Compare: AK620 vs Dark Rock Pro 5 (Quiet)

Design and Aesthetics:

AK620

The AK620 boasts a dual-tower layout with two reasonably-sized aluminum heatsinks and a couple of FK120 PWM fans. Its design ensures excellent heat removal, allowing it to tackle even the most powerful processors. In terms of appearance, this cooler sports a sleek black top, two black fans, and a silver aluminum radiator, lending a refined look to any computer setup.

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:

AK620

The AK620 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.

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:

AK620

The AK620 delivers remarkable performance due to its six heat pipes that effectively move heat from the CPU to the extensive fin array on the heatsink. It is compatible with a variety of processors, even high-end ones with high TDPs. This cooler can handle challenging workloads and extensive overclocking, making it an appealing cooling option. For those seeking Noctua-like performance without breaking the bank, the AK620 is a strong contender.

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:

AK620

A notable feature of the AK620 is its relatively quiet performance. The two 120mm FK120 PWM fans included are designed to deliver optimal airflow while maintaining low noise levels. Although this cooler might be louder than some alternatives of a similar size, its effective cooling makes it a strong candidate for your system. However, it's worth mentioning that some users may experience increased fan noise at mid RPMs occasionally.

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:

AK620

The AK620 is a high-performance cooler with a dual-tower design, six heat pipes, and two FK120 PWM fans that effectively dissipate heat, making it suitable for powerful processors and demanding workloads. Its sleek appearance features a black top, black fans, and a silver aluminum radiator, adding a refined touch to any computer setup. While the cooler generally operates quietly, it may be louder than some similar-sized alternatives, and occasional increased fan noise at mid RPMs is possible. Nevertheless, the AK620 is an appealing choice for those seeking top-tier performance on a budget.

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.