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be quiet! Pure Rock 2 vs Zalman Reserator5 Z36: Comparison
be quiet! Pure Rock 2 vs Zalman Reserator5 Z36: the height difference
Start with height, because it is the widest measured gap between them: be quiet! Pure Rock 2 155 mm against Zalman Reserator5 Z36 27 mm, 474% in favour of Zalman Reserator5 Z36. Tdp rating runs the same way, 150 W on the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 versus 280 W on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36, another win for Zalman Reserator5 Z36. Fan count runs the same way, 1 on the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 versus 3 on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36, another win for Zalman Reserator5 Z36. Add max speed to that, 1500 RPM on the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 versus 1800 RPM on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36, and the pattern holds. There is a split on lighting as well, None on the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 versus ARGB on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36.
Which should you buy, be quiet! Pure Rock 2 or Zalman Reserator5 Z36?
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 is the one to take for budget locked Ryzen 5 / Core i5 builds and noise-sensitive entry-level PCs, though it is not built for unlocked or high-TDP CPUs and enthusiasts wanting RGB. Buy the Zalman Reserator5 Z36 for budget-conscious RGB showcase builds and 360mm-radiator cases, though it is the wrong buy for buyers wanting an LCD pump display and premium-brand software ecosystem integration. Our rating of the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 (7.4/10): A sensible quiet budget cooler for locked mainstream CPUs, not for chasing overclocks. Our rating of the Zalman Reserator5 Z36 (7.5/10): A visually striking, competitively priced 360mm AIO for RGB-focused budgets.
Frequently asked questions
Do the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 and Zalman Reserator5 Z36 differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 26.8 dBA on the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 versus 28 dBA on the Zalman Reserator5 Z36.
Is the Fan Size the same on the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 and Zalman Reserator5 Z36?
It is. Both are listed at 120 mm, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- be quiet!
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Zalman
Cooler Type
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- Air Tower
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- AIO Liquid
Series
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
Height
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- 155 mm-474%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 27 mmBest
Socket Compatibility
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011-3
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
Fan Count
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- 1-67%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 3Best
TDP Rating
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- 150 W-46%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 280 WBest
Noise Level
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- 26.8 dBABest
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 28 dBA
RGB Lighting
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- No
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- Yes
Fan Size
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- 120 mm
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 120 mm
Max Speed
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- 1500 RPM-17%
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 1800 RPMBest
Lighting
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- None
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- ARGB
Warranty
- be quiet! Pure Rock 2
- 3 years
- Zalman Reserator5 Z36
- 3 years
Which one should you pick?
Choose be quiet! Pure Rock 2 if you want the lower noise level (26.8 dBA vs 28 dBA) and the higher warranty (3 years vs 3 years).
Choose Zalman Reserator5 Z36 if you want the lower height (27 mm vs 155 mm), the higher fan count (3 vs 1) and the higher TDP rating (280 W vs 150 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | be quiet! Pure Rock 2 | Zalman Reserator5 Z36 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
be quiet! Pure Rock 2
7.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A sensible quiet budget cooler for locked mainstream CPUs, not for chasing overclocks.
Zalman Reserator5 Z36
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A visually striking, competitively priced 360mm AIO for RGB-focused budgets.