Be Quiet's Dark Rock Pro V and Elite Coolers
The review starts by reintroducing Be Quiet, a renowned German company in the field of air cooling, and its long-anticipated successors to the Dark Rock Pro 4: the Dark Rock Pro V and Dark Rock Elite. These coolers enter a market with stiff competition and high expectations for quality air cooling. The review aims to assess whether these new offerings from Be Quiet can stand out in this competitive field.
Design and Features of the Dark Rock Pro V and Elite
Similarities in Design and Construction
Both the Dark Rock Pro V and Elite feature an all-black design with seven copper heat pipes and dual towers for effective heat dissipation. The primary distinction between the two models lies in their fans and covers, although the heatsinks themselves are identical in both units.
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Compact Case Compatibility
The coolers' compatibility with small form factor (SFF) cases is tested, with successful installation in a compact case like Silverstone’s SUGO 14 Mini-ITX, indicating reasonable compatibility for space-constrained setups.
Innovative Covers and Aesthetics
Both models come with magnetically sealed covers that enhance the visual appeal by concealing the top of the heatpipes. The Dark Rock Elite also includes an ARGB ring on its cover, offering additional aesthetic value through customizable illumination.
RAM Compatibility and Adjustability
Handling Taller RAM Modules
The coolers initially support RAM up to 42mm in height, but adjustments can be made to accommodate taller modules, like 45mm DDR4 sticks. The Dark Rock Elite features an adjustable fan brace for this purpose, while the Dark Rock Pro V relies on traditional, albeit more cumbersome, fan clips.
Additional Cooling Features
Middle Heatsink for Enhanced Heat Dispersion
Both coolers incorporate an additional middle heatsink, contributing to efficient heat movement away from the CPU.
Silent Wings Fans for Quiet Operation
The primary distinction between the two models is their fans. While detailed specifications like static pressure and airflow ratings are not provided by Be Quiet, the review anticipates analyzing their performance through noise and temperature benchmarks.
Unique Design Elements
Mixed Height Exit Fins
The design of the exit fins on the coolers is unique, alternating between taller and recessed layers. This design aims to improve the static pressure of airflow, potentially enhancing cooling efficiency.
Conclusion: Anticipated Performance and Benchmarking
Evaluating Thermal Performance and Noise Levels
The review sets the stage for a comprehensive evaluation of the Dark Rock Pro V and Elite coolers, focusing on their cooling efficiency and noise levels. The anticipation is to determine if the subtle differences, particularly in fans, significantly impact overall performance and if these coolers can secure a place among the best in the market. The upcoming benchmarks and noise testing will be crucial in assessing whether Be Quiet's latest offerings live up to the expectations set by their predecessors and the current market competition.
