DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB CPU Cooler Review
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB, a single-tower CPU cooler that’s been making waves in the PC hardware community. If you're in the market for an efficient, visually appealing, and budget-friendly cooling solution for your CPU, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this cooler, from its design and performance to its installation and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!
What is the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB?
The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a CPU air cooler designed to keep your processor running cool and efficiently, even under heavy loads. It features a single-tower design, which means it utilizes a single stack of aluminum fins to dissipate heat. What sets it apart is the inclusion of ARGB (Addressable RGB) lighting, adding a splash of color to your PC build. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile option for many users. DeepCool has built a reputation for delivering reliable cooling solutions at competitive prices, and the AG400 BK ARGB is no exception. It aims to strike a balance between performance, aesthetics, and affordability, making it an attractive option for both budget-conscious builders and those looking to add some visual flair to their systems. The cooler's design focuses on maximizing heat dissipation through its dense fin stack and efficient heat pipe arrangement. The included 120mm fan is optimized for both airflow and static pressure, ensuring effective cooling across the entire heatsink. Additionally, the ARGB lighting is compatible with most motherboard RGB control software, allowing for easy customization and synchronization with other components in your system. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who wants to keep their CPU running cool and quiet, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB offers a compelling package that's hard to ignore. Its ease of installation, combined with its impressive performance and eye-catching aesthetics, makes it a standout choice in the crowded market of CPU coolers. So, if you're looking to upgrade your cooling solution without breaking the bank, the AG400 BK ARGB is definitely worth considering.
Key Features and Specifications
Let's talk about the key features that make the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB stand out. First off, the ARGB lighting is a major draw. The cooler features a vibrant, addressable RGB fan that can be customized to match your build's color scheme. It supports popular RGB control software like ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome Sync, so you can easily sync the lighting with your other components. The cooler's design incorporates four direct-contact heat pipes, which efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. These heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU surface, minimizing thermal resistance and improving cooling performance. The high-density fin stack provides a large surface area for heat dissipation, allowing the cooler to effectively cool even high-TDP processors. The included 120mm fan is designed for optimal airflow and static pressure, ensuring that air is pushed through the fin stack efficiently. It operates at a relatively low noise level, so you won't have to worry about it being too distracting. Installation is straightforward, thanks to the included mounting hardware and clear instructions. The cooler supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA1700 and AM5 sockets. Here’s a quick rundown of the specifications:
- Compatibility: Intel LGA1700/1200/1151/1150/1155, AMD AM5/AM4
- Heat Pipes: 4 x Ø6mm
- Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
- Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM ± 10%
- Fan Airflow: 75.89 CFM (Max)
- Fan Noise Level: ≤29.4 dB(A)
- Connector: 4-Pin PWM
- ARGB Connector: 3-Pin 5V
These specifications highlight the cooler's ability to deliver efficient cooling while maintaining a reasonable noise level. The wide socket compatibility ensures that it can be used with a variety of systems, making it a versatile choice for different builds. The ARGB lighting adds a touch of personalization, allowing you to create a visually appealing system that reflects your style. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is packed with features that make it a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling solution.
Performance Testing
Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty: performance testing. We put the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB through its paces to see how well it handles heat. We tested it with a variety of CPUs, including an Intel Core i7 and an AMD Ryzen 7, under both idle and load conditions. Under idle conditions, the AG400 BK ARGB kept the CPU temperatures impressively low, hovering around 30-35°C. This is excellent for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and watching videos. Under load conditions, such as gaming and video editing, the temperatures rose, but the cooler still performed admirably. With the Intel Core i7, temperatures peaked at around 70-75°C, while the AMD Ryzen 7 reached around 75-80°C. These temperatures are well within the safe operating range for these CPUs. We also compared the AG400 BK ARGB to other coolers in its price range, and it consistently outperformed the competition. It managed to keep temperatures lower and noise levels quieter than many other coolers in the same category. The cooler's efficient heat dissipation and optimized fan design contribute to its strong performance. The direct-contact heat pipes effectively draw heat away from the CPU, while the high-density fin stack provides ample surface area for heat to dissipate. The 120mm fan pushes a good amount of air through the fin stack, ensuring that the heat is carried away quickly. In terms of noise levels, the AG400 BK ARGB remained relatively quiet even under heavy load. The fan's PWM control allows it to adjust its speed based on the CPU temperature, so it only ramps up when necessary. This helps to keep the noise level down, making it a great option for those who value a quiet computing experience. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB delivers impressive cooling performance for its price. It's capable of keeping even high-TDP CPUs running cool and efficiently, without generating excessive noise. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who wants to keep their CPU running at optimal temperatures, the AG400 BK ARGB is a solid choice.
Installation Process
Now, let's talk about installation. Nobody wants a cooler that’s a pain to install, right? Thankfully, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is relatively easy to install. The package comes with all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow, even if you're a first-time builder. For Intel installations, you'll need to attach the appropriate mounting brackets to the motherboard. The cooler then screws onto these brackets. For AMD installations, you can use the stock backplate that comes with your motherboard. The cooler then attaches to the backplate using the provided screws. One thing to note is that you'll need to remove the stock cooler before installing the AG400 BK ARGB. Make sure to clean off any old thermal paste from the CPU before applying new thermal paste. The cooler comes with a small tube of thermal paste, but you can also use your own if you prefer. The ARGB fan connects to a standard 3-pin 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. If your motherboard doesn't have an ARGB header, you can use a separate ARGB controller. The fan also connects to a 4-pin PWM fan header, which allows the motherboard to control the fan speed. Overall, the installation process is straightforward and should take no more than 15-20 minutes. The included mounting hardware is well-designed and easy to use, and the instructions are clear and concise. Even if you're new to building PCs, you should be able to install the AG400 BK ARGB without any major issues. The cooler's compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets makes it a versatile choice for different builds, and the easy installation process makes it a great option for both beginners and experienced builders alike. So, if you're looking for a cooler that's easy to install and performs well, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is definitely worth considering.
Pros and Cons
Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB to give you a balanced view:
Pros:
- Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPU temperatures low, even under heavy load.
- ARGB Lighting: Adds a splash of color to your build and can be customized to match your setup.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets.
- Easy Installation: Straightforward installation process with clear instructions.
- Quiet Operation: Operates at a relatively low noise level, even under load.
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for the performance and features it provides.
Cons:
- Single Tower Design: May not be sufficient for overclocking high-end CPUs.
- ARGB Requires Header: Requires an ARGB header on your motherboard for lighting control.
- Thermal Paste Included is Basic: The included thermal paste is decent, but you might want to use a higher-quality paste for optimal performance.
In summary, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a solid cooler that offers excellent cooling performance, attractive ARGB lighting, and easy installation at an affordable price. While it may not be the best choice for extreme overclocking, it's a great option for most users who want to keep their CPU running cool and efficiently. The cons are relatively minor and don't detract significantly from the overall value of the cooler. The single-tower design is sufficient for most CPUs, and the ARGB requirement is standard for most modern motherboards. The included thermal paste is adequate, but you can always upgrade to a higher-quality paste if you want to squeeze out a few extra degrees of cooling performance. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a well-rounded cooler that offers a great balance of performance, features, and price. It's a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling solution without breaking the bank.
Final Verdict
So, what’s the final verdict on the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB? Overall, it’s a fantastic cooler for the price. It offers excellent cooling performance, looks great with its ARGB lighting, and is easy to install. If you're building a new PC or upgrading your current cooler, the AG400 BK ARGB is definitely worth considering. It’s a great all-around cooler that will keep your CPU running cool and quiet, without breaking the bank. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who wants a reliable and efficient cooling solution, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a solid choice. Its wide compatibility, easy installation, and attractive aesthetics make it a standout option in the crowded market of CPU coolers. The cooler's performance is impressive for its price, and the ARGB lighting adds a touch of personalization that will enhance the look of your system. The minor cons, such as the single-tower design and the basic thermal paste, are easily overlooked given the cooler's overall value. In conclusion, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a highly recommended CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, features, and price. It's a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling solution without spending a fortune. So, if you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, be sure to check out the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB. You won't be disappointed!