Compare: Hyper 212 EVO V2 vs Dark Rock Pro 5 (Quiet)

Design and Aesthetics:

Hyper 212 EVO V2

The Hyper 212 EVO V2 has a unique design with its fan bracket, which sets it apart from most other coolers. While this gives it a different look, it also pushes the fan out far enough that it might interfere with the first RAM slot. This shouldn't be an issue if you're only using two RAM slots, but something to keep in mind.

As for the overall feel of the cooler, it seems a bit lighter and cheaper than other coolers of a similar size. This might not be a deal-breaker, but it's worth mentioning.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Quiet)

This cooler features a sleek black design that stands out. The signature Be-Quiet fan adds a unique touch, breaking away from the cooler's boxy appearance. Additionally, the top of the cooler boasts a clean design, contributing to a polished and refined look for your setup.

Install Notes:

Hyper 212 EVO V2

It's more difficult than most to install, especially for AMD coolers. The cooler doesn't use the AMD backplate, and its own backplate isn't labeled, making it hard to figure out how to orient it based on the pictures provided. The backplate might feel loose on the motherboard at first, but it should become secure once the cooler is screwed into the mounting system. While the installation is an improvement from the EVO V1, it's still more complicated than most coolers, which can be a turn-off for beginners.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Quiet)

The Dark Rock Pro 5 marks a notable advancement over its predecessors, featuring a mounting system that aligns with those of most mainstream coolers. This iteration enhances the design by securing the mounting bracket directly to the cooler, a change from the prior generation. Fan installation sees improvements too; the front fan comes pre-attached, ensuring perfect alignment, while the middle fan is designed to slide in from the top, secured by the top mount instead of side brackets. These enhancements significantly improve the cooler's setup and performance compared to the previous generation. Additionally, given the option to change the power speed on the top of the cooler, the middle fan has a 5 pin connector to facilitate this functionality, which forces you to use their connection rather than direct control through the motherboard.

Cooling Performance:

Hyper 212 EVO V2

This cooler has below-average cooling performance compared to other coolers on the market. That means it might not be the best choice if you need top-of-the-line cooling for your PC, especially if you're into gaming or heavy processing tasks.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Quiet)

There are two modes to this cooler, the performance mode and the quiet mode. The cooler selected covers the quiet mode of the cooler. Overall, this cooler provides better cooling than the average cooler tested. However, this cooler get's puts to its limits when placed under high loads. With that in mind, if you're looking to place this cooler on a CPU that produces a lot of heat, you may want to consider other options. Check out our temperature graphs to see how the cooler performance on your respective CPU.

Noise Performance:

Hyper 212 EVO V2

Unfortunately, the Hyper 212 EVO V2 is louder than most other coolers on the market. This means that you might experience more noise while your PC is running, which could be a drawback if you're sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet workspace. If having a quiet PC setup is important to you, it's worth considering other coolers with better noise profiles.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Quiet)

This cooler maintains a quiet profile relative to the average coolers tested and won't start to make noticeable noise until around 70% fan speed. This offers a significant benefit compared to most coolers if you're looking for a quiet setup.

Summary:

Hyper 212 EVO V2

The Hyper 212 EVO V2 has its pros and cons. It's got a unique design, a decent noise profile, but its performance is below average, and the installation process can be challenging. It's better suited for people who feel more comfortable putting together a computer, and not the best choice for beginners. If you're looking for a cooler that's easy to install with better performance, you might want to consider other options.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Quiet)

The Dark Rock Pro 5 represents a significant upgrade with its user-friendly mounting system and improved fan installation, ensuring better alignment and performance. It features a sleek design, enhanced by a signature quiet fan, and offers the ability to adjust power speed directly on the unit. This cooler excels in quiet mode, providing superior cooling under average loads but may reach its limits with high-heat CPUs. Its noise levels remain low up to 70% fan speed, making it ideal for those prioritizing a quiet setup.