CONCLUSION
Be Quiet! currently has all of their CPU Cooler models divided into two product lines the Shadow Rock which is aimed towards people who want performance with low noise levels and at a rather affordable price tag and the Dark Rock one which is their high end line aimed towards serious gamers, enthusiasts and overclockers. With this in mind we obviously never expected for the Shadow Rock 2 to surpass the performance of the quite older Dark Rock Pro 2 model and in the end it didn't. However on one hand the difference between those two models is quite small while on the other the Shadow Rock 2 is currently the 7th most silent CPU Cooler in our charts (out of 23 models in total) so i think that once again be quiet! has managed to hit the sweet spot between performance and low noise levels. So if i had to point out to a single issue with the Shadow Rock 2 that would be the lack of an extra set of mounting clips for a second fan (for push & pull) since now you have no choice but to go to extra lengths in order to find and purchase it separately.
Price is also an very important factor when choosing the right CPU Cooler for your needs and that's one of the areas the Shadow Rock line excels. So currently the Shadow Rock 2 CPU Cooler by be quiet! retails for 43.68Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) but unfortunately since it was launched roughly a month ago it's yet not available everywhere but that should change soon according to be quiet! (MSRP for the USA is set at USD49.90). Very good cooling efficiency, low noise levels, medium-size, appearance, CPU Compatibility, 4 different directions to mount the fan, dual fan solution and covered with a 3 year warranty, what more can we ask from a CPU Cooler? Because of all of the above the Shadow Rock 2 by be quiet! takes our Golden Award.
PROS
- Build Quality
- Size
- Very Good Cooling Efficiency
- Low Noise Levels
- Dual Fan Solution
- Four-Directional Fan Mounting
- Socket Compatibility
- 3 Years Warranty
- Price (For Some)
CONS
- Current Availability
- Lack of Extra Fan Mounting Clips