be quiet! Dark Rock 5 CPU air Cooler | Extremely high Cooling Performance | 6 high-Performance Heat Pipes | Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM Fan | high RAM and VRM Cooler Compatibility | BK035
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AI Verdict
This 210W TDP air cooler with a 120mm Silent Wings 4 fan offers quiet operation and high RAM clearance for mid-range to high-end builds.
The Dark Rock 5 is a strong fit for users seeking a quiet, aesthetically pleasing air cooler that handles up to 210 watts TDP. Its asymmetrical design ensures high RAM and VRM compatibility, addressing a common pain point with larger coolers.
If you need more cooling headroom for extreme overclocking or very high-wattage CPUs, look for coolers with a higher TDP rating or a dual-tower design.
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Pros
- Cools CPUs up to 210 watts TDP, suitable for many high-performance processors.
- Operates at a maximum noise level of 29.8dB(A) at full fan speed, making it nearly silent.
- Asymmetrical design with heat sink cut-outs provides unrestricted RAM module height and VRM cooler compatibility.
- Installation is straightforward with a preinstalled mounting bridge and an included long-neck screwdriver.
- Features a magnetic mesh top cover that conceals heat pipe ends and mounting hardware for a clean aesthetic.
- Constructed with 6 copper heat pipes, a dense aluminum fin array, and a nickel-plated copper base for efficient heat transfer.
Cons
- May struggle with extended multi-threaded workloads on high-end Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, potentially leading to throttling.
- The included 120mm Silent Wings 4 fan, while quiet, is not the largest or most powerful compared to some competitors.
- A second fan for push/pull configuration is not included, despite clips being provided for optional installation.
- Some users report it being pricier than other single-tower coolers that offer comparable or better cooling performance.
Dimension Scores
The cooler handles 210 watts TDP with 6 copper heat pipes and a ceramic-coated fin array, performing well for its single-tower design.
The Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM fan produces only 29.8dB(A) at maximum speed, placing it among the quietest coolers in its class.
Constructed from alloy steel, aluminum, and copper with a black ceramic coating and a magnetic top cover, users consistently praise its robust and premium feel.
The single 4-Pin PWM fan cable is braided, and the magnetic top cover helps conceal the heat pipe ends, contributing to a tidier build.
Best For
- Gaming PCs needing quiet operation with CPUs up to 210W TDP.
- Systems with tall RAM modules that require unrestricted clearance.
- Users prioritizing a clean, all-black aesthetic without RGB lighting.
- Mid-range to high-end PC builds where noise reduction is a key factor.
Not Recommended For
- Extreme overclockers pushing high-end Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs in multi-threaded tasks.
- Budget-conscious builders seeking the absolute lowest price-to-performance ratio.
- Users who prefer dual-tower coolers for maximum cooling capacity.
Watch Out For
- The cooler's 161mm height, while fitting most ATX cases, might be a tight squeeze or incompatible with smaller form factor cases.
- While compatible with liquid metal thermal grease, using it requires careful application and understanding of its properties.
- Performance might not match larger dual-tower coolers, especially under sustained heavy loads from high-wattage CPUs.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D3NXLZ1T |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 210 watts |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Copper |
| Batteries | AA batteries required. |
| Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Noise Level | 29.8 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 55 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | BK035 |
| Compatible Devices | AMD AM4/AM5, Desktop, Intel 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 |
| Product Dimensions | 3.97"L x 5.35"W x 6.33"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2100 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04260052190739 |
What Buyers Say
Users frequently highlight the Dark Rock 5's exceptionally quiet operation, often describing it as 'virtually inaudible' even under load, which is a significant draw for noise-sensitive environments. While it offers robust cooling for its size, some reviewers noted that it might not keep up with the most demanding, multi-threaded workloads on high-end Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, where temperatures could climb and lead to throttling. The ease of installation, thanks to the preinstalled mounting bridge and included screwdriver, is another recurring positive point.
“Man, this cooler is SO quiet, I literally can't hear my PC running most of the time, even when I'm gaming. My 7800X3D stays chilly, but I heard it might not be enough for those crazy Intel chips, so watch out for that. Installation was a breeze though, didn't even need to cuss once!”
Common Praise
- The fan operates at 29.8dB(A) at maximum speed, maintaining quiet system acoustics.
- The asymmetrical design prevents interference with tall RAM modules.
- Installation is simplified by the preinstalled mounting bridge and included long-neck screwdriver.
- The all-black aesthetic with a magnetic top cover provides a clean, premium look.
- Effectively cools CPUs up to 210 watts TDP for most gaming and productivity tasks.
Common Complaints
- Struggles to prevent throttling on high-end Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs during sustained multi-threaded workloads.
- Considered more expensive than some competitors that offer similar or slightly better cooling performance.
- The single 120mm fan, while quiet, isn't the most powerful for extreme cooling scenarios.
- Some users wish a second fan was included for push/pull configurations, rather than just the clips.
Ownership Tips
- The magnetic top cover is a small detail but makes a big difference for cable routing and hiding the mounting screw.
- Even after months, the fan remains silent, with no noticeable bearing noise or vibrations.
- The asymmetrical design truly does clear all RAM slots, even with RGB modules.
- Cleaning dust from the fin array is relatively easy due to the single-tower design and accessible fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum CPU wattage this cooler can handle?
The Dark Rock 5 is rated to cool CPUs with a thermal design power (TDP) of up to 210 watts.
Will this cooler block my RAM slots?
No, its asymmetrical design and heat sink cut-outs are specifically engineered to provide high RAM clearance, allowing for unrestricted memory height.
How loud is the fan?
The included Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM fan operates at a maximum of 29.8dB(A) at full speed, making it very quiet during operation.
Is it easy to install?
Yes, it features a preinstalled mounting bridge and includes a long-neck screwdriver, simplifying the installation process.
Can I add a second fan?
Yes, the cooler supports an optional second fan for increased performance, and the necessary clips are included in the box.
Buying Guide
When buying a CPU air cooler, you need to think about how much heat your CPU generates (its TDP), how much noise you can tolerate, and if it will physically fit in your case and clear your RAM. A higher TDP rating means it can handle hotter CPUs. Quieter fans are always a plus, but sometimes come with a slight trade-off in raw cooling power. Also, check the cooler's height and width to make sure it doesn't hit your case side panel or block your memory slots.
wattage (TDP)
This number tells you the maximum amount of heat, in watts, that the cooler is designed to dissipate from your CPU. If your CPU's TDP is higher than the cooler's rating, your CPU will run hot and might slow down to prevent damage, like trying to cool a bonfire with a squirt gun.
fan_size (120mm)
This refers to the diameter of the fan. Larger fans (like 140mm or 120mm) generally move more air at lower RPMs, which means quieter operation, while smaller fans often need to spin faster and louder to achieve similar airflow.
RAM and VRM Cooler Compatibility
Some large air coolers can overhang your RAM slots or motherboard's VRM heatsinks, preventing you from installing tall memory modules or even blocking access to components. Good compatibility means the cooler's design avoids these obstructions.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't meet your needs, look for dual-tower air coolers with higher TDP ratings for maximum cooling performance, or consider liquid coolers if space and budget allow.
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