Compare: Dark Rock Pro 4 vs Phantom Spirit 120 SE

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.

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE looks a lot like the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, with a cool and stylish design. It has a big aluminum heatsink, all-black fans, and a black top radiator. The white Thermalright logo really pops on the black background. The two 120mm fans make sure your computer stays cool and runs smoothly. This sleek look is perfect for many computer builds, and it's a popular choice for people who want a great cooler without spending too much money. Plus, you can get this cooler in different styles.

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.

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

This cooler installation is very similar to Noctua's typical installation, which is one of the easier installation setups. However, it also faces similar issues regarding uninstalling this cooler, where the cooler is unable to slide/twist off the cooler to break the thermal paste seal. This might be necessary if the thermal paste has a strong hold between the cooler and 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.

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE shows off amazing performance, competing with Noctua coolers of the same size. Its seven heat pipes help move heat from the CPU to the large heatsink fins, keeping your computer cool. It works well with many types of processors, even powerful ones with high heat output. This cooler can handle tough tasks and serious overclocking for some CPUs, making it a popular choice for keeping your computer cool and running smoothly.

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.

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is known for being pretty quiet while it keeps your computer cool. It comes with two 120mm TL-C12B PWM fans that are made for great airflow and low noise. Even though it might be a bit louder than some other coolers of the same size, its excellent cooling performance makes it a strong choice for your computer setup.

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.

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is a stylish and high-performing cooler with a sleek design featuring a large aluminum heatsink, all-black fans, and a black top radiator. It has two 120mm fans that ensure your computer stays cool and runs smoothly, and it's compatible with various types of processors. With its seven heat pipes and ability to handle tough tasks and overclocking, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE is an attractive choice for computer enthusiasts of all ages who want a top-notch cooler without spending a fortune. Plus, it's available in different styles to match your preference.