CPU coolers / Compare

ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs be quiet! Dark Rock Elite

A

Product A: ARCTIC

Freezer 36

33 of 54 known

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B

Product B: be quiet!

Dark Rock Elite

31 of 54 known

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All 54 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AARCTIC Freezer 36

Bbe quiet! Dark Rock Elite

General

9 of 12 differ

Series

Not available

Dark Rock1Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026Two new Dark Rock CPU tower coolers, the Dark Rock Elite and the Dark Rock Pro 5, successors to the 2018 Dark Rock Pro 4.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

ACFRE00121A, ACFRE00123A1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 2026ACFRE00123A is the Freezer 36 (Black).3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

BK0373Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026MPN BK037. The listing is used only for its copy of the be quiet! spec table.9Retailer pagearvutitark.ee/en/pc-components/coolers/protsessori-jahutid/cooler-be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-amd-am4-1320166Read 16 October 2026SKU BK037.10Retailer pagegigante.co.uk/products/be-quiet-bk037-dark-rock-elite-heatsink-fan-intel-amd-2-silent-wings-fans-speed-switch-argb-top-cover-280w-tdpRead 16 October 2026BK037 in the product title.

GTIN / EAN

4895213704120, 840033401937, 4895213704144, 8400334019511Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 2026EAN 4895213704144 and UPC 840033401951 for ACFRE00123A.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Shipping information: ACFRE00121A EAN 4895213704120, UPC 840033401937. ACFRE00123A EAN 4895213704144, UPC 840033401951.

42600521907539Retailer pagearvutitark.ee/en/pc-components/coolers/protsessori-jahutid/cooler-be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-amd-am4-1320166Read 16 October 2026The page data lists GTIN 4260052190753 for SKU BK037.10Retailer pagegigante.co.uk/products/be-quiet-bk037-dark-rock-elite-heatsink-fan-intel-amd-2-silent-wings-fans-speed-switch-argb-top-cover-280w-tdpRead 16 October 2026Barcode 4260052190753, the same as Arvutitark.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

5 March 20249Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 2026Press release of 5 March 2024, quoted from ARCTIC.10Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Press release of 5 March 2024.

11 October 20231Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026News of 11 October 2023: be quiet! unveiled the Dark Rock Elite and Dark Rock Pro 5.2Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/the-be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-returns-alongside-new-dark-rock-elite-coolerRead 16 October 2026KitGuru, 11 October 2023.

Status

Available1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026The arctic.de store lists the standard model with its MSRP and an add-to-cart button on the access date.

Available9Retailer pagearvutitark.ee/en/pc-components/coolers/protsessori-jahutid/cooler-be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-amd-am4-1320166Read 16 October 2026Listed at EUR 104.90 with pickup dates in mid-October 2026.10Retailer pagegigante.co.uk/products/be-quiet-bk037-dark-rock-elite-heatsink-fan-intel-amd-2-silent-wings-fans-speed-switch-argb-top-cover-280w-tdpRead 16 October 2026Shown with stock on hand on the access date.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

From $45.991Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 20269Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 202610Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026

$114.91Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026Available at $114.90 / EUR 114.90 / GBP 109.99. The article does not say if tax is included. Tom's Hardware prints a US price near $99 for the Elite, which conflicts. KitGuru gives the same $114.90 as Club386.2Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/the-be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-returns-alongside-new-dark-rock-elite-coolerRead 16 October 2026The Dark Rock Elite goes for $114.90/EUR 114.90/GBP 109.99.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

From €32.991Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 20269Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 202610Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026

€114.91Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026EUR 114.90 for the Elite, with no country named and no statement on VAT. KitGuru gives the same figure.2Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/the-be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-returns-alongside-new-dark-rock-elite-coolerRead 16 October 2026EUR 114.90, no country named.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, EU10Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026USD prices for the US next to EUR prices in the ARCTIC shop.

US, EU, GB1Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026The launch article lists USD, EUR and GBP prices.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Standard, Black1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026The colour selector offers two options named Standard and Black.2Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 20268Press releasearctic.de/en/blog/the-new-generation-of-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Standard model with a silver heatsink and copper heatpipes, and a black version with a black heatsink.

Black3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Color option Black.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Color option Black.

Cooler typeiAir is a heatsink with fans that sits on the CPU. AIO liquid is a sealed all-in-one liquid cooler with a pump block, tubes and a radiator.

Air1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026

Air5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Air cooler with a heatsink and fans.

Air cooler layoutiAir coolers only. Top-flow covers low-profile coolers whose fan blows down onto the board.

Single tower8Press releasearctic.de/en/blog/the-new-generation-of-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Calls it a single-tower CPU cooler with two fans in push-pull.

Dual tower5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Dual tower heatsink with a small heatsink in the middle and a fan between the towers. Both towers are exactly the same as on the Dark Rock Pro 5.

Rated TDP (claimed)iThe heat load the maker says the cooler handles. Makers do not share one test method, so this is not a measured result. A maker's maximum heat dissipation power counts. Check the maker's CPU compatibility page too.

Not available

280W1Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026280W rating for the Elite and 270W for the Pro 5.3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026TDP (W) 280.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Specification table taken from the maker's website at launch: TDP (W) 280.

Base materialiThe surface that touches the CPU: the heatsink base or the AIO cold plate. Plating counts, so nickel-plated copper is not copper. Direct-touch heat pipes are the contact surface, so they count as copper unless plating is stated. The direct-contact heat pipes field records the design.

Copper12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Technical specifications of the Freezer 36 (Black): base material copper.13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Technical specifications of the report: block material copper. The same table lists 6 heatpipes of 4 mm, which disagrees with the maker's 4 heatpipes of 6 mm. The maker is followed.

Nickel-plated copper2Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/the-be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-returns-alongside-new-dark-rock-elite-coolerRead 16 October 2026A nickel-plated base compatible with liquid metal thermal paste.3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026The table says Base material Copper and CPU contact surface CNC machined. Tom's Hardware and Club386 say nickel-plated copper, which is stored.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Spec table: Base Nickel Plated Copper.7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026Seven 6mm heatpipes feed into a CNC-machined, nickel-plated copper baseplate.

Thermal pasteiPre-applied means paste is already on the base or cold plate. Included means a separate tube or syringe in the box.

Included1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026The page lists TIM MX-6 (0.8 g). The spec sheet and the current manual say MX-7 (0.8 g). Either way a tube is in the box.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026General specifications: TIM MX-7 (0.8 g). The shop page still says MX-6.11Reviewigorslab.de/en/arctic-freezer-36-cpu-air-cooler-in-test-the-underdog-plays-top-dog-performs-well-and-costs-all-the-less-for-it/1Read 14 October 2026The accessories include a tube of MX-6 thermal paste (early sample) and an LGA1700 contact frame.

Included3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Thermal grease (Type) Included.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Accessories: thermal grease included. The text adds a small tube of thermal paste.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Thermal paste is in the box.7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026There is no paste pre-applied, so use the provided tube.8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026The kit has a small tube of thermal paste.

Compatibility

3 of 3 differ

CPU socketsiSockets the maker lists as supported in its spec table, compatibility list or guide, written as cpu_socket writes them, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851. List each socket on its own, so LGA115x becomes LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156. When the maker names the sockets of such a family, list only the ones it names. A socket that needs a separately sold or requested mounting kit is left out. A new socket that the maker lists with no extra kit counts. LGA2011-v3 and 2011(V3) are written LGA2011-3. Threadripper sockets use AMD's names, so TR4 is written sTR4 and TR5 is written sTR5. sTRX4 and sWRX8 are sockets of their own.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA17001Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026Compatibility: Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700, AMD AM5 and AM4. The text says all Freezer 36 coolers work with LGA1851 without limitation.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 20266Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36_r7Read 14 October 2026Select your CPU socket: AMD AM5 and AM4, Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11503Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Socket compatibility Intel 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 and AMD AM5 / AM4. The launch articles list sockets only up to LGA1700, so LGA1851 comes from this table only.

RAM height clearanceiAir coolers only. The tallest memory module that fits under the cooler with all included fans in their standard position. When the maker gives different values per socket, store the lowest and name the others in the source note. A heatsink that does not reach over the memory slots has no height limit, so the field is left out and the maker's statement goes in the source note.

42.9mm4Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.arctic.de/products/freezer-36/techdocs/Freezer%2036%20-%202D%20Drawing.pdfRead 14 October 2026RAM clearance 43.9 mm on AMD and 42.9 mm on Intel (motherboard clearance 46.2 mm and 45.2 mm). The lower Intel figure is stored so it holds on every supported socket. Both fans are in their standard position.

42mm2Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/the-be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-returns-alongside-new-dark-rock-elite-coolerRead 16 October 2026The front fan rail has adjustable height settings, offering up to 69 mm above the second RAM slot. Above the first RAM slot the clearance is 63.3 mm. These are the raised fan figures. The stored 42 mm is Tom's Hardware's out-of-the-box figure with the fan in its lowest position.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Out of the box, these coolers have RAM limitations of 42mm. The fan slides up a few notches for taller RAM. The Elite has a fan brace that slides up and down.7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026A shorter front fin-stack enables 63.3mm clearance for the closest memory slot, while the fan can be raised up to 69mm. Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000 left a tiny gap to the fan at its lowest position.

Offset mountingiThe included mount can shift the base or cold plate off the socket centre, for example toward the AM5 hotspot. An asymmetric heatsink on a centred base does not count.

Not available

No8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026The review says it would be an advantage if be quiet! offered an additional mounting set that shifts the pressure point, as Noctua and Arctic do. The Dark Rock Elite has none.

Heatsink

2 of 3 differ

Heat pipesiAir coolers only. Number of heat pipes. A U-shaped pipe with two ends in the fins counts as one. A T-shaped pipe with three ends, such as Cooler Master's 3DHP, also counts as one. The maker's count wins over a review or Cybenetics count.

41Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026Heatsink: 4x 6 mm Ø, copper. Fin stack 59x 0.4 mm, aluminium.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 202612Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026

73Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Heatpipe number / Diameter (mm) 7 / 6. PCMENA says six, which is treated as an error.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Seven copper heat pipes, the same heatsink as the Dark Rock Pro 5.

Heat pipe diameteriAir coolers only. Outer diameter, such as 6 or 8.

6mm1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20263Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 202612Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026

6mm3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Heatpipe number / Diameter (mm) 7 / 6.

Direct-contact heat pipesiAir coolers only. The heat pipes touch the CPU directly instead of sitting in a solid base plate.

Yes9Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 2026Describes closely staggered direct-touch heatpipes.11Reviewigorslab.de/en/arctic-freezer-36-cpu-air-cooler-in-test-the-underdog-plays-top-dog-performs-well-and-costs-all-the-less-for-it/1Read 14 October 2026Review of the standard Freezer 36 (ACFRE00121A): instead of a cold plate the heatpipes sit in direct contact with the CPU heat spreader. The contact area is about 30.5 x 28.0 mm.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026The heatpipes come in direct contact with the CPU heat spreader.

No7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026The heat pipes feed into a baseplate, so they do not touch the CPU.

Liquid cooling

None of 7 known

Radiator sizeiAIO coolers only. The nominal size class from the fan positions, such as 240, 280, 360 or 420.

Not available

Not available

Radiator dimensionsiRadiator without fans. Length runs along the row of fans. Width runs across it. Thickness is the depth the airflow passes through, such as 27 or 38.

Not available

Not available

Radiator material

Not available

Not available

Tube lengthiLength of each tube between the pump block and the radiator, as published. When the two tubes differ, the shorter is stored and the other goes in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Max pump speediHighest rated pump speed. When the maker gives a range, this is its top.

Not available

Not available

Pump power connectoriHow the pump gets power. A pump wired through a supplied hub or cable uses the plug at the motherboard or PSU end. A pump powered from SATA with a separate 3-pin speed lead is SATA power.

Not available

Not available

VRM faniA small fan on the pump block that blows over the motherboard voltage regulators.

Not available

Not available

Fans

1 of 2 differ

Included fansiFans in the box that cool the heatsink or radiator, one row per fan model. A VRM fan on the pump block is left out. Speed, airflow, pressure and noise are the maker's figures for one fan at full speed, in the fastest mode and without a low-noise adapter. When a range is published, the top of the range is stored. Count is the number of rotors, so a unified frame with three 120 mm rotors counts 3 with size 120. Min speed is the lowest speed while spinning. A zero RPM stop is not stored. FDB and S-FDB are fluid dynamic. HDB is hydrodynamic. Cooler Master's Loop Dynamic Bearing is loop dynamic. If the maker gives airflow only in m³/h, convert with 1 m³/h = 0.5886 CFM, round to one decimal and say so in the source note. Connector is the fan's power lead. A separate lighting lead is not counted, and a maker cable or adapter in the box that ends in a 4-pin PWM plug counts as 4-pin PWM, even when the fan's own lead is proprietary. For an air cooler with one fan, the maker's noise figure for the cooler is the fan noise. A figure the maker does not label per fan or in total counts as per fan. When a maker table prints noise for the whole cooler with no per-fan label and the maker's own data sheet for the same fan gives a figure, the fan data sheet figure is stored.

AARCTIC Freezer 36

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Bearing	Connector
P12 PWM PST	120	2	200	1,800	56.3	2.2	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026Fans: 2x P12 PWM PST, 200 - 1800 rpm PWM controlled (0 rpm below 5 % PWM), fluid dynamic bearing, 4-pin PWM connector plus 4-pin plug. The page gives no airflow, pressure or noise for the fans.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Fan specifications: 2x P12 PWM PST, 200-1800 rpm PWM controlled (0 rpm below 5 % PWM), fluid dynamic bearing, 0.10 A at 12 V DC, cable 200 mm plus 80 mm splitter cable, 4-pin PWM connector plus 4-pin plug.7Maker product pagearctic.de/en/P12-PWM-PST/ACFAN00132ARead 14 October 2026Standalone P12 PWM PST fan, the model named on the Freezer 36 spec sheet: 200-1800 rpm, 56.30 cfm (95.70 m3/h), 2.20 mmH2O, fluid dynamic bearing, 4-pin connector. The maker gives noise only as 0.3 sone, so noise_dba is left out. Retailers print 23.5 dB(A) and Hardware Busters 25 dBA.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Technical specifications: 2x P12 PWM PST, 120x120x25 mm, 200-1800 rpm, 56.3 CFM, 2.2 mmH2O. The review calls the bearing rifle type from ARCTIC's drawing. ARCTIC states fluid dynamic, so the maker is followed.

Bbe quiet! Dark Rock Elite

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Bearing	Connector
Silent Wings 135mm	135	2	2,000	80.2	2.41	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Fan specifications: Silent Wings, 135 x 135 x 25 mm, speed at 100% PWM Q 1500 / P 2000 rpm, airflow at 100% PWM / 12V 80.2 CFM (136.2 m3/h), air pressure 2.41 mm H2O, Fluid Dynamic Bearing, 6-pole motor, 4-pin PWM, Y-cable yes, two fans. Q and P are the quiet and performance modes of the speed switch, so the top speed is 2000 rpm. The airflow and pressure are not in the launch-time copy of the table at APH Networks and Tom's Hardware lists them as unlisted, so they come from this copy only. The overall noise of 11.0 / 19.5 / 25.8 dB(A) at 50 / 75 / 100% is for the whole cooler in quiet mode and is not stored as a fan figure.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Speed at 100% PWM / 12V 1500 / 2000 rpm, fluid dynamic bearing, 6-pole motor, 4-pin PWM, Y-cable. The table has no airflow or pressure row.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Two Silent Wings 135mm fans on the Dark Rock Elite, up to 1500/2000 rpm in the quiet and performance modes, fluid dynamic bearing, no lighting on the fans. Airflow and pressure are unlisted. The top speed is 2000 rpm in the performance mode.8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026The two fans are connected to each other with a proprietary connector. The cooler connects to a regular PWM fan header.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

3 of 7 differ

RGB lightingiLighting on the fans, the heatsink or the pump block.

No8Press releasearctic.de/en/blog/the-new-generation-of-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Five versions: the standard model, a black version, a CO version and two illuminated A-RGB versions in black and white. The standard and black versions are not the illuminated ones.

Yes1Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026Rectangular RGB strip on the heatpipe cover, controlled through the motherboard.2Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/the-be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-returns-alongside-new-dark-rock-elite-coolerRead 16 October 2026Top cover with ARGB lighting.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026The top of the Dark Rock Elite features an ARGB ring that can optionally be connected to a motherboard.

Lighting standardiThe named lighting connection. ARGB lighting alone does not prove a 5 V header. Proprietary means the maker's own hub or cable system.

Not available

ARGB 5 V7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026The central fan assembly provides a connector for the front fan, a four-pin PWM motherboard header and a three-pin ARGB connector.8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026The RGB strip is controlled through a standard ARGB connection. Connect the 5V ARGB connector to the board.

Built-in screeniA screen on the pump block or the heatsink. LCD and OLED screens show images. A segment readout shows digits only, such as the CPU temperature.

None4Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.arctic.de/products/freezer-36/techdocs/Freezer%2036%20-%202D%20Drawing.pdfRead 14 October 2026The 2D drawing shows the top, side and front views of the heatsink and both fans, with no screen.

None5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026The features list a top cover with an ARGB ring and a speed switch under it. It shows no screen or readout.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

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Screen resolution

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SoftwareiThe maker's software for lighting, the screen or the pump. Software that works with the cooler out of the box. Software that needs a separately sold controller is left out.

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Needs a USB headeriThe cooler needs an internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard for software control, sensors or the screen. A wireless receiver that plugs into any USB port does not count.

No6Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36_r7Read 14 October 2026The installation steps connect only fan headers (CPU_FAN, or CPU_FAN plus CPU_OPT). No USB cable is supplied or mentioned.

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Measured

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Cybenetics THETA, AMD AM5iThe THETA level for this cooler's class on the Cybenetics AMD AM5 platform with a Ryzen 9 7900X. It is rated at 30 dB(A) normalized noise, or at 25 dB(A) for a cooler that cannot reach 30 dB(A). No level means tested without a level. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

Silver13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Report ACCLR00089 is for the Freezer 36 Black (ACFRE00123A), tested on 31 March 2025. The maker lists the same heatsink, fans and weight for the standard model. THETA Silver, Air, rated at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X with the Default mount. It was evaluated under protocol revision 1.8, before Revision 2.0. The report shows no THETA level and no results for Intel LGA1851, so no LGA1851 value is stored.

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Cybenetics THETA, Intel LGA1851iThe same rating on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform with a Core Ultra 9 285K. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

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Overall performance at 30 dB(A), AM5 (measured)iThe Cybenetics Overall Performance score at 30 dB(A) normalized noise on the AMD AM5 platform. It is average CPU power times average CPU frequency divided by average CPU temperature. Higher is better. A cooler rated only at 25 dB(A) has no value here.

9,91813Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Overall Performance 9,918 at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X (PBO enabled, per the protocol).

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Overall performance at 30 dB(A), LGA1851 (measured)iThe same score on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform. Scores from the two platforms are not comparable with each other.

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Noise at 100% fan setting (Cybenetics)iThe Cybenetics noise at the 100% fan setting, measured 1 m from the cooler in a hemi-anechoic chamber, with the pump of an AIO at full speed. Other reviewers' noise goes in the thermal test rows.

30.5dB(A)13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 202630.5 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (1874 and 1895 rpm). Hemi-anechoic chamber with a 6 dB(A) noise floor, Bruel & Kjaer 2270 sound analyser, microphone 1 m from the cooler per the protocol.

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Thermal tests (measured)iReviewer results, one row per test condition. Rows compare only when the test CPU, load, power and noise level match. The source note names the reviewer, ambient temperature, case or open bench, and thermal paste. Test CPU is the CPU name only, such as AMD Ryzen 9 7900X. The power limit and mode go in the load. Above ambient is stored only when the reviewer publishes it, never computed from the ambient.

AARCTIC Freezer 36

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	178.2	20 dB(A)	20	95.2
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	182.7	25 dB(A)	25	95.3
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	183.9	30 dB(A)	30	95.2
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	185.3	100%	30.5	95.2

Source13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol (https://cybenetics.com/data/Cybenetics%20Cooling%20Solutions%20Test%20Protocol_en.pdf), revision 1.8 procedure: ambient held at 25 C and 30% humidity in a climate chamber, open Cooler Master Test Bench, Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus, Prime95 Small FFTs for 20 minutes per noise level, at least two sessions averaged. Fans were set to reach each normalized noise level at 1 m, or 100%. CPU power is measured at the EPS connectors. The protocol states Arctic MX-4 paste for all tests. The CPU sits at its 95 C limit in all rows. The report publishes no temperature above ambient.

Bbe quiet! Dark Rock Elite

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)	Above ambient (°C)
Intel Core i7-13700K	No power limits, CPU at TJ Max, maximum package power cooled	231	Low noise mode	38.9	Not available	Not available
Intel Core i7-13700K	No power limits, CPU at TJ Max, maximum package power cooled	235	Full speed	43.4	Not available	Not available
Intel Core i7-13700K	No power limits, CPU at TJ Max, maximum package power cooled at normalized noise	227	38.2 dB(A)	38.2	Not available	Not available
Intel Core i7-13700K	Cinebench multi-core at a 175 W power limit	175	Low noise mode	37.3	Not available	57
Intel Core i7-13700K	Cinebench multi-core at a 175 W power limit	175	Full speed	42.4	Not available	55
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench R23 stress test, CPU held at 253 W in the BIOS, average of the performance core temperatures	253	600 rpm	30.2	94.4	Not available
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench R23 stress test, CPU held at 253 W in the BIOS, average of the performance core temperatures	253	1200 rpm	33.7	93	Not available
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench R23 stress test, CPU held at 253 W in the BIOS, average of the performance core temperatures	253	Maximum rpm	41.8	91.8	Not available
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench R23 stress test, CPU held at 153 W in the BIOS, average of the performance core temperatures	153	600 rpm	30.2	77.6	Not available
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench R23 stress test, CPU held at 153 W in the BIOS, average of the performance core temperatures	153	1200 rpm	33.7	70.8	Not available
Intel Core i9-13900K	Cinebench R23 stress test, CPU held at 153 W in the BIOS, average of the performance core temperatures	153	Maximum rpm	41.8	67.7	Not available

Source6Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-cooling/2Read 16 October 2026Tom's Hardware, Albert Thomas, review of 6 December 2023, which tests the Dark Rock Pro V (Pro 5) and the Dark Rock Elite together. Intel Core i7-13700K on an MSI Z690 A-Pro DDR4 in a be quiet! Silent Base 802 case with the system fans on speed 1, 23 C ambient, Thermalright LGA1700 contact frame. Values come from the bar charts. No power limits: the Elite cooled 231 W in low-noise mode and 235 W at full speed. Noise normalized to 38.2 dBA: 227 W. The 175 W Cinebench rows are the temperature over ambient. Noise is the whole system, and 37.3 dBA is the idle system floor. The 125 W chart has one unlabelled Elite bar and is not stored.7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026Club386, Parm Mann, review of 24 October 2023. Core i9-13900K on an ASRock Z690 Taichi, CPU set to hold 253 W (and 153 W) under the Cinebench R23 stress test. Temperature is the average of the eight performance cores. Fan speeds of 600 rpm, 1,200 rpm and the cooler's maximum. Noise was measured in a built PC with the chassis fans fixed at 600 rpm, so it is whole-system noise. The review says both air coolers had a couple of cores hit 100 C at 253 W. The ambient temperature is not stated.

Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiAir coolers only. The cooler with its included fans in the standard position, without the mounting kit. Height runs from the bottom of the base to the top. Depth runs along the airflow, fans included. Width runs across the fins. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160.

Width126Height159Depth104mm(5 × 6.3 × 4.1 in)1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026General specifications: 104 (L) x 126 (W) x 159 (H) mm. The 2D drawing shows 126 mm across the fan face and 104 mm along the airflow, fans included.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026General specifications: 104 (L) x 126 (W) x 159 (H) mm. The drawing maps width 126 and depth 104.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.arctic.de/products/freezer-36/techdocs/Freezer%2036%20-%202D%20Drawing.pdfRead 14 October 20262D drawing for ACFRE00121A (rev. date 28/12/2023): overall 104 mm side view, 126 mm front view, 159 mm height. The front view is the fan face, so width is 126 mm and depth is 104 mm. The drawing shows both fans.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026126 mm x 104 mm x 159 mm including fans, which matches the maker's drawing.

Width136Height168Depth146mm(5.4 × 6.6 × 5.7 in)4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Overall dimensions without mounting material (L x W x H) 146 x 136 x 168 mm, read as depth 146, width 136, height 168. Club386, Tom's Hardware and Basic Tutorials print 145 for the depth. The maker's drawing V1/23 shows 146.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Installed size with fans 145 (L) x 136 (W) x 168 (D) mm. The depth axis is the length along the airflow.7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026Measures 145mm (L) x 136mm (W) x 168mm (H).

Heatsink dimensionsiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans, as the maker lists it. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160. A heatsink depth that equals the depth with fans includes the fan, so that axis is not stored.

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Width136Height168Depth120mm(5.4 × 6.6 × 4.7 in)3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Heatsink specifications, Dimensions (L x W x H) 120 x 136 x 168 mm, read as depth 120, width 136, height 168. The depth is below the 146 mm with fans, so it is stored. The maker's drawing V1/23 shows 124 for the same depth.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Heatsink specifications, Dimensions (L x W x H) 120 x 136 x 168 mm.

WeightiAn air cooler with its included fans. An AIO cooler as one unit with pump block, tubes, radiator and fans. Mounting hardware is left out when the maker states it separately. When one maker figure may include the mounting kit, such as a press release net weight above the product page figure, the product page figure is stored. An RGB edition can weigh a little more or less, so it is per variant.

890g(2 lb)1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026General specifications: weight 890 g. Packaging weight is 1.23 kg.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026General specifications: weight 890 g. Gross weight 1230 g.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Weight 890 g.

1,340g(3 lb)4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Total weight 1.34 kg, the same as Club386 and Basic Tutorials. The table says the size is without mounting material.7Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-elite-review-german-rival-to-austrias-nh-d15Read 16 October 2026Tips the scales at 1.34kg.8Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Weight 1.34 kg.

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

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In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

Freezer 36 Heatsink x1, P12 PWM PST Set x1, MX-7 (0.8 g) x1, CPU Contact Frame x1 (Intel), T20 Driver x1 (Intel), Shoulder Screws x4 (Intel), Mounting Module x2 (AMD), Screws x4 (AMD)6Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36_r7Read 14 October 2026Packaging Content image of the Rev 7 manual: heatsink, P12 PWM PST fan set, MX-7 (0.8 g). Intel: CPU contact frame, T20 driver, 4 shoulder screws. AMD: 2 mounting modules and 4 screws. The manual hub at support.arctic.de/freezer-36-series lists Rev 1 to Rev 7.

Mounting set for Intel and AMD, Screwdriver, Thermal grease, Y-cable, User manual4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-eliteRead 16 October 2026Accessories: thermal grease, mounting set for Intel and AMD. The text adds a magnetic screwdriver, mounting documentation and warranty information. The Y-cable comes from the fan table.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 2026Included: two Silent Wings 135mm fans, heatsink with seven copper heat pipes, mounting for AMD and Intel, thermal paste, user manual.

Links

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Product page

www.arctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121A1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026

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Spec sheet

www.arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdf3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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Manual

support.arctic.de/freezer-36-series5Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36-seriesRead 14 October 2026ARCTIC support hub for the Freezer 36 user manual. It lists one manual per product revision, Rev 1 to Rev 7, and the revision number is printed on the bottom of the box.

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EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

6years1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20263Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

3years1Press articleclub386.com/be-quiet-releases-two-new-dark-rock-cpu-tower-coolersRead 16 October 2026Backed by a three-year warranty.2Press articlekitguru.net/components/cooling/joao-silva/the-be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-returns-alongside-new-dark-rock-elite-coolerRead 16 October 20263-year warranty.3Retailer pagestore.arsenalpc.com/be-quiet-BK037/Product/3257328Read 16 October 2026Warranty Information 3 year.5Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-v-and-dark-rock-elite-review-kings-of-quiet-coolingRead 16 October 20263 years.

Both are also in the API. Back to all CPU coolers.