be quiet! Pure Rock Low Profile 100W TDP CPU Cooler | Intel 1700 1200 1150 1151 1155 | AMD -AM5 AM4 | BK034
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
A 45mm tall air cooler with a 92mm fan and 100W TDP, ideal for ultra-compact Mini-ITX builds with CPUs under 100W.
This cooler is a strong fit for specific use cases due to its extremely compact 45mm height and 100W TDP cooling capacity, making it suitable for tight Mini-ITX and HTPC builds. It reliably cools CPUs within its TDP limit while maintaining a relatively low noise profile for its size.
If you need to cool a CPU with a TDP over 100W, look for coolers with a higher TDP rating and larger fan sizes, even if it means sacrificing some compactness.
Regret Score™
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
- Extremely compact design with a height of only 45mm, fitting into nearly any small form factor case.
- Offers quiet operation with a maximum noise level of 30.6dB(A) at full fan speed.
- Provides reliable cooling for CPUs up to 100W TDP.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155) and AMD (AM5, AM4) sockets.
- Features a user-friendly mounting kit for both Intel and AMD platforms.
- Exhibits a build quality and finish that is considered superior to some rivals, with hidden heatpipes.
Cons
- The 15mm thin fan can become audibly loud, reaching 47dB at 2400 RPM and 50dB at 2505 RPM under load.
- Struggles to adequately cool CPUs with TDPs significantly exceeding 100W, leading to high temperatures and potential throttling.
- Installation can be tricky, particularly when aligning screws for LGA 1700 sockets or requiring removal of the rear AM5 plate.
- The pre-applied thermal paste may not offer optimal performance, with users suggesting aftermarket alternatives for better cooling.
Dimension Scores
The cooler reliably handles its stated 100W TDP, providing significant temperature drops compared to stock coolers for compatible CPUs.
It maintains a low noise level of 30.6dB(A) at maximum fan speed, but can become noticeably louder (up to 50dB) under heavy load.
Users and reviewers note its solid construction and finish, with hidden heatpipes, suggesting a higher quality than some competitors.
The 4-pin PWM cable is 260mm long, which is standard, but the compact nature of the cooler itself doesn't offer specific cable management features.
Best For
- Ultra-compact Mini-ITX builds where space is severely limited.
- Home Theater PCs (HTPCs) requiring quiet operation and a low-profile cooler.
- Systems with CPUs having a TDP of 65W or less, like a Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel i3-12100.
Not Recommended For
- Gaming systems or workstations with high-TDP CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 7 9700X, which can exceed 100W).
- Users prioritizing absolute silence under heavy CPU load.
- Frequent CPU or cooler swaps on test benches due to potentially involved mounting.
Watch Out For
- The fan can get loud, hitting 47dB at 2400 RPM and 50dB at 2505 RPM, which is not 'silent' under heavy load.
- Cooling capacity is strictly limited to 100W TDP; a user reported a Ryzen 7 9700X reaching 95°C or more in games.
- Mounting on LGA 1700 requires careful alignment of the four screws with the motherboard holes.
- Installation on AM5 sockets necessitates removing the base rear AM5 plate, complicating the process for some users.
- The 15mm thick fan, while compact, is inherently noisier than thicker fan alternatives at similar RPMs.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BNYVJNL9 |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 4.2 watts |
| Material | Copper Plastic |
| Item Weight | 12.7 ounces |
| Noise Level | 30.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 33 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | BK034 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.63 x 3.63 x 1.78 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2500 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04260052189757 |
What Buyers Say
Many users upgrading from stock coolers report a noticeable drop in CPU temperatures, with an i3-12100 seeing temps fall from the 80s C to mid-60s C during gaming. The cooler's ultra-compact 45mm height is a recurring highlight, enabling builds in extremely tight spaces like Mini-ITX cases. However, the fan can get loud when the CPU is under heavy load, with reported noise levels reaching 50dB at max RPM. Installation, while generally straightforward, can present minor challenges, especially with LGA 1700 screw alignment or the need to remove the AM5 backplate.
“Look, if you're building in something tiny and your CPU isn't a power hog, this thing is a lifesaver, but don't expect it to be dead silent when your CPU is sweating, and maybe grab some better thermal paste.”
Common Praise
- CPU temperatures significantly lower than stock coolers, e.g., i3-12100 dropping from 80s C to mid-60s C.
- Fits into very small cases due to its 45mm height.
- Quiet operation for everyday use and lighter loads.
- Effective cooling for 65W TDP CPUs, even under load.
- Good build quality and aesthetic with hidden heatpipes.
- Broad compatibility with current Intel and AMD sockets.
Common Complaints
- Fan noise becomes prominent at high RPMs, reaching up to 50dB.
- Struggles to cool CPUs exceeding its 100W TDP, with some hitting 95°C or more.
- LGA 1700 mounting can be finicky with screw alignment.
- Requires removal of the motherboard's stock backplate for AM5 installation.
- Pre-applied thermal paste is adequate but not optimal for peak performance.
Ownership Tips
- The cooler's low profile means it generally avoids RAM clearance issues, even with tall RAM sticks.
- Dust accumulation on the thin fan blades can impact noise and performance over time, requiring periodic cleaning.
- The compact design can make it challenging to access motherboard components around the CPU socket after installation.
- Performance can be noticeably improved by replacing the pre-applied thermal paste with a higher-quality compound.
- In very constrained cases, even with its low profile, airflow within the case itself becomes a critical factor for overall cooling efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height of the be quiet! Pure Rock LP?
The cooler has an ultra-compact height of just 45mm, making it suitable for very small PC cases.
What is the maximum CPU wattage (TDP) this cooler can handle?
It is designed to reliably cool CPUs with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of up to 100W.
Is this cooler compatible with AMD AM5 processors?
Yes, the Pure Rock LP is compatible with AMD AM5 sockets, as well as AM4, and Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, and 1155 sockets.
How loud is the fan on this cooler?
The 92mm fan has a maximum noise level of 30.6dB(A) at full speed. However, some users report it can reach 47-50dB under heavy load, which is noticeable.
Is the installation process difficult?
While generally considered user-friendly, some users found aligning screws for LGA 1700 challenging, and AM5 installation requires removing the motherboard's stock backplate.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a low-profile CPU cooler like this, you're trading raw cooling power for size. It's all about fitting into those tiny cases where a standard tower cooler just won't go. You need to know your CPU's actual power draw (TDP) and the maximum cooler height your case supports. Don't just look at the base TDP; consider how much power your CPU can boost to under load, as that's where the cooler will be tested.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number tells you the maximum heat, in watts, that the cooler is designed to dissipate. If your CPU generates more heat than the cooler can handle, your system will overheat and slow down. Think of it like a car's engine size – a bigger engine (higher TDP CPU) needs a bigger radiator (higher TDP cooler) to stay cool.
Height (45mm)
This is crucial for small form factor (SFF) builds. Many Mini-ITX cases have very strict limits on CPU cooler height. Measure the clearance in your case from the CPU surface to the side panel to ensure this 45mm cooler will fit without touching.
Fan Size (92mm)
Larger fans generally move more air and can do so at lower, quieter RPMs. A 92mm fan is smaller than the 120mm or 140mm fans found on larger coolers, meaning it might need to spin faster and potentially be louder to achieve the same cooling, especially if it's a thin fan like this one.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't meet your needs, search for low-profile air coolers with a higher TDP rating (e.g., 120W or 150W) if your CPU runs hotter, or consider coolers with larger fan diameters (e.g., 120mm) if your case allows for slightly more height.
You Might Also Like
Micro ATX PC Case | Mini Tower Computer case | Pre-Installed 120mm*1 RGB Fan | ITX Desktop Chassis for MATX/ITX | 240 RAD | 280mm GPU | 160mm CPU Cooler Height - White S6
$0-$49This MAQUY S6 is a budget Micro ATX case with a pre-installed 120mm RGB fan, supporting 280mm GPUs and 240mm top radiators for entry-level builds.
Micro ATX Case, Mini PC ITX Desktop Computer Case MATX Case Support ATX PSU/250mm GPU/135mm CPU Cooler/1x 3.5’’HDD or 2X 2.5’’SSD/USB 3.0 Port
$0-$49This is a compact 38.5x19.5x32.5cm Micro ATX case supporting 250mm GPUs and 135mm CPU coolers, designed for budget workstation builds.
Small PC Case, ITX Mini Computer Case with 360 Degree Ventilation, 10.5L Compact Design for ITX Motherboard, SFX Power Supply, 4 x 2.5 Inch SSDs
$50-$99This 10.5L acrylic ITX case supports SFX/SFX-L PSUs, ITX motherboards, and GPUs up to 210mm, designed for compact builds.
Micro ATX PC Case | Mini Tower Computer case Support Vertical GPU Mount | Pre-Installed 120mm*1 RGB Fan | ITX Desktop Chassis for MATX/ITX | 240 RAD | 320mm GPU | 165mm CPU Cooler Height-Black
$0-$49A budget Micro ATX case with a mesh front, tempered glass, and support for 320mm GPUs and 240mm AIOs, but only one pre-installed 120mm RGB fan.