Price per Performance Air Cooler.

[ligedal]

Hi,

I am going to buy a DIY cooling solution for my upcoming CPU upgrade. (r7 2700x to a r7 5800x.)

I would like the best balanced price to acoustics, aesthetics, cooling and overclocking potential. I have browsed for the best price to performance alternative, and I have found that, in my location (scythe fuma 2 is not available for a decent price in sweden), the choice is between a Dark rock 4 for $60 or an Arctic Freezer 34 duo for $40. I am still torn between the options and would appreciate others opinions.

To clarify further, I am not interested in water cooling solutions due to both me having occupied the space with case fans, and also because of longevity.

Case is Phanteks P400A.

Thanks in advance.

Dark rock 4: https://www.amazon.de/quiet-Top-Flow-Prozessorlüfter-BK021-schwarz/dp/B07BYP9S95/ref=sr_1_3?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=be+quiet&qid=1603986103&sr=8-3
Arctic Freezer 34 duo: https://www.amazon.de/ARCTIC-Freezer-eSports-Gehäuselüfter-Prozessorlüfter/dp/B07ZJHXQNS?th=1

 

[basco]

i am a fan of air cooling but for little bit more there is this if ya can get it in sweden.

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 ab € 128,00 (2024) | Preisvergleich Geizhals Österreich

✔ Preisvergleich für Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 ✔ Bewertungen ✔ Produktinfo ⇒ Typ: intern (geschlossenes System) • Kühlkörper: CPU, Kupfer • Kompatibilität: 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 12… ✔ Komplettsets ✔ Testberichte ✔ Günstig kaufen

geizhals.at

i have the older shadow rock4 and i dont like it

if only the 2 options i go with arctic

 

[tabascosauz]

The Arctic is good value. Keep in mind that the Dark Rock 4 has potential RAM compatibility issues on mainstream boards; make sure you have enough height clearance for your DIMMs. The fan may overhang the first DIMM slot, and depending on cooler height clearance in your case you may not be able to shift the fan "up" by much before you hit the side panel. Ironically, the larger Dark Rock Pro 4 doesn't have this problem.

If you have a 4 DIMM board on which you're only using 2 slots, you should be fine, but it's something to check before you buy.

 

[Space Lynx]

I don't think you can go wrong either way. but if you are going to spend 60 on dark rock, i'd really try to encourage you to get a noctua instead. u12S for 59 - the quality is just better, and Noctua as a company has amazing customer service if you lose a screw or something.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Links would have been nice.

Arctic Freezer 34

Dark Rock Pro 4

IMO, this is not a fair comparison when twice, you put "price" ahead of all other criteria and with the Dark Rock costing 50% more than the Arctic, based on your top criteria, the Arctic is a shoe-in.

Fan noise is a major factor for me. I hate fan noise. So for me, the answer is obvious, the Dark Rock is much quieter. I note you mentioned acoustics too.

Plus, you didn't tell what case this will be going in. So as tabascosauz suggests, size (of either one) may be a problem.

I am not a fan (no pun intended) of water cooling for several reasons. Yes, you typically can get cooler temps but cooler does not automatically mean better. As long as your processor's temps stay comfortably within its normal operating range, cooler temps get you nothing but bragging rights. There is nothing to suggest a CPU running at 25°C will perform better, be more stable, or have a longer lifespan than a CPU running at 50°C.

Plus, leaks happens. There may be a factory defect or leaks can occur through accidents or abuse. And for sure, hoses can become brittle and crack over time.

Last, radiators use fans. Fans create fan noise and I really hate fan noise.

 

[ligedal]

I don't think you can go wrong either way. but if you are going to spend 60 on dark rock, i'd really try to encourage you to get a noctua instead. u12S for 59 - the quality is just better, and Noctua as a company has amazing customer service if you lose a screw or something.

I understand your reasoning for the noctua. However, I firstly consider it to be hideous and secondly it costs closer to $90 here in sweden.

 

[bug]

I've been using Arctic for close to two decades without a problem. I don't overclock anymore and when I did it was just run-of-the-mill air cooled oc. Some don't like Arctic because they use proprietary fans (legit concern), but I have yet to have a fan act up.

 

[milewski1015]

Links would have been nice.

Arctic Freezer 34

Dark Rock Pro 4

IMO, this is not a fair comparison when twice, you put "price" ahead of all other criteria and with the Dark Rock costing 50% more than the Arctic, based on your top criteria, the Arctic is a shoe-in.

Fan noise is a major factor for me. I hate fan noise. So for me, the answer is obvious, the Dark Rock is much quieter. I note you mentioned acoustics too.

Plus, you didn't tell what case this will be going in. So as tabascosauz suggests, size (of either one) may be a problem.

I am not a fan (no pun intended) of water cooling for several reasons. Yes, you typically can get cooler temps but cooler does not automatically mean better. As long as your processor's temps stay comfortably within its normal operating range, cooler temps get you nothing but bragging rights. There is nothing to suggest a CPU running at 25°C will perform better, be more stable, or have a longer lifespan than a CPU running at 50°C.

Plus, leaks happens. There may be a factory defect or leaks can occur through accidents or abuse. And for sure, hoses can become brittle and crack over time.

Last, radiators use fans. Fans create fan noise and I really hate fan noise.

Worth noting that OP is talking about the cheaper Dark Rock 4, not the Dark Rock Pro 4. It's $75 vs the $90 of the DRP4. The Artic Freezer Esports 34 Duo is $50. OP, it might be worth checking out the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev B. Same price as the Arctic and have heard great things about its bang for the buck.

Just saw OP's comment about being located in Sweden, guess that invalidates any price comparisons in USD I can offer

 

[Space Lynx]

I understand your reasoning for the noctua. However, I firstly consider it to be hideous and secondly it costs closer to $90 here in sweden.

depends on your budget then, lot of great coolers out there for 60-70 bucks. if you are on a tight budget then arctic for sure.

 

[dirtyferret]

I understand your reasoning for the noctua. However, I firstly consider it to be hideous and secondly it costs closer to $90 here in sweden.

unless you must buy one now why not wait until reviews come out for the 5800x and see how hot it gets?

 

[ligedal]

Links would have been nice.

Arctic Freezer 34

Dark Rock Pro 4

IMO, this is not a fair comparison when twice, you put "price" ahead of all other criteria and with the Dark Rock costing 50% more than the Arctic, based on your top criteria, the Arctic is a shoe-in.

Fan noise is a major factor for me. I hate fan noise. So for me, the answer is obvious, the Dark Rock is much quieter. I note you mentioned acoustics too.

Plus, you didn't tell what case this will be going in. So as tabascosauz suggests, size (of either one) may be a problem.

I am not a fan (no pun intended) of water cooling for several reasons. Yes, you typically can get cooler temps but cooler does not automatically mean better. As long as your processor's temps stay comfortably within its normal operating range, cooler temps get you nothing but bragging rights. There is nothing to suggest a CPU running at 25°C will perform better, be more stable, or have a longer lifespan than a CPU running at 50°C.

Plus, leaks happens. There may be a factory defect or leaks can occur through accidents or abuse. And for sure, hoses can become brittle and crack over time.

Last, radiators use fans. Fans create fan noise and I really hate fan noise.

Noted. Links would have helped.

Also, it is not the dark rock pro 4, which is a lot more expensive and too large for my case (p400a).

I might have phrased my intentions wrong, since I am completely fine with spending more money for adequate more overall performance. However I am unsure if the dark rock 4 provides $20 (meaning equal value) or greater worth of features.

 

[milewski1015]

Noted. Links would have helped.

Also, it is not the dark rock pro 4, which is a lot more expensive and too large for my case (p400a).

I might have phrased my intentions wrong, since I am completely fine with spending more money for adequate more overall performance. However I am unsure if the dark rock 4 provides $20 (meaning equal value) or greater worth of features.

I have the Dark Rock 4 and am quite happy with it. You definitely pay extra for the bequiet brand name, but in my opinion that's not a bad thing. Installation is a breeze, it looks very clean, and it's essentially silent.

Edit: While performance isn't exactly the same, I viewed it as a way to get a premium air cooler without having to pay Noctua's color tax for the chromax edition. Also, the long-ass screwdriver bequiet includes for the installation is awesome, I get a lot of use out of it.

 

[ligedal]

unless you must buy one now why not wait until reviews come out for the 5800x and see how hot it gets?

Fair point. Black Friday might also be something to wait for.

 

[dirtyferret]

Noted. Links would have helped.

Also, it is not the dark rock pro 4, which is a lot more expensive and too large for my case (p400a).

I might have phrased my intentions wrong, since I am completely fine with spending more money for adequate more overall performance. However I am unsure if the dark rock 4 provides $20 (meaning equal value) or greater worth of features.

I have the same case, the dark rock will be right up against your glass. That said the dark rock is the better cooler and in my opinion worth the $20 for the better fan (less noise) and two extra heat pipes if you plan to do any OC. If not the artic is fine and a good cooler in its own category.

 

[ligedal]

depends on your budget then, lot of great coolers out there for 60-70 bucks. if you are on a tight budget then arctic for sure.

Well, I disagree. Because of weird prices in sweden due to mostly tax, and uneven shipping costs, I haven't found a lot of coolers that noticably out performs the Arctic 34 duo, within that price range. Except possibly the one i mentioned.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Sorry about the Pro vs regular Dark Rock.

Noted. Links would have helped.

Also, it is not the dark rock pro 4, which is a lot more expensive and too large for my case (p400a).

Again, this is why links would have helped.

 

[Colddecked]

Links would have been nice.

Arctic Freezer 34

Dark Rock Pro 4

IMO, this is not a fair comparison when twice, you put "price" ahead of all other criteria and with the Dark Rock costing 50% more than the Arctic, based on your top criteria, the Arctic is a shoe-in.

Fan noise is a major factor for me. I hate fan noise. So for me, the answer is obvious, the Dark Rock is much quieter. I note you mentioned acoustics too.

Plus, you didn't tell what case this will be going in. So as tabascosauz suggests, size (of either one) may be a problem.

I am not a fan (no pun intended) of water cooling for several reasons. Yes, you typically can get cooler temps but cooler does not automatically mean better. As long as your processor's temps stay comfortably within its normal operating range, cooler temps get you nothing but bragging rights. There is nothing to suggest a CPU running at 25°C will perform better, be more stable, or have a longer lifespan than a CPU running at 50°C.

Plus, leaks happens. There may be a factory defect or leaks can occur through accidents or abuse. And for sure, hoses can become brittle and crack over time.

Last, radiators use fans. Fans create fan noise and I really hate fan noise.

There is a Dark Rock non pro that is more in line.

For 60 there's alot of options. Alot of people swear by thermalright in that range. I think for 60, Fuma 2 (https://www.amazon.com/Original-Design-Towers-Cooler-SCFM-2000/dp/B07QMK5R45) is the best. I have Fuma Rev B which is pretty much the same and it cools alittle better than my noctua d14 (at a tiny bit higher noise).

 

[milewski1015]

There is a Dark Rock non pro that is more in line.

For 60 there's alot of options. Alot of people swear by thermalright in that range. I think for 60, Fuma 2 (https://www.amazon.com/Original-Design-Towers-Cooler-SCFM-2000/dp/B07QMK5R45) is the best. I have Fuma Rev B which is pretty much the same and it cools alittle better than my noctua d14 (at a tiny bit higher noise).

Issue is the FUMA is priced at the swedish krona equivalent of $110, according to PCPP anyway. The Mugen 5 Rev B is priced at $75 equivalent. OP, do chime in here if my google currency conversions are horribly off

 

[bug]

Issue is the FUMA is priced at the swedish krona equivalent of $110, according to PCPP anyway. The Mugen 5 Rev B is priced at $75 equivalent. OP, do chime in here if my google currency conversions are horribly off

He says it in the first post that he can't get a Fuma 2 at a decent price over there.

 

[Colddecked]

gosh its buried in a parenthesis, sorry didn't see...

between those two then I go with Arctic as I don't think the dark rock is 20 dollars better.

 

[milewski1015]

@ligedal what about the Shadow Rock 3? If my googling is correct, it comes to about 63 USD vs the 50 USD of the Arctic. Not as expensive as the DR4 but if I had to guess (haven't looked into this cooler that much, so take my speculation with a grain of salt) it'd perform better the the Arctic

be quiet! Shadow Rock 3 CPU Cooler

se.pcpartpicker.com

Although if the DR4 is 60USD equivalent (as mentioned in the OP) and you had to pick between SR3 and DR4 because price is the same, the DR4 should win out

 

[ligedal]

Issue is the FUMA is priced at the swedish krona equivalent of $110, according to PCPP anyway. The Mugen 5 Rev B is priced at $75 equivalent. OP, do chime in here if my google currency conversions are horribly off

You are pretty close. The fuma 2 is around $90 at least where as the Mugen 5 can be found on german amazon for around $50. However I think the Arctic is on par or even out performs mugen 5, but i might be wrong.

 

[milewski1015]

You are pretty close. The fuma 2 is around $90 at least where as the Mugen 5 can be found on german amazon for around $50. However I think the Arctic is on par or even out performs mugen 5, but i might be wrong.

Gotcha. So basically, I shouldn't be using Swedish PCPP as it's not accurate. Haven't looked into the Arctic vs. Mugen 5 so can't say for sure one way or the other which is better

 

[dirtyferret]

You are pretty close. The fuma 2 is around $90 at least where as the Mugen 5 can be found on german amazon for around $50. However I think the Arctic is on par or even out performs mugen 5, but i might be wrong.

Mugen is more on par with the Dark Rock 4 than the Artic freezer 34. From what I can recall it was very CPU dependent as some reviews were great and others said it was average. From my own experience with Scythe fans, they offer very good performance for the money but can whine at max rpm.

 

[jesdals]

http://phanteks.com/Eclipse-P400A.html if this is the same case I would recommend the Arctic AIO in 360 size https://www.arctic.ac/en/Liquid-Freezer-II-360/ACFRE00068A

It would release the true beast of the 5800x and its easy to mount and impressive quality