Table of Contents
Introduction
The Be Quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 is a compact and affordable CPU cooler designed to provide efficient cooling with minimal noise. It’s an attractive option for budget-minded users seeking a balance between performance and silence. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its features, performance, and whether it’s the right choice for your PC build.
Features
The Shadow Rock Slim 2 boasts a number of features that aim to deliver effective cooling without sacrificing silence:
- 135mm Silence-Optimized Fan: This fan is specifically designed to operate quietly, even under heavy loads.
- 4x High-Performance 6mm Heat Pipes: These heat pipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU to the heatsink fins.
- HDT Technology: This technology enhances the contact between the heat pipes and the CPU, maximizing heat transfer.
- Wide Socket Compatibility: It supports a wide range of Intel and AMD processors, making it compatible with many different system builds.
Performance
During our testing, the Shadow Rock Slim 2 impressed with its ability to keep our CPU cool and quiet, even during demanding tasks and gaming sessions. We were particularly pleased with its noise levels. While the fan was noticeable under high CPU load, it never became overly intrusive or annoying.
We ran a series of benchmarks, including CPU-intensive applications and popular games, to assess its performance. The results were consistent with our expectations, demonstrating its ability to handle the thermal demands of modern processors.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Be Quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2:
Pros
- Quiet Operation: The silence-optimized fan keeps noise levels low even under stress.
- Effective Cooling: It effectively cools even demanding CPUs, preventing overheating.
- Compact Size: Its smaller dimensions make it ideal for cases with limited space.
- Wide Socket Compatibility: Supports a wide range of both Intel and AMD processors.
- Affordable Price: It offers good value for its performance and features.
Cons
- Limited RGB Lighting: The cooler lacks RGB lighting options.
- No PWM Fan: The fan does not have PWM control, which limits the ability to fine-tune fan speed.
Final Verdict
The Be Quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 is a solid choice for budget-minded PC builders who prioritize quiet operation and effective cooling. Its compact size and wide compatibility make it a versatile option. While it lacks some advanced features like RGB lighting and PWM fan control, its performance, quietness, and affordability make it a strong contender in its class. I would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking a silent and efficient CPU cooler without breaking the bank.
| Model | Shadow Rock Slim 2 |
|---|---|
| TDP (W) | 160 |
| Color option | Silver |
| Overall dimensions without mounting material (L x W x H), (mm) | 52 x 130 x 161 |
| Total weight (kg) | 0.69 |
| 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 / 18.7 / 23.7 |
| Number of fans | 1 |
| Lighting connector | – |