be quiet dark rock 4 vs noctua nh-u12s vs hyper 212 evo specs compare

If you are a gamer and investing much of your efforts on an efficient CPU, you should also focus on the best CPU cooler as well. Most of the gaming CPUs currently available come with overlooking functionality. If you are not getting the right CPU cooler, you may not be able to contain the temperatures within the limit.

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Among the best options for the excellent CPU coolers currently available, here are a few unique options that we will compare to arrive at the best possible options. We will examine the three capable options viz de Quiet Dark Rock 4, Noctua NH – U12S, and CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo.

Table of Contents

be Quiet Dark Rock 4 – An Overview

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The Dark Rock 4 has remained a prominent option for long, and version 4 takes it ahead from there. Performance-wise, it works almost similar to the predecessor. It comes with two fans – Silent Wings 3 PWM edition with sizes of 120mm and 135mm.

The installation is quite useful, and you would also find it offering a simple installation procedure. In terms of looks, it has been considered to be one of the best you would find. It has been considered to bee the best dual tower CPU cooler ever. The cooler has a black coating that gives it a really decent look. The surface also comes with ceramic particles, which would further effectively help in heat exchange.

Pros

Quieter operation.
Exceptional aesthetics
A Great performance

Cons

Mounting needs a little improvement.

Noctua NH – U12S – A Concise Review

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In sharp contrast to the be Quiet! We just discussed here; the Noctua NH – U12S offers you a single tower CPU cooling functionality. You also have access to the Chromax range of add-ons, which further adds up more value to the aesthetics.

Mounting is one of the excellent options you would find. Noctua relies upon the SecuFirm2 mounting kit. Installation is rather easy, with a minimal number of components. The installation is accurate and secure with little or no flexibility. The aesthetics are good enough, but the fan may ruin your experience a little. However, the Chromax add-ons can be excellent options.

The quiet performance of the cooler has always been considered to be one of the best thermal colling solutions offered. The tests indicate that the CPU cooling performance perfect enough. The steeper pricing may not be something you would be comfortable with.

Pros

An excellent cooling performance
The fans have the best standards

Cons

The expensive price tag for a single tower cooler

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo – A Sneak Peak

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It may be one of the oldest options for a CPU cooler but has been keeping the standards alive. In fact, the fact that it is still popular among the best CPU coolers all through these years indicates that they have been excellent in almost every respect.

The installation involves two stages, but still – the process is simple and easy to follow. It would offer you the best secure connectivity. If you think of aesthetics, you will find it is quite simple and basic. Aesthetics are not a concern here. You cannot find any of the fancy elements with the cooler.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo can be an excellent option. Despite its release in 2011, it has lived up to the expectations even today. In essence, a better cooler in a simple package.

Pros

Great performance when you look at the price
Simple and easy to follow installation.

Cons

Aesthetics may not be a good option.

Comparison between the three CPU Coolers – be quiet Dark Rock 4 vs Noctua NH-u12s vs Hyper 212 Evo

Having checked out the three CPU coolers, here is a simple comparison based on a few key parameters.

The performance

The performance of the three competing coolers was conducted under controlled conditions. The Noctua NH U12S performs well enough but fails short of performance, given the fact that it is a single tower cooler. However, it still delivers well enough on most counts. However, the be Quiet Dark Rock 4 is what takes the lead in terms of performance characteristics.

Aesthetics

If you are under the impression that aesthetics should not matter if you want performance, we would claim that you are living in another world. Yes, indeed. The days belong to RGB, and other high-end options and aesthetics do play an essential role in deciding the best CPU cooler. Like we already have stated, the be Quiet Dark Rock 4 is one of the perfect dual tower CPU coolers ever when you look at the looks or aesthetics. The Noctua offering does have a lower interest in being aesthetic, but the Chromax range of add-ons offered can improve the looks considerably to a greater extent.

Mounting

Ease of installation and comfortability is what you would prefer the most. The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo offers the most uncomplicated mounting. It provides you a seamless and effortless connectivity and installation. be Quiet! Seems to have understood the issues users faced on the previous generation f the CPU coolers. The installation options on the be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 has been considerably enhanced and improved. However, the one beats all the others in this compilation is Noctua NH – U12S, which has redefined the installation procedure with the SecuFirm2 mounting kit.

The Comparison Chart: be quiet Dark Rock 4 vs Noctua nh-u12s vs Hyper 212 Evo

Having gone through those excellent options and their features, here is a complete comparison in a head to head to chart.

Features and Functions	Be Quiet Dark Rock 4	Noctua NH U12S	Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
Height	162.8 mm	158 mm	159 mm
TDP	250 W	165 W	150 W
Weight	1130 grams	755 Grams	465 Grams
Socket compatibility	LGA 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011(-3) Square ILM / 2066, AM2(+) / AM3(+) / AM4 / FM1 / FM2(+)	Intel LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 & AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ (backplate required), AM4 with NM-AM4-UxS	LGA 2066 / 2011-v3 / 2011 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366, AMD® AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1
Fans	1x Silent Wings 3 120mm, 1x Silent Wings 135mm	NF-F12 PWM premium fan	Wide Range PWM 120mm Fan

In Conclusion

Well, it should be the be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 which takes the lead in terms of all the features and functions combined. The Noctua NH-U12S does feature a few exciting features like quieter operation and secure installation. But, the expensive price tag would be something you should pay attention to.