Compare: NH-D12L vs Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

Dark Rock Pro 5 Cooler Manufacture Image

Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

Compare To Another Cooler
Displayed below are comprehensive data and graphs that compare the Noctua NH-D12L to the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance), showcasing critical qualitative and performance metrics. Performance metrics are further segmented into distinct graphs while leveraging the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, illustrating how each cooler performs under various varying CPU power levels. This allows for a clear comparison of their relative performance and sound output when under different heat loads. The comparison is conducted under the following conditions:
  • Case: Praxis Wetbench
  • Ambient Temperatures: 23°C
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (Pick Another CPU)

CPU Cooler Details

Metric Cooler 1: NH-D12L Cooler 2: Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Cooler Name NH-D12L Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Fan 1 Name NF-A12x25r PWM Silent Wings 4-BQ5 Performance
Fan 2 Name Silent Wings-BQ5 Performance
Manufacture Rated dBa 22.6 23.3
Number of Heat Pipes 5 7
Full Size (WxHxD): 125x145x113 mm 136x168x145 mm
Heatsink 1 (WxHxD) 125x95x50 mm
Heatsink 2 (WxHxD) 125x95x32 mm
Air Cooler Rating: Install 8 (Easy) 9 (Easy)
Manufacture's Link NH-D12L Manufacture's Link Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance) Manufacture's Link

Product Links

Link Type Cooler 1: NH-D12L Cooler 2: Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)
Amazon.com

Fan Details for CPU Cooler:


Fan 1

Metric Cooler 1 Cooler 2
Fan Name NF-A12x25r PWM Silent Wings 4-BQ5 Performance
Fan Location Mid Front
Fan Flow Type Mid Push
CPU Only Fan No Yes
Max RPM 2000 2000
Fan Size (mm) 120 120
Fan Width (mm) 25 25
Manufacture Rated dBa 22.6
Manufactured Rated Airflow (cmf) 60.1 68.7
Manufactured Rated Air Pressure (h2o) 2.3 2.5
Number Of Pins 4 4
PWM Fan Yes Yes
Bearing Type SSO2 Fluid Dynamic
Watts (W) 1.68 2.40
Current (A) 0.14 0.20
Max Volts 12.00 12.00

Fan 2

Metric Cooler 1 Cooler 2
Fan Name Silent Wings-BQ5 Performance
Fan Location Mid
Fan Flow Type Mid
CPU Only Fan Yes
Max RPM 1700
Fan Size (mm) 135
Fan Width (mm) 25
Manufacture Rated dBa
Manufactured Rated Airflow (cmf) 116.6
Manufactured Rated Air Pressure (h2o) 1.8
Number Of Pins 5
PWM Fan No
Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic
Watts (W) 0.34
Current (A) 0.28
Max Volts 12.00


Design and Aesthetics:


NH-D12L

The NH-D12L features a dual-tower design with two moderate aluminum heatsinks and a single Noctua 120mm NF-A12x25r PWM fan. The cooler's design allows for superior heat dissipation, making it capable of handling even the most demanding processors. Aesthetically, the NH-D12L maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, reflecting the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

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:


NH-D12L

The NH-C14S features Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets and offering a straightforward installation process, typical of Noctua coolers. Clear instructions, high-quality components, and a tube of their premium NT-H1 thermal compound make it an easy and user-friendly experience, even for beginners. The cooler uses the original AMD backplate for AMD installations. However, one downside is that the cooler may stick to your CPU, and due to the screw setup, you can't slide the cooler off the CPU like with some other brands. Overall, the NH-C14S offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

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:


NH-D12L

The NH-D12L delivers impressive performance, thanks to its five heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin arrays of the heatsinks. However, this cooler primarily emphasizes quiet operation, which may limit its cooling capabilities for high-end models with high TDPs that demand more robust cooling solutions.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

There are two modes to this cooler, the performance mode and the quiet mode. The cooler selected covers the performance 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:


NH-D12L

One of the standout features of the NH-D12L is its quiet operation. The included 120mm NF-A12x25r PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-D12L is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

In regards to sound, this cooler is quieter than the average cooler between 60% fan speed and 90% fan speed. However as the fan approaches 100%, the noise level is more in line with what to expect from an average cooler.


Summary:


NH-D12L

The Noctua NH-D12L is a top-tier air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its dual-tower design and exceptional build quality make it a top choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for moderate-performance systems.

Dark Rock Pro 5 (Performance)

The Dark Rock Pro 5 features an improved mounting system and pre-attached fans for easier setup, with an option to adjust fan speed directly on the device. Its sleek black design and signature quiet fan contribute to both aesthetics and performance, offering enhanced cooling in both performance and quiet modes. Although it outperforms average coolers under moderate loads, it may struggle with high-heat CPUs. Noise levels are lower than average until the fan reaches full speed, where it aligns with typical cooler sounds.


AMD Ryzen 7 7800x3D Manufacturer's image

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Pick Another CPU

CPU Details:

Metric Value
Brand AMD
Cooler Name Ryzen 7 7800X3D
CPU Socket AM5
Cores 8
Thread Count 16
Max Temperature 89°C
Base Clock 4.2GHz
Max Boost Clock 5.0GHz
Cache L1 512KB
Cache L2 8MB
Cache L3 96MB
Processor Power Base 120W
Manufacture's Link Ryzen 7 7800X3D Manufacture's Link

Product Links

Link Type Value
Amazon.com

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