When it comes to more value-oriented, low noise CPU coolers, be quiet! is one of the go-to manufacturers for many enthusiasts. The Shadow Rock Slim 2 shows why it may not be the best overall value, but its low noise output even with the fan at maximum RPM makes it an attractive offering. In fact, its 46 dBA reading is just 1 dBA above our threshold for noise normalized testing, and anything below 50% PWM results in the fan still being quieter than the noise floor of 35 dBA. Suffice it to say, it stays true to the be quiet! name. But beyond its exceptional noise profile, cooling performance is damn good as well. Sure, it may not be the best in terms of intrinsic value or performance, but managed to hit a sweet spot of performance, noise, price, and features, even giving the old but much beloved NH-U12S a swift kick in the behind.

Speaking of features, while it may seem normal for most single-tower coolers to avoid interfering with memory or graphics cards, that is not always the case. However, be quiet!'s Shadow Rock Slim 2 offers enough clearance for tall memory and the beefiest GPU you can find. Build quality is also very good, and the fact that it has no ARGB lighting will likely make it a perfect option for more than a few of you out there. Playing devil's advocate, those wanting ARGB lighting will probably overlook the Shadow Rock Slim 2, which is a shame.

When it comes to the fit and finish, build quality is damn good. I noticed no bent fins or issues, and the base, while not perfect, passed the razor test in terms of flatness, which is quite the result considering it is an HDT base. My only real gripe is the AM4 mounting hardware. It's the same old issue of trying to hold onto a backplate, mounting arms, spacers, and screws simultaneously being a real pain in the rear. But this issue will eventually disappear, at least in my opinion, once AMD swaps to LGA sockets. That said, it's still an annoyance in the here and now, but at least it is not as bad as it was with the old wrench and nut mounting hardware years ago.

Overall, be quiet! has a solid offering in the Shadow Rock Slim 2 that is very easy to recommend because of its low-noise operation and solid performance, especially for those utilizing mid-range processors.