Review

The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 is an impressive addition to the reputable lineup of be quiet! coolers, known for balancing efficiency and noise minimization. Although this model lacks RGB lighting, its sleek, fully black design exudes an understated elegance that many PC enthusiasts appreciate.

Performance and Cooling Efficiency

The performance of the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 is commendable, especially given its compact 120 mm fan design. It delivers a thermal resistance of approximately 0.1436 °C/W when pushed to its limits, which places it on par with some of the best single-array 120 mm fan tower coolers like the Noctua U12A and the Cooler Master EVO 212. This performance is further highlighted under typical load conditions up to its designed thermal power load of 150W, effectively cooling modern CPUs without significant thermals bottleneck (AnandTech).

In quieter modes, where fan speed is reduced, the cooler maintains its efficiency with an average thermal resistance of 0.1812 °C/W. This capability makes the Pure Rock 2 a notable quiet performer as it becomes virtually inaudible in low-load environments (AnandTech).

Build Quality and Design

Constructed with 55 aluminium fins and four direct touch heat pipes, the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 is built to maximize heat dissipation while ensuring broad memory compatibility. Users will find that this cooler's simplistic and robust design can stand the test of time. The lack of bent fins upon unpacking and the elegant heat pipe caps contribute to a product that not only performs well but looks stunning too (TechPowerUp).

Installation

Installing the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 is a straightforward process, rated an impressive 9 out of 10 in terms of ease. The provision of rubber O-rings for securing the backplate bolts simplifies mounting. However, the crossbar's positioning can be somewhat tricky depending on the available workspace within the case. Yet, given its smaller dimensions, it fares better on this front compared to larger models such as the Shadow Rock 3 (TechPowerUp).

Noise Levels

Known for its quiet operations, the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 excels where silence is key. Operating at maximum fan speed, the cooler produces a sound level of merely 37.1 dB(A), rendering it an unobtrusive component in peaceful environments. Reducing the speed to 1000 RPM, the recorded sound level dropped further to 32.3 dB(A), reinforcing its position as a whisper-quiet solution (AnandTech).

Conclusion

For those in quest of a balance between performance and tranquility in their build, the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 CPU cooler delivers an exceptional blend of cooling efficiency and elegant design, making it a formidable choice among air cooling options. It stands out not only for its operations but also for being a component that respects both form and function.