes an extra set of metal fan clips so you can attach a second 120mm fan to the rear.
Is it better than the Dark Rock 4?
It guarantees RAM clearance with its slimmer profile. The Dark Rock 4 has a larger heatsink and a 135mm fan, giving it better cooling performance.
Buying Guide
When buying an air cooler, you are balancing cooling power, noise, and physical size. The Dark Rock Slim sacrifices some cooling power to give you an incredibly quiet fan and a thin profile that won't block your RAM. If you are building a mid-range gaming PC and hate fan noise, this is a great luxury pick. If you are trying to squeeze every drop of performance out of a hot CPU on a budget, you are looking in the wrong place.
180W TDP (Thermal Design Power)
Think of this as the cooler's maximum heat limit. If your CPU generates more than 180 watts of heat under load, this cooler will get overwhelmed and your PC will slow down to prevent melting.
72mm Heatsink Depth
This is how 'fat' the cooler is. A slim depth means it won't hang over your motherboard's memory slots, letting you use tall, flashy RAM sticks without them hitting the metal fins.
23.6 dB(A) Noise Level
This is the volume of the fan at full speed. For context, a whisper is about 30 dB, meaning this cooler is practically silent even when working its hardest.
Alternatives
If you want better cooling for less money, search for a 'dual-tower 120mm CPU cooler'. If you want similar silence but for a hotter CPU, look for a '140mm dual-tower quiet cooler'.
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