be quiet! has announced a new addition to its premium CPU air cooler lineup featuring many optimisations based on user feedback. This revised design offers improved cooling compared to its predecessor while being simpler to install inside your machine.
Made with compatibility in mind, the Dark Rock 5 boasts excellent clearance for both RAM and VRM heatsinks. The cooler’s six 6mm heatpipes come at an angle, offsetting the entire fin stack away from the memory slot and motherboard coolers, allowing you to freely select the RAM modules you prefer without thinking about support. These come covered by a special black coating featuring ceramic particles said to improve heat transfer while keeping the elegant look expected from the brand’s products.
The heatsink is complemented with a be quiet’s 120mm Silent Wings 4 PWM fan delivering 55cfm of airflow and 2.73mmH2O of air pressure, producing 29.8dBA noise at maximum speed. According to be quiet! this blower has a lifespan of 300,000 hours at 25°C, so you can be sure your cooler will serve you for years. Those looking to further improve the performance of this cooler can add a second fan to the other side of the fin stack to increase air pressure. And for the enthusiasts out there, the Dark Rock 5 is also compatible with liquid metal thermal interfaces. That said, if you want something more powerful, you can always check out the Dark Rock Elite.
Regarding socket compatibility, the Dark Rock 5 supports Intel’s LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, and 1155, plus AMD’s AM4 and AM5. No matter the one you have, installation should be easier as this new version comes with a pre-fixed mounting bridge and screws. Just position the cooler on top of the CPU and tighten the screws. Nice, since this black hunk of aluminium weighs 1kg, including the fan.
Dark Rock 5 will be available from June 25 at $69.90 / €69.90 / £64.99 MSRP, backed by a three-year warranty.