Compare: Dark Rock Pro 4 vs AK500

Design and Aesthetics:

Dark Rock Pro 4

The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 cooler has a cool and sleek design, with a matte black finish that makes it look awesome in any computer. It's built really well, which means it's good at keeping your computer cool and will last a long time. The top plate design may make it hard to see if the middle fan is working properly, but it's not a big issue for most people.

AK500

The AK500 air cooler is like the AK400 but has a bigger radiator for better cooling. It has a smooth black top and comes with a single 120mm black fan, perfect for people who like a simple design. The one-tower aluminum radiator is really good at getting rid of heat, which helps keep your CPU cool. This small and low-key cooler works well and fits easily into all kinds of computer setups, making it an awesome choice for anyone who wants something that looks good and works great.

Install Notes:

Dark Rock Pro 4

Putting together the Dark Rock Pro 4 cooler can be tough, especially since it's a premium cooler. There are a few things that make it harder to install. First, it uses a metal bar to attach to the computer's motherboard, and it can be tricky to get it in the right spot. Second, the system for attaching the fan to the cooler isn't very easy to use because it doesn't have a helpful spot to lift the metal. You might need to use your nails or other tools to put the fan on, which makes it more complicated. Lastly, there's a metal plate at the top of the cooler that makes it look nice and helps with noise, but it also blocks your view of the middle fan and makes it harder to attach the cooler to the mount.

Because of its design, the Dark Rock Pro 4 cooler might be a better choice for people who have built computers before. If you're new to building computers, it could be pretty challenging. But there is a good thing about this cooler: it doesn't cause problems with fitting your computer's memory (RAM) in most setups, which is an issue with some other coolers.

AK500

The AK500 has DeepCool's more modern installation designs as of 2023, which has more components than most for an easy install. The backplates are held down by single hand screwed nuts that also serve to hold the mount from the other side. This makes it easy to place the backplate correctly during the installation. The remaining portion of the install is similar to that of Noctua's typical installation, which makes it easy, but also can make the uninstallation challenging if the thermal paste sticks well to the CPU.

Cooling Performance:

Dark Rock Pro 4

When it comes to keeping your computer cool, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is amazing with above average cooling performance. It's also one of the quietest coolers out there, which is great if you want a peaceful computer. It can handle really powerful CPUs and keeps everything cool, even when you're playing games or doing other hard tasks. It has two towers and two special fans that help get rid of the heat really well.

AK500

The AK500 delivers impressive cooling performance for its size, attributed to its four heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin array on the heatsink. It is well-suited for up to moderate-level processors; however, it might not be the best choice for high TDP CPUs or those looking to overclock their systems.

Noise Performance:

Dark Rock Pro 4

Just like the name says, Be Quiet! makes coolers that are super quiet, and the Dark Rock Pro 4 is no different. It has special fans and ways to stop vibrations, so it keeps your computer cool without making a lot of noise. This is perfect if you want a quiet computer.

AK500

This CPU cooler offers average cooling performance and operates at a moderate noise level. While it may not be the quietest option on the market, it maintains a comfortable balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance. This cooler is suitable for users who are not particularly sensitive to noise and are seeking a cost-effective solution for maintaining stable temperatures in their systems without demanding top-tier cooling or silent operation.

Summary:

Dark Rock Pro 4

The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 cooler is perfect if you want a powerful, good-looking, and really quiet cooler for your computer. It's great at keeping your computer cool and is easy to put in, so it's a top choice for all kinds of people who build computers, whether for work or gaming. Just keep in mind that the installation can be a bit more challenging than other coolers, especially for beginners.

AK500

This cooler has a moderately difficult installation, especially for AMD CPUs, due to its unique mounting setup. The installation process is similar to the AK400. The AK500 has a compact design, moderate cooling performance, and above-average noise levels. With a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the cooler is suitable for various PC builds, offering a balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance for users seeking cost-effective solutions without top-tier cooling or silent operation.