be quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 CPU Cooler Review

How Much Does it Cost?

At the time of writing, be quiet! has confirmed that the Shadow Rock Slim 2 should be arriving with retailers imminently with an MSRP of around $45.90/€45.90. – While this price might be a little higher than many of you were hoping and/or anticipating, however, we promise you that this cooler is worth every single penny. The build quality throughout this cooler’s design is unquestionable. And given the performance, it offers for its relatively small stature, and not to mention that 3-year guarantee which, in our opinion, might as well be 20 years, the be quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 definitely represents some excellent value for money!

Overview

In terms of aesthetics and build quality, the be quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 is absolutely faultless. What impresses us the most, however, is that despite its small size, this is a cooler that punches well above its weight in terms of CPU temperature control. The key highlight, however, simply has to go to the acoustic performance which, quite frankly, is barely audible until you start asking your CPU to work really hard.

Speaking of those aesthetics though, although lacking any of the modern trends for ARGB lighting, in our opinion, the be quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 doesn’t need it. It looks absolutely fantastic and doesn’t need any of the perceived crutches that other CPU coolers utilise in RGB lighting to, frankly, put in a pig in makeup. The be quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 would look amazing sat in practically any system design or build you can think of while still being amazingly potent and practical.

Should I Buy One?

The be quiet! Shadow Rock Slim 2 offers consumers a fantastic triple whammy. It looks fantastic, has clearly been built to an exceptionally high standard, and in terms of performance (both in temperature and acoustics) is absolutely phenomenal for what is, relatively speaking, a small air cooler design. For full-sized or compact builds, the Shadow Rock Slim 2 would be an amazing choice and particularly so if you value strong levels of performance from a cooler that barely makes a whisper!

Pros

• Strong levels of temperature control despite its overall small size
• Barely makes a whisper thanks to its silence-optimised fan
• Should be both entirely suitable for either full-sized or compact builds with practically 100% levels of compatibility in every conceivable aspect
• The build quality is beyond reproach
• An good looking cooler clearly proving that not only can air coolers be impressive on the eye, but also that you don’t need RGB lighting to achieve it

Cons

• None

Neutral

• The price is perhaps just slightly too high to tempt the more casual level consumer away from entry-level options.