Fact check: Be Quiet!’s Dark Rock Elite is generally louder than Dark Rock Pro 5, even when both are set on Quiet Mode.

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

While the Dark Rock Elite does operate at 38.9 dBA compared to Dark Rock Pro 5's 38.2 dBA in Low Noise Mode, the 0.7 dBA difference is minimal and would not be noticeable to human ears in real-world conditions.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

• The original statement omits crucial performance context: the Dark Rock Elite achieves better thermal performance in exchange for this marginally higher noise level
• Both coolers are considered extremely quiet in their class
• The reviewer specifically recommends the Elite model despite the slight noise increase, suggesting the thermal benefits outweigh the minimal noise difference
• Noise measurements were taken in controlled testing conditions, which may not reflect real-world usage scenarios

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

• The use of "generally louder" is misleading as it implies a significant, noticeable difference when the actual variance is just 0.7 dBA
• The statement ignores the established threshold for human-perceptible sound differences, which is typically around 3 dBA
• The framing appears to present the Elite model in a negative light while ignoring its superior thermal performance, which could benefit companies selling competing products or retailers with excess Pro 5 inventory