CONCLUSION

   Using my latest AM5 test rig to test CPU coolers was never my intent (I basically built it just for Gen5 SSD tests) but be quiet! dropping support for the LGA2011 socket meant I could only put the EK-AIO Elite Aurum 360 D-RGB which i already have mounted on it up against their two latest models (I did at least use the dBA chart from my LGA2011 database so you can all have a better idea on the amount of noise coming from the dual fans of each unit). The good news is that even though the EK-AIO Elite Aurum 360 D-RGB is one of the best AIO models I’ve used to date (and also one of the most expensive ones) it’s not world apart with the Dark Rock Pro 5 and the Dark Rock Elite. Yes, it does outperform both but honestly managing to keep the 12-Core AMD Ryzen 9 7900X at around 85-95 Degrees Celsius at heavy load is extremely good. Needless to say, what’s even more impressive however is noise levels and here both the Dark Rock Pro 5 and Dark Rock Elite are pretty much inaudible at idle (still the Dark Rock Pro 5 is slightly noisier compared to its predecessor the Dark Rock Pro 4). The ARGB LEDs on top of the Dark Rock Elite is a nice touch but they only work if the connector is attached either on a compatible motherboard or controller so do keep that in mind. As for build quality well not much I can say here, pictures tend to speak by themselves and let’s not forget that this is a be quiet! product.

   Be quiet! officially launched the Dark Rock Pro 5 & Dark Rock Elite today for around USD99/USD115 inside the USA and for 99Euros/115Euros inside the EU price tags which are actually well balanced for the kind of performance you’re getting. Overall there’s not much else I can say about the Dark Rock Pro 5 and Dark Rock Elite CPU air coolers by be quiet!. Cooling efficiency is very good, noise levels are low, build quality is all but excellent and they are both priced well (although I do imagine the Elite will still seem expensive to some) so the Platinum Award is in order.

PROS

- Top Notch Build Quality
- Design (Ceramic Particle Black Coating)
- Excellent Cooling Efficiency
- Fan Speed Switch (Quiet / Performance)
- Dual Fan Solutions
- Low Noise Levels
- ARGB LEDs (Dark Rock Elite)

CONS

- Price (Dark Rock Elite)
- LGA 2011 / 2066 Socket Support Dropped