Final Thoughts and Rating

...an array of rival coolers offer similar heat dissipation qualities at more affordable prices, but they typically aren't anywhere near as quiet.

Building on the strengths of the Dark Rock Pro 2, be quiet!'s third-generation cooler is outfitted with a range of upgrades that help strengthen its core functionality. Cooling performance is increased through contoured, dotted fins and rearranged heatpipes, while noise levels are further reduced courtesy of revamped fans outfitted with six-pole motors.

The result is an evolutionary design that's highly efficient, remarkably quiet and ideally suited to enthusiast builders looking to construct a near-silent rig. Granted, an array of rival coolers offer similar heat dissipation qualities at more affordable prices, but they typically aren't anywhere near as quiet.

Factor in the Dark Rock Pro 3's appearance, build quality and three-year warranty, and you have an admirable package whose only real drawback is an awkward mounting kit. Installation can be frustrating, and that's something we hope to see improved on future Dark Rock Pro coolers, but for those who want maximum performance combined with the least amount of noise, the Dark Rock Pro 2 is worth the effort.

The Good

Keeps very quiet at all times
Excellent cooling performance
Looks awesome for a CPU cooler
Two SilentWings fans included as standard
Solid build quality and three-year warranty

The Bad

Still awkward to install
Memory clearance could be an issue

HEXUS.awards

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3

HEXUS.where2buy

The be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 CPU cooler is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

HEXUS.right2reply

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Lovely looking cooler, like the colour scheme, but I'll take Noctua any day of the week.

I have to say I've been extremely impressed with the DRP2 so not a surprise.
I didn't have a huge problem fitting it though by using LP RAM and mounting the mobo to the cooler outside the case upside down. Went on in seconds !

I honestly can't see how anyone is comfortable with these huge heatsinks (predominantly) dangling off the side of the board. I appreciate they come with backplates, but that only goes so far!

I do like the look of it, but looking at performance I am staying with my £28.99 Lucifer.

I think will go with liquid cooling.