be quiet! Dark Rock Elite

be quiet! Dark Rock Elite Review & Specifications

The be quiet! Dark Rock Elite by be quiet! is a Air CPU cooler designed for compatibility with LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, AM5, AM4, sockets.

This air cooler features a heatsink with a CPU contact base made of Copper, ensuring effective thermal conductivity. It includes 2 fan(s), each sized at 135 mm. These fan(s) can reach up to 2000 RPM and operate at a noise level of 34.5 dBA, delivering a combined airflow of None CFM. The total height of the cooler is 168 mm . Please ensure your PC case supports this cooler’s height. You can verify compatibility using our PC Builder, which filters compatible cases based on CPU cooler dimensions. Aesthetically, this CPU cooler includes RGB lighting for customizable illumination, adding visual flair to your system build. The cooler is backed by a 3-year warranty, providing long-term reliability and manufacturer support.

Performance

be quiet! Dark Rock Elite is a high-end performance air CPU cooler suitable for CPUs with TDPs up to 200 W, offering a strong relative cooling performance score of 88.30%. It is recommended for mid-range to high-end gaming PCs and mid-range workstation builds where long-term reliability is important. As with all air coolers, this unit benefits from a simple, durable design with only one moving part — the fan — making it less prone to failure than liquid cooling systems. It also features substantial passive thermal mass, helping prevent CPU damage even if the fan stops working temporarily.

Cost-Effectiveness

The performance-per-price ratio of be quiet! Dark Rock Elite is 26.8%, which places it in the lower tier of value for air coolers. This air cooler does not provide strong performance, and with a low value score, it is generally not a recommended option unless aesthetics or specific design features justify the price.