CPU coolers / Compare

be quiet! Dark Rock Elite vs Noctua NH-U12A

A

Product A: be quiet!

Dark Rock Elite

31 of 54 known

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B

Product B: Noctua

NH-U12A

29 of 54 known

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Only differences

Abe quiet! Dark Rock Elite

BNoctua NH-U12A

General

8 of 12 differ

Series

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.

NH-U121Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026The text calls it the 5th generation of Noctua's NH-U12 series.

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

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.

NH-U12A, NH-U12A chromax.black1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Noctua gives no separate model codes. The model names are NH-U12A and NH-U12A chromax.black.

GTIN / EAN

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.

9010018000160, 90100180002451Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026EAN barcode 9010018000160 for the NH-U12A. The chromax.black EAN is on its own page.2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12a-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026EAN barcode 9010018000245 for the NH-U12A chromax.black.

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

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.

19 March 20193Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Noctua presented the NH-U12A on 2019-03-19.

Status

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.

Available1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 202623 in stock for the NH-U12A and 51 in stock for the chromax.black 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.

$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.

$99.93Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Suggested retail price listed as EUR/USD 99.90. Tax treatment is not stated.4Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-offers-chromax-line-nf-a12x25-fannh-u12a-cooler-and-heatsink-coversRead 15 October 2026Suggested retail price table: NH-U12A chromax.black 119.90, listed as EUR/USD. The chromax.black is stored in its variant row.

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.

€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.

€99.93Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Suggested retail price listed as EUR/USD 99.90, the same number for both currencies. Whether VAT is included is not stated.4Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-offers-chromax-line-nf-a12x25-fannh-u12a-cooler-and-heatsink-coversRead 15 October 2026The same 119.90 EUR/USD for the chromax.black. Whether VAT is included is not stated.

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

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.

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

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.

Brown, Black2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12a-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026The text calls it an all-black version, with a black coated heatsink, black fans, black fan clips and black mounting parts.

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.

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.

Air1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Air cooler: a heatsink with two fans.

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

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.

Single tower1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Single tower with an asymmetric design.

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.

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.

Not available

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.

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.

Nickel-plated copper1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Material: copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints and nickel plating. APH Networks, EnosTech and Tech4Gamers state that the base itself is nickel plated.7Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/2Read 15 October 2026The base is electroplated with nickel over copper for a silver finish. The heatpipes are soldered to the fins and the joints at the base are soldered.8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 2026The complete assembly is nickel plated. The base is a mirror-finish nickel-plated copper plate of 43.5 x 43.5 mm.9Reviewtech4gamers.com/noctua-nh-u12a-reviewRead 15 October 2026The nickel-coated copper cold plate has a glossy mirror finish and measures about 43.5 x 43.5 mm.

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

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.

Included1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery: NT-H1 thermal compound, a tube in the box.

Compatibility

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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, 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.

AM5, AM4, LGA1954, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156 and AMD AM5, AM4. LGA2011 and LGA2066 appear in older copies of the table (APH Networks) and in the RAM text, but not in this table, so they are not stored. LGA1954 comes from the Club386 source.10Press articleclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Article of 2025-11-27 quoting Noctua's FAQ: all Noctua CPU coolers compatible with LGA1700 and LGA1851 also support Intel's LGA1954, and no additional mounting parts are needed. The NH-U12A is listed for LGA1851 and LGA1700, so LGA1954 is stored.

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.

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.

Not available

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.

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.

Not available

Heatsink

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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.

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.

71Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026The text says seven heatpipes.3Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026Seven heatpipes in a redesigned layout.8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 20267 copper heat pipes and 50 aluminium fins.

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

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

6mm8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 20267x 6 mm copper heat pipes.9Reviewtech4gamers.com/noctua-nh-u12a-reviewRead 15 October 2026Seven 6 mm nickel-plated heat pipes, black coated on the chromax.black.

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

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.

No7Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/2Read 15 October 2026The base is a separate plated copper plate with soldered joints. No direct-touch pipes are described.9Reviewtech4gamers.com/noctua-nh-u12a-reviewRead 15 October 2026The copper cold plate is in indirect contact with the heat pipes. No thermal paste is pre-applied.

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

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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.

Abe 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.

BNoctua NH-U12A

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
NF-A12x25 PWM	120	2	450	2,000	60.1	2.34	22.6	SSO or SSO2	4-pin PWM

Source1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 20262x Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM, SSO2 bearing, 2000 RPM max (+/-10%), 1700 RPM with the L.N.A., 450 RPM min (PWM, +/-20%), 22.6 dB(A) max, 18.8 dB(A) with the L.N.A. This page prints 60.0 CFM, but Noctua's own table gives 102.1 m3/h (APH Networks copy), which converts to 60.1 CFM with 0.5886, so 60.1 is stored. Static pressure is not on this page, see EnosTech. The max values are for one fan without the L.N.A.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026Fan list: NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black, SSO2, 2000 RPM, 450 RPM min, 102.1 m3/h, 22.6 dB(A), 12 V.8Reviewenostech.com/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black-and-chromax-covers-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review of 2021-11-01: NF-A12x25 PWM fans with 2000 +/-10% RPM, 1700 RPM with the L.N.A., 450 RPM minimum, maximum static pressure 2.34 mmH2O (1.65 with the L.N.A.), 102.1 m3/h, 22.6 dBA, SSO2 bearing, 4-pin PWM connector.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

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

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.

No1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Spec table: RGB No.

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.

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.

Not available

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.

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.

None1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists no screen or lighting.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

Not available

Not available

Screen resolution

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

No6Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/3Read 15 October 2026The fans were connected to the motherboard 4-pin CPU fan header. No USB cable or software is mentioned for the cooler.

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

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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.

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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.

Abe 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.

BNoctua NH-U12A

Test CPU	Load	Fan setting	CPU temperature (°C)
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X	Prime95 in-place large FFTs, maximum worker threads, at least 10 minutes, stock settings, two fans	2 fans on the CPU fan header	61
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X	Prime95 in-place large FFTs, maximum worker threads, at least 10 minutes, stock settings, one fan	1 fan on the CPU fan header	64

Source6Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-black/3Read 15 October 2026APH Networks review of the chromax.black. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X on an ASUS Prime X470-Pro in a Thermaltake Core P6 TG Snow, room temperature about 22 C, the stock thermal paste of each cooler, fans on the motherboard's 4-pin CPU fan header. Prime95 in-place large FFTs with the maximum number of worker threads for at least ten minutes or until stable. Temperatures are the maximum core value in HWiNFO. With both fans the maximum was 61 C and with one fan 64 C. CPU power and noise are not published (noise is a 0 to 10 rating). The reviewer says the chromax.black and the NH-U12A idle at nearly the same temperature.

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.

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).

Width125Height158Depth112mm(4.9 × 6.2 × 4.4 in)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026With fans: height 158 mm, width 125 mm, depth 112 mm.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026158 x 125 x 112 mm with fans, 125 x 158 x 58 mm without.

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.

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.

Width125Height158Depth58mm(4.9 × 6.2 × 2.3 in)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Without fan: height 158 mm, width 125 mm, depth 58 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.

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.

1,220g(2.7 lb)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 20261220 g with fans.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 20261220 g with fans, 760 g without.

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

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760g(1.7 lb)1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026760 g without fans.

In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

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.

2x NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fan, 2x Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A), 4-pin PWM y-cable, SecuFirm2 mounting system for Intel and AMD, NT-H1 thermal compound, Noctua Metal Case-Badge1Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery of the NH-U12A. The page also says the mounting kit is SecuFirm2. The page text says a 100% RAM fit on LGA115x and AM4, and that on LGA2066 the rear fan overhangs the RAM slots, with modules up to 42 mm fitting. No RAM height is given for AM5, LGA1700 or LGA1851, so ram_clearance_mm is left out.2Retailer pagequietpc.com/nh-u12a-ch-bkRead 15 October 2026The page's scope of delivery is the same as for the brown model. The black items are named in the APH Networks list.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026Scope of delivery of the chromax.black: black NH-U12A heatsink, 2x NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black premium fan, 2x NA-RC14 Low-Noise Adaptor, NA-YC1 4-pin PWM y-cable, NT-H1 high-grade thermal compound, black SecuFirm2 mounting kit and Noctua Metal Case-Badge. Used for the chromax.black row.

Links

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Product page

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noctua.at/en/nh-u12a11Maker product pagenoctua.at/en/nh-u12aRead 15 October 2026Noctua's product page. The page was not opened. It is stored as the product link only. No value comes from it. Spec values come from retailer copies of the Noctua spec table, press coverage of the launch and reviews.

Spec sheet

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Manual

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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.

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.

6years3Press articleguru3d.com/story/noctua-launches-nh-u12a-premium-class-120mm-cpu-coolerRead 15 October 2026The story names a 6-year manufacturer's warranty. The page names no market. A retailer table prints 60 months, but the maker's text and the other sources say six years.5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/noctua-nh-u12a-chromax-blackRead 15 October 2026Spec list copied from the maker's website: Warranty 6 Years.

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