CPU cooler be quiet! Dark Rock Elite CPU Cooler - BK037

be quiet! Dark Rock Elite (BK037) is a high-end air cooler for processors, aimed at powerful gaming and workstation configurations. It relies on two 135 mm fans and a massive heatsink to keep even hotter CPUs under control. With a cooling capacity of up to 280 W, it easily handles serious overclocking or long loads during rendering, streaming, and heavy gaming. The added Addressable RGB lighting allows you to adjust the look according to the rest of your build.

What you get

This is an air cooler with two 135 x 135 x 25 mm fans that operate in the range of 300–2000 RPM, allowing you to seek a balance between low noise and more aggressive cooling depending on the BIOS or software profile. With a maximum noise level of 25.8 dBA, it remains relatively quiet for a cooler of such capacity. Support for a wide range of sockets – from AM4/AM5 to LGA 1200, LGA 1700, and LGA 1851 – gives you the freedom to use it when upgrading your platform without changing the cooling. The 4-pin connector allows for PWM control of the speeds, while the separate 5V ARGB connector gives you full control over the lighting from the motherboard or a compatible controller.

• Air cooling with a capacity of up to 280 W, making it suitable for high-end CPUs and even overclocking.
• Two fans with a size of 135 x 135 x 25 mm for greater airflow and better heat dissipation from the heatsink.
• Operating range of 300–2000 RPM, allowing for both quiet idle profiles and aggressive cooling under load.
• Low noise level of up to 25.8 dBA, which is a significant plus if you are aiming for a quiet build without annoying whirring.
• Wide compatibility with CPU sockets: AM4, AM5, LGA 115x, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, so you are not locked to one platform.
• 4-pin fan connector for precise PWM control of the speeds based on the CPU temperature.
• 5V Addressable RGB lighting for synchronization with the motherboard and a visually complete gaming build.

Who it is suitable for

This cooler is a logical choice if you are building a powerful gaming or creative build with a top CPU and want an air solution rather than a water one. It is also suitable if you plan upgrades between AM4/AM5 and current Intel generations thanks to the wide socket support. It is not the most logical choice for a completely budget or compact build, where price or minimal size is a priority.

The combination of up to 280 W cooling capacity, two 135 mm fans, and a quiet profile under 25.8 dBA, plus ARGB, makes Dark Rock Elite a very sensible choice for serious configurations where you seek both performance and an accurate appearance.