CPU coolers / Compare

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6 vs Noctua NH-U12A

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Product A: be quiet!

Dark Rock Pro 6

35 of 54 known

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B

Product B: Noctua

NH-U12A

29 of 54 known

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Abe quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6

BNoctua NH-U12A

General

7 of 12 differ

Series

Dark Rock7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review text calls it the new high-end air cooler in the Dark Rock family.

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.

BK0487Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: article number BK048.11Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00741928.htmlRead 14 October 2026Model BK048.

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

42600521939387Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: EAN code 4260052193938.

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.

5 May 202612Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2026/05/05/noticias/be-quiet-presenta-las-refrigeraciones-dark-rock-6-y-dark-rock-pro-6.htmlRead 14 October 2026Launch news of 5 May 2026, 18:25. PCGH reports it on 6 May 2026. The CES 2026 showing was a preview.

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

Available7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Published 22 May 2026 as a review of the product on sale.11Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00741928.htmlRead 14 October 2026On sale at LDLC at EUR 109.95, listed since 20 May 2026.

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.

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 513Press articleclubic.com/actualite-616492-dark-rock-pro-6-be-quiet-pousse-le-refroidissement-et-le-silence-dans-ses-retranchements.htmlRead 23 October 2026Clubic calls the Dark Rock Pro 6 the direct successor to the Dark Rock Pro 5.

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.

$129.93Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026Press release: recommended retail prices of EUR 109.90 / $129.90 / GBP 79.99 for the Dark Rock Pro 6. US recommended prices exclude tax.7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: US MSRP $129.90, launch pricing.9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 2026MSRP US $129.90.

$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.

€109.92Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 2026Recommended price 109.90 euro for the Dark Rock Pro 6 (German article, VAT included).3Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026Press release: EUR 109.90.7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: EU MSRP EUR 109.90, launch pricing.9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 2026MSRP EUR 109.90.

€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.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black3Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026Spec table: colour option Black.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026

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.

Air7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Air cooler with two Silent Wings PWM 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 tower7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review text: a large dual-tower heatsink with a 120 mm front fan and a 135 mm fan between the towers.

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.

300W2Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 20263Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20264Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026

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 articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 2026Text: nickel-plated base (vernickelte Basis).3Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20264Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20265Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6/2Read 14 October 2026Copper base with electroplated nickel.

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.

Included2Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 2026Accessories row: thermal paste (Waermeleitpaste), screwdriver, mounting set for Intel and AMD and a manual.3Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20264Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20267Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026

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, LGA11502Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 20263Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20264Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026

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.

48mm5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6/2Read 14 October 2026APH Networks measured about 4.2 cm between the lowest fin and the base plate level and about 4.8 cm with the front fan in its default position on the rails. The maker publishes no figure. EnosTech fitted a 44 mm kit with room to spare in the default position. Root-Nation gives 40 mm, but its text sits under a Dark Rock 6 heading, so it is not used. Raising the front fan adds clearance and height.9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 2026The reviewer fitted a 44 mm tall G.Skill kit with space left under the front fan in the default position. This supports the 48 mm figure from APH Networks.

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.

Yes6Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6/3Read 14 October 2026Mounting bars have two positions marked 0 and 8. The user manual calls 0 the standard position and the offset 8 position the one for maximum cooling on AMD Ryzen 3000, 5000, 7000 and 9000. The reviewer found his Ryzen 7 9700X ran cooler in the standard position.9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 2026AM5 mounting brackets give an offset of 8 mm: each bracket has holes marked 0 and 8, and 8 covers the CPU hotspot best.

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.

72Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 20263Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20264Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20265Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6/2Read 14 October 2026Seven U-shaped heat pipes, counted as seven. The reviewer notes this makes fourteen pipe ends.7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026

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.

6mm2Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 20263Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20264Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20267Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026

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.

No5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6/2Read 14 October 2026Seven continuous U-shaped heat pipes lead away from the contact plate, and all heat pipes are soldered to the base. So the pipes do not touch the CPU directly.

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

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.

Abe quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Bearing	Connector
Silent Wings PWM 120 mm	120	1	2,000	52.94	2.5	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM
Silent Wings PWM 135 mm	135	1	1,900	76.59	2.25	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source2Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 2026Spec table with one value per fan in the order 120 mm / 135 mm: 2,000 / 1,900 rpm, airflow 52.94 / 89.95 and 76.59 / 130.13 (CFM / m3/h), 2.5 / 2.25 mmH2O, 4-pin PWM. The same table gives 79.48 / 135.04 CFM / m3/h and 2.48 mmH2O for the single 135 mm fan of the Dark Rock 6. Fluid dynamic bearing is from the other sources. be quiet! gives no per-fan noise, only 32.4 dB(A) for the whole cooler.3Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026Copy of the maker's spec table. Its airflow row shows only 79.48 / 135.04 (CFM / m3/h), which is the Dark Rock 6 value in PCGH's table of the maker's data. It is not used. Speeds 2000 / 1900 rpm, pressure 2.5 / 2.25 mmH2O, fluid dynamic bearing, 6-pole motor and 4-pin PWM match the other sources.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026Copy of the maker's table: Silent Wings PWM, 120 x 120 x 25 and 135 x 135 x 25 mm, 2000 / 1900 rpm, 52.94 CFM and 2.5 mmH2O for the 120 mm fan, fluid dynamic bearing, 4-pin PWM. The 79.48 CFM for the 135 mm fan is not used, see the PCGH note.7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 2000 / 1900 rpm, airflow 52.94 / 89.95 CFM, 76.59 / 130.13 m3/h, 2.5 / 2.25 mmH2O (its table mixes the unit labels, the numbers match PCGH's maker table). 120 mm front fan and 135 mm centre fan.8Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386's fan notes: 52.94 CFM for the 120 mm fan and 76.59 CFM for the 135 mm fan. Its speed and pressure labels are swapped between the two fans and are not used.9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 2026The 135 mm fan is rated 1900 rpm, 76.59 CFM and 2.25 mmH2O. The 120 mm fan is rated 2000 rpm and 2.5 mmH2O. The text gives 89.95 for the 120 mm fan with the unit CFM, which is the m3/h figure in the maker's table, and is not used.

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.

No7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review text: no RGB lighting.

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.

Not available

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.

None7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026The spec table and the review describe no screen. The review calls the look free of RGB or visual excess.

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

4 of 6 differ

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.

Silver10Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/123Read 14 October 2026Report of the Dark Rock Pro 6 (Lab ID BQCLR00123, tested 10 to 30 June 2026). THETA Silver, air class, rated at 30 dB(A), Ryzen 9 7900X, Default mount. Evaluated under protocol revision 1.8, before revision 2.0. The Intel LGA1851 side shows no THETA level and no test results, so it is not stored.

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.

9,75610Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/123Read 14 October 2026Overall Performance 9,756 at 30 dB(A) on the Ryzen 9 7900X.

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

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.

36.5dB(A)10Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/123Read 14 October 202636.5 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (fan speed 1916 rpm), in a hemi-anechoic chamber with a 6 dB(A) noise floor, Bruel & Kjaer 2270 G4 analyser. The report page does not repeat the 1 m microphone distance.

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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 Pro 6

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)	Above ambient (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	179.4	20 dB(A)	20	95	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	180.8	25 dB(A)	25	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	180.7	30 dB(A)	30	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	182.5	35 dB(A)	35	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	183.6	100%	36.5	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 170 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	170	600 rpm	Not available	Not available	64.1
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 170 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	170	1,200 rpm	30.6	Not available	51.4
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 170 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	170	100% (1,900 / 2,000 rpm)	44.5	Not available	51.2
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 105 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	105	600 rpm	Not available	Not available	46
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 105 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	105	1,200 rpm	30.6	Not available	39.3
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 105 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	105	100% (1,900 / 2,000 rpm)	44.5	Not available	37.3
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 65 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	65	600 rpm	Not available	Not available	29.2
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 65 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	65	1,200 rpm	30.6	Not available	23.6
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D	Cinebench 26 multi-thread, CPU set to 65 W TDP, average core temperature over ambient	65	100% (1,900 / 2,000 rpm)	44.5	Not available	23

Source8Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 with a Ryzen 9 9950X3D on an MSI MEG X870E Ace Max in a closed be quiet! Light Base 900 FX case with the case fans at 30%, Cinebench 26 multi-thread. The CPU ran at 170, 105 and 65 W TDP settings. The power is the setting, not a measured value. Temperatures are the average core temperature minus the room temperature, which the review does not state. The peak-core delta T values are 74.5, 60.5 and 60.0 C at 170 W, 53.0, 44.5 and 42.5 C at 105 W and 38.0, 32.5 and 30.5 C at 65 W for 600, 1,200 and 2,000 rpm. The reviewer says the real peak core temperature was 93 C at 170 W and 600 rpm. At 600 rpm the 135 mm fan ran 600 rpm and the 120 mm fan 570 rpm. Noise is a meter 10 in (25 cm) in front of the closed case, so it does not compare with Cybenetics' 1 m figures. 600 rpm was undetected and is not stored. The paste is not named.10Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/123Read 14 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol, revision 1.8. Ryzen 9 7900X on an Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus, open Cooler Master Test Bench, ambient held in a climate chamber, PBO enabled. CPU power is measured at the EPS connectors and the temperature is the average CPU temperature. The CPU sits at its 95 C limit in all rows. The report does not name the paste or give a temperature above ambient.

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.

Width140Height169Depth147mm(5.5 × 6.7 × 5.8 in)2Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 2026Spec table row 'Abmessungen, inkl. Luefter (L x B x H)': 147 x 140 x 169 mm. Stored as depth 147, width 140, height 169.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20267Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 147 x 140 x 169 mm including fans.9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 2026147 x 140 x 169 mm (L x W x H).11Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00741928.htmlRead 14 October 2026Retailer lists 169 mm height and swaps width and depth, so the maker's table is used.

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.

Width140Height169Depth122mm(5.5 × 6.7 × 4.8 in)3Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026Heatsink specifications, Dimensions (L x W x H): 122 x 140 x 169 mm. Stored as depth 122, width 140, height 169.4Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 2026Reviewer copy of the maker's table: heatsink 122 x 140 x 169 mm (L x W x H).

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.

1,336g(2.9 lb)2Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 2026Spec table: 1.336 g (the German thousands dot, so 1336 g). APH Networks copies the maker's page as 1.34 kg, which is the same weight rounded.7Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 1336 g including fans.9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 20261336 g.11Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00741928.htmlRead 14 October 20261336 g.

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.

875g(1.9 lb)5Reviewaphnetworks.com/reviews/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6/2Read 14 October 2026APH Networks weighed 875 g for the heatsink alone and about 1344 g with both fans attached. The maker states 1336 g with fans.

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.

2x AMD Mounting Brackets, 4x AMD Spacers, 4x AMD Screws, 1x Intel Backplate, 4x Intel Screws for backplate, 4x Intel Rubber washers for backplate, 2x Intel Mounting Brackets, 4x Standoff Screws, 1x Thermal Paste, 1x Long Neck Screwdriver, 1x User Guide, 1x Warranty Paper9Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 2026Packing and Unboxing list as printed. The Dark Rock 6's AMD offset brackets do not fit the Pro 6.

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

Not compared

Product page

www.bequiet.com/en/cpucooler/73221Maker product pagebequiet.com/en/cpucooler/7322Read 14 October 2026The page is the product page of the BK048 and appeared in search results and the job brief. bequiet.com blocks agents, so it was not opened. The maker's spec table was read in copies at PCGH, APH Networks and cdrinfo.

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

Not available

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Manual

Not available

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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.

Not available

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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.

3years2Press articlepcgameshardware.de/CPU-Kuehler-Hardware-255512/News/Dark-Rock-Pro-6-Be-Quiet-Release-Preis-kaufen-1530283Read 14 October 2026Text: three-year manufacturer warranty.3Press articlecdrinfo.com/d7/content/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6Read 14 October 20267Reviewguru3d.com/review/bequiet-dark-rock-pro-6-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 20269Reviewenostech.com/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-6-review-flagship-cooling-solutionRead 14 October 20263-year warranty.

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.