Compare: Dark Rock Pro 4 vs FX360 Pro

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.

FX360 Pro

This cooler features a sleek, understated design, perfect for setups aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic rather than a flashy, Times Square vibe. The AIO pump adds a touch of reflection, drawing attention to the center of your build. This minimalist style aligns well with those who prefer a clean, sophisticated look for their system, like myself.

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.

FX360 Pro

The installation of this cooler follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers. You will need to install the fans, which come with an easy daisy chain setup, making the process relatively simple. After connecting the fans, ensure the AIO pump brackets are set up and secure on the motherboard. Next, attach the radiator to the case, make sure the right mounting bracket is on the AIO pump, place the pump on the motherboard mounting brackets, and secure the AIO pump in place. Finally, connect the AIO pump cable to the motherboard pump input and the fans to the CPU input. Overall, this is what you would expect with most mainstream AIO coolers.

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.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, making it capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Testing at 100% AIO pump speed demonstrates that this cooler has enough headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it extremely competitive option at its price point.

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.

FX360 Pro

The base noise level is higher for this CPU drive due to the increased pump noise. However, since the testing is done at 100% pump speed, this can easily be toned down to quieter levels. With this in mind, the cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and also handle more demanding tasks, albeit with increased audibility.

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.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Installation follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers, with an easy daisy chain setup for the fans and straightforward attachment of the radiator and pump. The cooler features a sleek, understated design, ideal for those aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic. Testing at 100% pump speed shows the cooler's headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it a competitive option at its price point. Although the base noise level is higher due to the increased pump noise at full speed, this can be reduced to achieve quieter operation. The cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and handle more demanding tasks with increased audibility.