CONCLUSION

   Testing the Shadow Rock Slim with our 3930k system didn't seem right at first but that changed right after we recorded the very first results. Of course even at the best possible scenario we never expected stellar performance levels from it due to its size but still it did manage to surpass two similarly sized models like the Raijintek Themis and the SilentiumPC Fera 2 HE1224 (even by a very small margin) without producing extra noise (in the case of the Themis it was much quieter). Be Quiet! is also right about the no clearance issues feature since the Shadow Rock Slim allowed full access to all 4 memory modules on the mainboard although i do think that's something every CPU Cooler out there should offer (that's not the case of course).

   At the time of this review the brand new Shadow Rock Slim CPU Cooler by be quiet! retails for just 46Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) but unfortunately much like most of their products it's not currently available inside the USA. Certainly one can find many CPU Coolers at around the same price range (exceptions like the Fera 2 HE1224 are perhaps the best alternative due to their performance/price ratio) some of which will outperform the Shadow Rock Slim but not many of those offer zero clearance issues nor do they offer the low noise levels of the 135mm SilentWings fan so in the end it once again comes down to what you want. As for us thanks to its size, performance and noise levels we really recommend taking a closer look at the Shadow Rock Slim especially if you’re building an HTPC.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Good Performance
- Low Noise Levels
- Size

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- USA Availability