Compare: Dark Rock Pro 4 vs NH-D15S

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.

NH-D15S

The NH-D15S features a dual-tower design with a large aluminum heatsink and one 140mm NF-A15 PWM fan. The asymmetrical layout of the cooler allows for improved clearance for RAM and PCIe slots, making it more versatile for different motherboard layouts. Aesthetically, the NH-D15S maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, reflecting the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

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.

NH-D15S

The NH-D15S comes with Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, which provides compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The installation process is straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and high-quality components provided. Noctua also includes a tube of their premium NT-H1 thermal compound to ensure optimal thermal transfer between the CPU and heatsink.

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.

NH-D15S

The performance of the NH-D15S is exceptional due to its six heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. It is suitable for a wide range of processors, from mainstream CPUs to high-end models with high TDPs. The cooler can handle high levels of overclocking and provides reliable cooling under demanding situations, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. However, given this cooler only uses a single fan, this version of the NH-D15 doesn't perform as well as the NH-D15.

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.

NH-D15S

One of the standout features of the NH-D15S is its quiet operation. The included 140mm NF-A15 PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-D15S is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

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.

NH-D15S

The Noctua NH-D15S is a versatile, high-performance air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its asymmetrical, dual-tower design makes it suitable for various system configurations, and its exceptional build quality ensures long-lasting performance. For users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution, the NH-D15S is a top choice.