Installation

As previously established, we will be following LGA1155 installation instructions when working with our test bench but the Shadow Rock TopFlow comes with support for an array of both Intel and AMD sockets. We will first start out by attaching our mounting clamps to the cooling unit. Tightening the four small screws into the base is all that is needed and it’s done.

ShadowRock 21

ShadowRock 20

Next we move on to securing the backplate support to the motherboard. This is a thirteen piece process this time around and consists of plastic spacers, screws and rubber o-rings for each individual hole. The entire setup is quite painless and when all is said and done the whole job takes about 10 minutes. The o-ring serve to keep you from tightening the cooler down too much as well as hold the screws steady where most coolers choose to make the job require two hands. Be Quiet earns more stellar marks in this category.

ShadowRock 7

ShadowRock 8

ShadowRock 9

Backplate secured and held in place, it’s a simple matter of screwing on the cooler unit and fastening it in place. With the cooler installed we can check on some of the clearances and we find that there is ample space above the RAM DIMMs. There is enough room on the underside of the cooler to install a second 120 or 140mm fan, however in testing this was not done so I cannot directly attest to its potential performance gain or loss.

ShadowRock 12

ShadowRock 11

You will also notice that the Shadow Rock is so wide it does in fact cover up the 12-pin power plug on a standard ATX motherboard. While this does make real estate appear a bit crowded after installation the clearance underneath the cooler is such that plugging in this connector is not an ordeal.

ShadowRock 15

While the unit is wide it is important to note the Dark Rock also does have a rise a shade over 5 inches (12.7cm) off the motherboard so plan your builds accordingly. Also be aware you may have to adjust the original fan orientation to have the power connector reach the 4-pin CPU fan slot on your motherboard. I was able to thread mine through but it was a less than perfect arrangement.

ShadowRock 16

ShadowRock 17

Log in to comment

Deb0's Avatar
Deb0 replied the topic: #33211 30 Oct 2013 23:58
Big block coolers not your thing? Check out our review of the top flow design from Be Quiet!

We have 1885 guests and no members online

supportus