Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Got this for a new desktop build. I wanted 2 main things from my CPU cooler, quiet operation and good cooling performance. I have used AIO water cooling for years including the NZXT Kraken x62, Corsair H80i, Swifttech H320 X2, etc. Each time I was generally disappointed by the noise they make. I would not consider them silent, with pump noise being my biggest peeve. Most of these pumps tend to starting making a ticking type noise that can be very annoying. Smaller AIO's need to use higher rpms on the fans for cooling which generally equates to loud fans. So this time around other than the obvious performance of a new gaming rig, keeping the rig silent and still cool was at the top of my priorities. I dont care about RGB, windows, etc. My build is: * i7-9700k with this cooler * MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge mATX motherboard * 32GB (2x 16GB) Corsair LPX DDR4 3200 RAM. CMK32GX4M2B3200C16 * 1TB Samsung 970 Evo m.2 NVMe SSD * MSI RTX 2080 Duke GPU * Seasonic 850watt plat PSU SSR-850PX * Fractal Design Mini C (without side window) * 4x Be Quiet SILENTWINGS 3 PWM 120mm fans model BL066 * 2x Be Quiet SILENTWINGS 3 PWM 140mm fans model BL067 I have the i7-9700k running @ 5.0Ghz with max temps hitting ~80c in prime95 testing over a 4 hour period. Idle temps with ambient room temp at about 72f is ~26-29c. Gaming, it depends on the game and I have not tested many for long enough to be sure yet but I would say ranges from mid 40's to mid 60's. So performance wise, this cooler is amazing. Easily handles keeping the CPU cool. Lets talk sound/noise. At full, 100% rpm I heard a noise, this kind of whistle/whine...I moved in to listen more closely...and realized it was my nose/breathing making the noise. That's how quiet this build is, I heard my breathing/nose whistle over the sound of the cooler! At one point the cooler was so quiet I had to check if the fans where even working...of course they were. As to some concerns people may have: * Yes, this cooler is massive. * No, it wasnt all that hard to install. Easier than dealing with an AIO. Hardest part is getting the middle fan latched on * RAM clearance was fine for me, but I got RAM that didn't have absurdly tall and useless heat spreaders on them. Installation wise, I was able to install it myself with relative ease. The included screw driver is perfect. I used grizzly kryonaut thermal paste and spread it conservatively and thin over the CPU. The hardest part of the install is getting the middle fan latched onto the block. I found a pry tool useful for helping to pull the 2 wirey lathes over the notches of the fins. At the end of the day this cooler provides impressive performance, decent aesthetics, and silent operation. Its big, doesnt have RGB for 14 year olds and could have RAM clearance problems for some. If you can deal with the minor concessions and can make it work in your build you wont regret it. I am overall impressed with the build quality of Be Quiet's products overall and will be considering them more and more going forward especially for cooling products. I would highly recommend this cooler