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- Best overall: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- Best budget: be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black
- Best premium: be quiet! Dark Rock 5
- Best for liquid-metal applications: Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g
- The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black is a complete air cooler; Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut is liquid-metal thermal compound, so they serve different roles.
- Choose a CPU cooler when you need a heatsink and fan; choose thermal compound when you need to improve the interface between a CPU and cooler.
- Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut is electrically conductive and best reserved for experienced users with compatible hardware.
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE offers a dual-tower, dual-fan design, while Arctic MX-6 is a straightforward non-liquid-metal paste option.
- Check cooler height, socket compatibility and CPU-maker guidance before choosing a Black Friday 2026 upgrade.
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black and Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut solve different CPU-cooling problems: one is a complete air cooler, and the other is liquid-metal thermal compound. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice depends on whether a system needs a cooler or a compound for a cooler already in place. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify practical options across both categories.
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black suits builders who need a tower heatsink and fan, while Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut targets experienced users seeking a liquid-metal interface. Neither product replaces the other. The guide also compares conventional thermal pastes and alternative air coolers, with fit, application risk and component compatibility at the center of each recommendation.
How We Picked
- Compared product purpose first, separating complete CPU air coolers from thermal compounds.
- Reviewed manufacturer specifications, including cooler dimensions, fan configuration, socket support and compound package size.
- Considered owner feedback and practical installation factors such as clearance, application difficulty and maintenance.
- Favored products with a clear use case, from beginner-friendly paste to high-performance air-cooling designs.
- Checked compatibility cautions, especially liquid metal’s electrical conductivity and the need to follow CPU and cooler instructions.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Cooling type | Size or capacity | Key design detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black | Budget-conscious air-cooler upgrades | Single-tower air cooler | 155 mm height | 4 heatpipes; 120 mm fan |
| Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g | Experienced users applying liquid metal | Liquid metal | 1 g | 73 W/mK stated conductivity |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g | Enthusiasts seeking conventional thermal paste | Thermal paste | 1 g | 12.5 W/mK stated conductivity |
| ARCTIC MX-6 4g | Routine CPU and GPU repasting | Thermal paste | 4 g | Non-liquid-metal formula |
| DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler | Single-tower air-cooling builds | Single-tower air cooler | 155 mm height | 4 heatpipes; 120 mm fan |
| Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE | Value-focused dual-tower cooling | Dual-tower air cooler | 155 mm height | 6 heatpipes; 2 x 120 mm fans |
| be quiet! Dark Rock 5 | Premium single-tower air cooling | Single-tower air cooler | 161 mm height | 6 heatpipes; 120 mm fan |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black is the best budget tower cooler for builders seeking a quiet, straightforward replacement for a stock CPU cooler. The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black's 155 mm height and four heatpipes make it a practical fit for many mid-tower builds.
Best for: Budget-conscious air-cooler upgrades
- Cooler type
- Single-tower air cooler
- Height
- 155 mm
- Heatpipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 120 mm
- Includes a complete heatsink and fan
- Four heatpipes spread heat through the tower
- Black finish suits many builds
- A 155 mm cooler needs case-height clearance
Is the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black is worth considering for a budget air-cooling upgrade when the case supports its 155 mm height. The four-heatpipe tower is a complete cooler, unlike thermal compound, so it replaces rather than supplements a heatsink.
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#2
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g
The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g is the best liquid-metal compound for experienced enthusiasts with compatible hardware and careful application skills. The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g's stated thermal conductivity is 73 W/mK, but its electrical conductivity makes installation a higher-risk task.
Best for: Experienced users applying liquid metal
- Compound type
- Liquid metal
- Package size
- 1 g
- Thermal conductivity
- 73 W/mK
- Electrical conductivity
- Conductive
- Very high stated thermal conductivity
- Small package suits focused applications
- Designed for demanding thermal interfaces
- Electrical conductivity raises spill and short-circuit risk
- Not suitable for every cooler surface
Is Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g is worth considering only for experienced users who have verified hardware compatibility and can apply liquid metal precisely. The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g's 73 W/mK stated conductivity is a standout specification, but electrical conductivity calls for careful insulation and handling.
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#3
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g is the best conventional paste for enthusiasts who want a high-performance thermal compound without switching to electrically conductive liquid metal. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g's stated thermal conductivity is 12.5 W/mK.
Best for: Enthusiasts seeking conventional thermal paste
- Compound type
- Thermal paste
- Package size
- 1 g
- Thermal conductivity
- 12.5 W/mK
- Non-liquid-metal alternative to Conductonaut
- Small syringe is suited to a CPU application
- Useful for cooler installation or repasting
- Package size is limited for repeated applications
Is Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g is a sensible pick for an enthusiast who wants conventional thermal paste rather than liquid metal. The 1 g syringe suits a focused application, and its stated 12.5 W/mK conductivity provides a clear point of comparison.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
ARCTIC MX-6 4g
The ARCTIC MX-6 4g is the best everyday thermal paste for PC owners who want a non-liquid-metal compound in a larger syringe. The ARCTIC MX-6 4g's 4 g package supports multiple applications, depending on the amount used each time.
Best for: Routine CPU and GPU repasting
- Compound type
- Thermal paste
- Package size
- 4 g
- Application
- CPU and GPU cooling
- Larger package than 1 g options
- Non-liquid-metal formula
- Useful for more than one application
- Does not include a heatsink or fan
Is ARCTIC MX-6 4g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
ARCTIC MX-6 4g is worth considering for routine repasting when a larger supply of conventional thermal compound is useful. The 4 g syringe is a paste, not a cooler, and suits owners who already have a compatible heatsink or GPU cooling assembly.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler
The DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler is the best compact single-tower alternative for builders who need a complete cooler with a familiar 120 mm fan format. The DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler's 155 mm height makes case clearance an essential check before purchase.
Best for: Single-tower air-cooling builds
- Cooler type
- Single-tower air cooler
- Height
- 155 mm
- Heatpipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 120 mm
- Complete cooler with heatsink and fan
- Four-heatpipe tower design
- Straightforward alternative to stock cooling
- Requires 155 mm of case clearance
Is DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler is worth considering for a build that needs a complete single-tower replacement cooler. The 155 mm height and four heatpipes are useful fit and design details; confirm case clearance and CPU socket compatibility before ordering.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6 · Top pick
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the best value-focused dual-tower cooler for builders who want two heatsink towers and two fans. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE's six heatpipes give the design more heat-transfer paths than the four-heatpipe single-tower options here.
Best for: Value-focused dual-tower cooling
- Cooler type
- Dual-tower air cooler
- Height
- 155 mm
- Heatpipes
- 6
- Fans
- 2 x 120 mm
- Dual-tower design
- Six heatpipes
- Two included 120 mm fans
- Wider design needs memory and case-clearance checks
Is Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is worth considering for builders who want a substantial air cooler with two towers, six heatpipes and two 120 mm fans. Check case height, memory clearance and motherboard fit before choosing this larger design.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
be quiet! Dark Rock 5
The be quiet! Dark Rock 5 is the best premium single-tower cooler for builders who prioritize a refined, complete air-cooling assembly. The be quiet! Dark Rock 5's 161 mm height and six heatpipes make case clearance and socket compatibility important checks.
Best for: Premium single-tower air cooling
- Cooler type
- Single-tower air cooler
- Height
- 161 mm
- Heatpipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120 mm
- Six-heatpipe tower design
- Complete heatsink and fan assembly
- Black finish and premium positioning
- Taller than the 155 mm coolers in this guide
Is be quiet! Dark Rock 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The be quiet! Dark Rock 5 is worth considering for a premium air-cooling build that has room for a 161 mm tower. The be quiet! Dark Rock 5's six heatpipes and 120 mm fan distinguish it from smaller options, while compatibility checks remain essential.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Are the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black and Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g comparable?
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black and Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g are not direct alternatives because one cools with a heatsink and fan while the other is a liquid-metal interface compound. A CPU cooler removes heat from the processor and moves it into the surrounding air. Thermal compound fills microscopic gaps between the processor and cooler base.
Choose the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black when a build needs a complete tower cooler, including its four heatpipes and 120 mm fan. Choose Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g only when the system already has compatible cooling hardware and the user understands liquid-metal application. Conductonaut is electrically conductive, so a spill can damage nearby components. For everyday repasting, conventional options such as ARCTIC MX-6 4g avoid liquid metal’s conductivity risk.
Which Black Friday 2026 pick is best for most PC builders?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the strongest all-round air-cooler pick here for builders seeking a dual-tower design, six heatpipes and two 120 mm fans. The design offers more cooling hardware than a compact single tower, while its 155 mm height remains a clear measurement to compare against the PC case specification.
My pick for most people depends on what the system actually needs: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE for a complete cooler, or ARCTIC MX-6 4g for routine paste replacement. The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black makes sense as a simpler single-tower alternative. Compare socket support, memory clearance and case dimensions before selecting a cooler, since a strong specification does not help if the part does not fit.
Is Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut better than conventional thermal paste?
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g has a higher stated thermal-conductivity figure than Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g, but liquid metal is not automatically the better choice for every PC. The Conductonaut figure is 73 W/mK; Kryonaut’s stated figure is 12.5 W/mK. Those manufacturer figures do not make the products interchangeable or guarantee a particular temperature change in every build.
Conductonaut is electrically conductive and needs careful application on compatible surfaces. Conventional paste such as ARCTIC MX-6 4g or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g is a more practical fit for many routine installations. Follow the CPU and cooler maker’s guidance, clean the contact surfaces properly and apply only the recommended amount. Skip it if liquid-metal handling or compatibility checks are outside your comfort zone.
What should shoppers check before buying a CPU air cooler?
Case height, CPU socket support and surrounding component clearance are the three essential checks before choosing a tower cooler. The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black and DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler are both 155 mm tall, while be quiet! Dark Rock 5 is 161 mm tall. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE also stands 155 mm high but has a broader dual-tower layout.
Check the manufacturer’s current compatibility list for the exact cooler version and processor socket. Confirm that the case supports the cooler’s height and that memory modules do not interfere with the fan or heatsink. A dual-tower model can take more room around the socket than a single-tower option. Confirm fan connections and installation instructions before starting a build.
Which thermal compound is right for a first-time repaste?
ARCTIC MX-6 4g is the most straightforward pick in this guide for a first-time repaste because it is conventional thermal paste rather than electrically conductive liquid metal. The larger syringe also gives owners more compound for future maintenance or additional compatible applications than a 1 g option.
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g is another conventional paste choice for users focused on an enthusiast-oriented compound. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g suits a narrower audience that has confirmed surface compatibility and can apply liquid metal precisely. Compound cannot cool a processor by itself: every option needs a correctly mounted cooler. Follow the product instructions, avoid excess compound and reinstall the heatsink evenly.
Buying Guide
Decide whether you need a cooler or compound
A complete cooler includes a heatsink and fan; a thermal compound does not. Choose the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black, DeepCool AK400 CPU Air Cooler or another tower when replacing cooling hardware. Choose paste only when a compatible cooler is already available.
Measure case and memory clearance
Compare the cooler’s stated height with the case limit before checkout. The 155 mm be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black and 161 mm be quiet! Dark Rock 5 have different height requirements. Also check RAM clearance, especially with a dual-tower cooler.
Match thermal compound to experience
Conventional paste such as ARCTIC MX-6 4g suits routine repasting. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g is liquid metal and electrically conductive, so use it only after checking compatibility and application instructions. A higher conductivity figure alone does not determine the best choice.
Confirm socket and surface compatibility
Check the current cooler or compound documentation for the exact CPU socket and contact-surface guidance. Do not assume every cooler fits every motherboard or that liquid metal suits every cooler base. Confirm included mounting hardware before beginning installation.
Choose the right amount of compound
A 1 g syringe such as Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g suits a focused application. ARCTIC MX-6 4g supplies more compound for repeated maintenance or additional compatible uses. Store any remaining compound according to its product instructions.
FAQ
Can I use Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut with the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black?
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g is not a general-purpose substitute for the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black’s included cooling hardware. Conductonaut is liquid-metal compound, while Pure Rock 2 Black is an air cooler. Check both manufacturers’ surface guidance before considering liquid metal with any cooler.
Is the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black a CPU cooler or thermal paste?
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black is a complete CPU air cooler with a heatsink, four heatpipes and a 120 mm fan. The product is not thermal paste. Builders use compatible thermal compound between the CPU and cooler contact plate during installation.
Is Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut safe for beginners?
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g is not the easiest first thermal compound because liquid metal is electrically conductive and requires precise application. Beginners seeking conventional paste can compare ARCTIC MX-6 4g or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g, while following each product’s installation instructions.
What is the difference between Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut and Kryonaut?
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 1g is liquid metal with a stated 73 W/mK thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g is conventional thermal paste with a stated 12.5 W/mK conductivity. The compounds have different handling needs and are not interchangeable in every setup.
Does the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE fit every PC case?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is 155 mm tall, but that measurement does not confirm fit in every case. Check the case’s cooler-height limit, memory clearance, motherboard layout and processor socket compatibility before buying or installing the dual-tower cooler.
Should I replace the stock cooler with a be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black?
The be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black is worth considering when a compatible PC needs a complete tower-cooler upgrade. Its 155 mm height and four heatpipes are useful specifications to check against the case and processor requirements. Compare installation needs with other supported cooler options.