Methodology
A Ryzen 5 3600 has to be cooled at factory settings, in addition 16GB Crucial Ballistix Sport (2x8GB) DDR4 memory on a MSI B550 Tomahawk (BIOS 7C91vA3). The Asus ROG Strix GTX 1060 6GB is running in zero-fan mode for the CPU stress tests only for the image output, and a BitFenix Whisper M 450W serves as the power source, all housed in the Thermaltake Core P3 as an open benchtable.
All records are logged with HWInfo64 v6.30-4240 – 2000ms logging, the specified temperature is derived from the sensor CPU Die (Average). The load of Prime95 produces an average of 88 watts of CPU package power. Since I don’t have air conditioning, the values in the graphs are the delta between room temperature and CPU temperature. This allows all cooling systems to be compared fairly, even if the ambient temperature is different. The thermal paste supplied with the cooler or pre-applied is used in each case.
I determine the sound level with a Voltcraft SL-200 meter at a distance of 40cm, which works in 125ms cycles in Lo mode. The room was measured at 33.2 dBA, an external sample table helps with the breakdown.
Benchmarks
The first run is done as intended by the manufacturer with both fans in a top-flow configuration:
|
2 fans |
30% PWM |
60% PWM |
100% PWM |
|
Speed fan top |
404 RPM |
803 RPM |
1301 RPM |
|
Fan speed middle |
431 RPM |
840 RPM |
1354 RPM |
|
Sound level / characteristic |
33.3 dBA |
33.8 dBA |
40.6 dBA |
|
Ambient temperature |
24,6 – 24,1°C |
24,2 – 24,9°C |
24,9 – 25,5°C |
If you buy this cooler for a small case and do not install the top fan, you can expect the following change in cooling performance:
|
1 fan |
30% PWM |
60% PWM |
100% PWM |
|
Fan speed middle |
433 RPM |
839 RPM |
1534 RPM |
|
Sound level / characteristic |
33.3 dBA |
33.7 dBA |
40.6 dBA |
|
Ambient temperature |
23,0 – 23,6°C |
24,0 – 25,1°C |
25,3 – 26,3°C |
And here is the overview of other coolers in the same price segment and another one from our own range:
Summary and conclusion
In terms of cooling performance, workmanship and of course the hobbyhorse volume, be quiet! once again convince all along the line. Even if you can’t outrun the competition, you’re still a good deal quieter with minimally better values. In the end, we can even give a purchase tip with a clear conscience, because in its (albeit somewhat niche) class, this cooler is really worth a recommendation.
“Only” 3 years warranty for a high-end air cooler I find but a bit little, there already offer some manufacturers for their AiO water cooling with significantly more sources of error a longer period. To be fair, though, there’s not much that can catastrophically break on a piece of metal even after the warranty ends. Shortly before release, some retailers have already listed the cooler, priced at a whopping 40 euros above the Shadow Rock TF 2. Whether the new version with a significantly higher TDP is worth it depends on the installed processor and of course the case. In the age of glass panels on the sides of cases, top-flow coolers are somewhat out of fashion. However, if you do have an appropriate case, be quiet! an excellent cooler here.
The test sample was supplied by be quiet! made available without obligation. There was and is no influence on the tests and results. There was also no compensation for expenses and no obligation to publish.
be quiet! Dark Rock TF 2 (BK031)
 | Zentrallager: 5 Stück lagernd, Lieferung 1-3 WerktageFiliale Wilhelmshaven: 5 Stück lagerndStand: 30.04.24 08:19 | 84,89 €*Stand: 30.04.24 08:19 |
 | Sofort lieferbar, Lieferzeit max. 1-3 Werktage | 84,90 €*Stand: 30.04.24 07:37 |
 | Sofort verfügbar, Lieferzeit max. 1-3 Werktage | 84,90 €*Stand: 30.04.24 08:05 |
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