Dark Rock Elite CPU Cooler

Introduction & Warranty

Thank you for choosing a be quiet! product. This guide will walk you through the assembly process. If you encounter any installation issues, please contact our service department via email at: serwis@listan.pl. Please note that be quiet! is not responsible for damage caused by compatibility issues.

Warranty

3-year manufacturer's warranty for the end customer (first purchase from an authorized be quiet! distributor only). Warranty claims are only possible with an enclosed copy of the proof of purchase from an authorized be quiet! distributor. Any tampering or modifications to the construction, as well as damage resulting from external mechanical actions, will lead to a complete loss of warranty. Applicable General Warranty Terms for our products can be found at www.bequiet.com.

LISTAN Poland Sp. z o.o. | Astrum Business Park | Lopuszanska 95 | 02-457 Warsaw | Poland. For broader support in Poland, you can reach us at: serwis@listan.pl.

⚠️ We recommend removing the cooler before transport.

Package Contents

Component Visual Description

The package includes the main CPU cooler heatsink and fan assembly, two 135mm Silent Wings fans (one front, one main), various mounting hardware including backplates, screws, washers, and O-rings for both Intel and AMD platforms, thermal paste, and a Phillips screwdriver.

Intel Installation (LGA 1700/1200/1150/1151/1155)

Required parts: Dark Rock Elite CPU Cooler (1), 1x Silent Wings 135mm Fan (2), 1x Front Silent Wings 135mm Fan (3), Intel Backplate (4), 2x Intel Mounting Brackets (5), 4x Intel A Distance Washers (7), 4x Mounting Bracket Screws (9), 4x Intel Backplate Screws (10), 4x O-rings (12), 1x Thermal Paste (13), 1x Phillips Screwdriver (14).

Step 1: Mount Backplate

Insert Intel backplate screws into the cutouts on the back of the Intel backplate. Ensure they align with the pre-drilled holes for the specific socket. Use the O-rings to secure the backplate screws to the Intel backplate. After assembling the Intel backplate for the appropriate Intel socket, place it behind the motherboard. Ensure the backplate screws are precisely positioned in the motherboard holes.

Step 2: Mount Mounting Brackets

Screw the Intel A distance washers onto the previously placed Intel backplate. Then, place the Intel mounting brackets over the Intel A distance washers and secure them with the mounting bracket screws. You can use any Phillips head screwdriver for this.

Step 3: Mount CPU Cooler

First, remove the protective film from the cooler's base. Apply thermal paste to the CPU surface. The provided amount is sufficient for one or two applications.

⚠️ Note: The provided thermal paste is not edible. If swallowed, drink plenty of water and seek immediate medical advice. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Place the cooler onto the CPU. Then, alternately tighten the mounting bracket screws. You can use any Phillips head screwdriver for this.

Step 4: Mount Fans

Center the Silent Wings 135mm fan on top. Then slide it into the recess between the heatsinks and press firmly. Connect both fans with the Y-cable. You can adjust the height of the front Silent Wings 135mm fan by sliding it up and down.

⚠️ To remove the Silent Wings 135mm fan, remove the top cover. Separate the two fans by unplugging the Y-cable. Push the front Silent Wings 135mm fan from bottom to top out of the rail system to remove it.

AMD Installation (AM5/AM4)

Required parts: 1x Dark Rock Elite CPU Cooler (1), 1x Silent Wings 135mm Fan (2), 1x Front Silent Wings 135mm Fan (3), 2x AMD Short Mounting Brackets (6), 4x AMD Distance Washers (8), 4x AMD Backplate Screws (11), 1x Thermal Paste (13), 1x Phillips Screwdriver (14).

Step 1: Install Mounting Frame

Before mounting the cooler, remove both plastic clips from the AMD retention module. The factory-mounted backplate on the rear of the motherboard is required for further cooler installation.

Step 2: Attach Brackets

Place the four AMD distance washers onto the backplate screws protruding from the front side and attach both AMD short mounting brackets using the AMD backplate screws.

Step 3: Mount CPU Cooler

First, remove the protective film from the cooler's base. Apply thermal paste to the CPU surface. The provided amount is sufficient for one or two applications.

⚠️ Note: The provided thermal paste is not edible. If swallowed, drink plenty of water and seek immediate medical advice. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Place the cooler onto the CPU. Then, alternately tighten the mounting bracket screws. You can use any Phillips head screwdriver for this.

Step 4: Mount Fans

Center the Silent Wings 135mm fan on top. Then slide it into the recess between the heatsinks and press firmly. Connect both fans with the Y-cable. You can adjust the height of the front Silent Wings 135mm fan by sliding it up and down.

⚠️ To remove the Silent Wings 135mm fan, remove the top cover. Separate the two fans by unplugging the Y-cable. Push the front Silent Wings 135mm fan from bottom to top out of the rail system to remove it.

Operational Modes

The Dark Rock Elite features a Silent Mode (Q) and a Performance Mode (P). The mode affects the maximum fan speeds and operating noise. To change modes, first remove the magnetic top cover frame. Slide the switch to toggle between modes.

ARGB Lighting Synchronization

The Dark Rock Elite allows ARGB lighting synchronization directly through the motherboard. To do this, turn off the system before installation. Then, connect the ARGB connector to the motherboard. The ARGB lighting is now controlled by the motherboard's software.

Note: The ARGB connector can only be connected to a 5V ARGB header.