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Let’s start off with noise performance from each cooler at 100% fan speed.
This is important as it sets the precedence for which coolers we expect to deliver the higher levels of performance based on the faster and louder fans. Assuming that their performance is efficient in comparison to their noise output levels, that is.
The chassis fans are disabled, all case panels are on, and the sound meter is placed 12 inches from the side of the Fractal chassis’ glass side panel – roughly where a desk user will be sat.
As is typical for be quiet!, noise performance is outstanding. At 12 inches away from the chassis side panel, the noise output was a smidgen below 40dBA. Noise levels even with both 135mm fans at full speed were incredibly tolerable and unobtrusive.
The decision by be quiet! to deploy high-quality – Silent Wings and Silent Wings 3 – 135mm fans was an excellent one. Low noise operation is a clear strength for the be quiet! Dark Rock TF 2.
As 100% fan speed tied into a 40dBA noise output, no further tuning was required to reach such a tolerable noise level. Bear this in mind when comparing the Dark Rock TF 2 cooler's data versus other units which typically run louder (with the exception of a couple of other be quiet! coolers and the 135mm-class Zalman model).
