be quiet Dark Rock 2 Heatsink Review

In the package you will find everything you need to install the Dark Rock 2 including mounting rails for all of the major processor platforms, a universal back plate and thermal paste. 

We will be testing on the LGA 1155 Sandy Bridge platform and will need to install the rails with the single center mounting holes and use the backplate assembly to secure everything in place.  The backpate can only be installed in two positions such that the screws pass thru the provided cut-outs.

Unlike other heatsinks we have used the backplate is held in place using a combination of the mounting screws and plastic clips.

Next, select the proper set of mounting rails and screw them into the heatsink base.  

The final step is to apply some thermal paste the processor and attach the heatsink.  Due to the mounting hardware securing the heatsink is done from the backside of the motherboard while the heatsink is carefully placed over the processor and mounting screws.

Mounting rails, like this, have become a popular option for installing heatsinks and despite their popularity we have found them difficult to use.  During the installation process we found ourselves having to remount the heatsink several times due to clearance issues and occasional miscalculation in alignment.  Keep in mind we test on an open bench so the motherboard is often bare and easy to move around.  Had our system been installed in a chassis we may have needed a second person to hold the heatsink in place while the four mounting screws were tightened.