Be Quiet Dark Rock 5 CPU Cooler vs. Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU Cooler

Attribute	Be Quiet Dark Rock 5 CPU Cooler	Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU Cooler
Dimensions	162.8 x 130 x 145.7 mm	136 x 123 x 162.8 mm
Weight	0.9 kg	1.19 kg
Fan Size	135 mm	135 mm
Noise Level	26.8 dB(A)	24.3 dB(A)
Max TDP	150W	250W

Design

The Be Quiet Dark Rock 5 CPU Cooler features a sleek and minimalistic design with a black finish. It has a single tower heatsink with a brushed aluminum top cover, giving it a premium look. The cooler is equipped with a Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM fan that provides efficient cooling while maintaining low noise levels. The Dark Rock 5 also comes with a brushed aluminum top cover and seven high-performance copper heat pipes for optimal heat dissipation.

On the other hand, the Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU Cooler is larger and more robust in design compared to the Dark Rock 5. It features a dual tower heatsink with two Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM fans for enhanced cooling performance. The Pro 5 also comes with a brushed aluminum top cover and seven high-performance copper heat pipes, similar to the Dark Rock 5. Overall, the Dark Rock Pro 5 has a more aggressive and high-end appearance compared to the Dark Rock 5.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, both the Be Quiet Dark Rock 5 and Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU coolers are designed to provide efficient cooling for high-performance CPUs. The Dark Rock 5 is capable of handling TDPs of up to 180W, making it suitable for most mainstream processors. The single tower heatsink and Silent Wings 3 fan combination ensure that the Dark Rock 5 can effectively dissipate heat while maintaining low noise levels.

On the other hand, the Dark Rock Pro 5 is designed for even higher TDPs, with a maximum cooling capacity of 250W. The dual tower heatsink and dual Silent Wings 3 fans provide superior cooling performance, making the Pro 5 ideal for overclocked CPUs and high-end gaming rigs. The larger size and dual fan configuration of the Dark Rock Pro 5 allow for better heat dissipation and lower temperatures compared to the Dark Rock 5.

Noise Levels

One of the key features of Be Quiet CPU coolers is their low noise levels, and both the Dark Rock 5 and Dark Rock Pro 5 live up to this reputation. The Dark Rock 5 is equipped with a Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM fan that operates at a maximum noise level of 21.4 dB(A) at full speed. This ensures that the cooler remains virtually silent even under heavy loads, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

Similarly, the Dark Rock Pro 5 comes with two Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM fans that operate at a maximum noise level of 24.3 dB(A) each. Despite having dual fans, the Pro 5 maintains low noise levels thanks to Be Quiet's advanced fan design and PWM control. The combination of dual fans and a dual tower heatsink allows the Dark Rock Pro 5 to provide superior cooling performance without sacrificing noise levels.

Installation

Both the Be Quiet Dark Rock 5 and Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU coolers are designed for easy installation on a variety of Intel and AMD sockets. The Dark Rock 5 comes with a mounting kit that supports Intel LGA 115x, 1366, 2011(-3) Square ILM, and AMD AM2(+), AM3(+), AM4, FM1, FM2(+). The installation process is straightforward and can be completed with the included tools and instructions.

Similarly, the Dark Rock Pro 5 also comes with a comprehensive mounting kit that supports Intel LGA 115x, 1366, 2011(-3) Square ILM, and AMD AM2(+), AM3(+), AM4, FM1, FM2(+). The Pro 5 features an advanced mounting system that allows for easy installation and secure attachment to the CPU socket. Overall, both coolers offer hassle-free installation for users of various CPU platforms.

Price

When it comes to pricing, the Be Quiet Dark Rock 5 CPU Cooler is more budget-friendly compared to the Dark Rock Pro 5. The Dark Rock 5 offers excellent cooling performance and low noise levels at a more affordable price point, making it a great option for users looking for a high-quality CPU cooler without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, the Dark Rock Pro 5 is priced higher due to its larger size, dual fan configuration, and higher cooling capacity. While the Pro 5 offers superior cooling performance and is ideal for overclocked CPUs, it comes at a premium price compared to the Dark Rock 5. Users who prioritize performance and are willing to invest in a high-end CPU cooler may find the Dark Rock Pro 5 to be worth the extra cost.