Table of Contents
Introduction
The Be Quiet! Shadow Rock 3 CPU Cooler is a popular choice for PC builders looking for effective cooling without sacrificing silence. With its robust design, Shadow Wings 2 fan, and compatibility with a wide range of sockets, the Shadow Rock 3 promises to keep your CPU cool and stable. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the features, performance, and overall value of this cooler to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your system.
Features
The Shadow Rock 3 boasts a number of features designed to provide optimal cooling and a quiet operation:
- Shadow Wings 2 120mm PWM Fan: The included fan uses fluid dynamic bearings for smooth, quiet operation and delivers a maximum airflow of 65 CFM. Its PWM control ensures optimal fan speed based on CPU temperature.
- 5x 6mm Nickel-Plated Copper Heat Pipes: These heat pipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU core to the cooling fins for effective dissipation.
- HDT Technology: This technology enhances the contact between the heat pipes and the CPU for improved thermal transfer.
- Wide Socket Compatibility: The Shadow Rock 3 supports a range of Intel and AMD sockets, ensuring compatibility with most modern CPUs.
- Low-Noise Design: The cooler is designed to minimize noise levels, even at high fan speeds.
Performance
We tested the Shadow Rock 3 on a system with an Intel Core i7-12700K processor. During our benchmarks, the cooler consistently kept the CPU temperatures under control, even under heavy workloads. The Shadow Wings 2 fan proved effective at managing noise levels, remaining relatively quiet even at higher speeds. We found the cooler to be particularly impressive at maintaining lower temperatures during long gaming sessions, ensuring stable performance without any thermal throttling issues.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Be Quiet! Shadow Rock 3 CPU Cooler:
Pros:
- Excellent cooling performance for a tower cooler.
- Quiet operation thanks to the Shadow Wings 2 fan.
- Wide socket compatibility for both Intel and AMD CPUs.
- Easy installation process.
Cons:
- Slightly larger size than some other tower coolers, which might be a concern for smaller cases.
- No RGB lighting, which might be a drawback for some users.
Final Verdict
The Be Quiet! Shadow Rock 3 CPU Cooler is a strong contender in the tower cooler category. It delivers impressive cooling performance, maintains a low noise level, and offers excellent compatibility. While its size might be a slight concern for some cases, its overall performance and quiet operation make it a worthwhile investment for gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking for a reliable and effective cooler that won’t break the bank, the Shadow Rock 3 comes highly recommended.
| Model | Shadow Rock 3 |
|---|---|
| TDP (W) | 190 |
| Color option | Silver |
| Overall dimensions without mounting material (L x W x H), (mm) | 96 x 130 x 163 |
| Total weight (kg) | 0.71 |
| Socket compatibility Intel | 1700 / 1200 / 2066 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 2011(-3) Square ILM |
| Socket compatibility AMD | AM5 / AM4 |
| Overall noise level (dB(A)) @ 50/75/100% (rpm) | 11.5 / 17.5 / 24.4 |
| Number of fans | 1 |
| Lighting connector | – |