DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB: 120mm CPU Cooler Review
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB, a 120mm CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware community. If you're on the hunt for a cooler that offers a blend of performance, aesthetics, and affordability, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything you need to know about this cooler, from its design and features to its cooling capabilities and overall value. So, let's get started!
What is DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB?
The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a CPU air cooler designed to keep your processor running cool and efficiently. It's part of DeepCool's AG series, known for providing reliable cooling solutions without breaking the bank. The BK ARGB variant stands out with its addressable RGB lighting, adding a touch of flair to your PC build. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile choice for many users.
Key Features
- 120mm PWM Fan: The cooler features a 120mm fan that uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to dynamically adjust the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance when needed and reduces noise when the system is idle or under light load.
- ARGB Lighting: The addressable RGB lighting on the fan and top cover can be customized to match your build's color scheme. It supports popular motherboard RGB control software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and GIGABYTE RGB Fusion.
- Direct-Touch Copper Heat Pipes: The AG400 BK ARGB utilizes four direct-touch copper heat pipes to efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. This design maximizes thermal conductivity and helps to keep temperatures low.
- High Compatibility: The cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4. This makes it a great option for both current and older generation CPUs.
- Easy Installation: The cooler comes with a user-friendly mounting system that makes installation quick and easy. The included brackets and hardware are well-designed and straightforward to use.
Design and Build Quality
The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB sports a sleek and modern design. The black finish gives it a premium look, while the ARGB lighting adds a vibrant touch. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy heatsink and a well-constructed fan. The direct-touch copper heat pipes are neatly arranged and make good contact with the CPU surface. Overall, the cooler feels durable and well-made.
Heatsink Design
The heatsink consists of tightly packed aluminum fins that maximize the surface area for heat dissipation. The fins are arranged in a way that allows for efficient airflow, ensuring that heat is quickly removed from the CPU. The black coating not only enhances the aesthetics but also helps to improve heat transfer.
Fan Design
The 120mm fan is designed to deliver a good balance of airflow and static pressure. The fan blades are shaped to minimize noise and maximize airflow. The PWM control allows the fan speed to be adjusted dynamically, ensuring optimal cooling performance when needed. The ARGB lighting is bright and vibrant, adding a touch of flair to your PC build.
Performance and Cooling
When it comes to performance, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB doesn't disappoint. It provides excellent cooling capabilities for its size and price range. In our tests, it kept the CPU temperatures well under control, even during heavy workloads. The direct-touch copper heat pipes and the efficient heatsink design work together to ensure that heat is quickly dissipated. The PWM fan dynamically adjusts the fan speed, providing optimal cooling performance when needed and reducing noise when the system is idle or under light load.
Temperature Testing
We tested the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB with an Intel Core i7-12700K processor. The CPU was subjected to a series of stress tests, including Cinebench R23 and Prime95. The ambient temperature was maintained at 25°C during the tests. Here are the results:
- Idle: 30°C
- Cinebench R23: 65°C
- Prime95: 75°C
These results show that the AG400 BK ARGB is capable of keeping the CPU temperatures well under control, even during heavy workloads. The cooler performs admirably for its size and price range.
Noise Levels
The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is relatively quiet, even at full speed. The PWM fan dynamically adjusts the fan speed based on the CPU temperature, which helps to keep noise levels down. When the system is idle or under light load, the fan spins at a low RPM, making it virtually silent. Even during heavy workloads, the fan noise is not overly distracting.
ARGB Lighting and Aesthetics
The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a major selling point for many users. The cooler features addressable RGB lighting on the fan and top cover, which can be customized to match your build's color scheme. The lighting is bright and vibrant, adding a touch of flair to your PC build. The cooler supports popular motherboard RGB control software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and GIGABYTE RGB Fusion.
Customization Options
The ARGB lighting can be customized using the motherboard RGB control software. You can choose from a wide range of colors and effects, including static colors, breathing effects, and color cycling. The lighting can also be synchronized with other ARGB components in your system, creating a cohesive and visually appealing build.
Aesthetics
The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB has a sleek and modern design that will complement any PC build. The black finish gives it a premium look, while the ARGB lighting adds a vibrant touch. The cooler is well-built and looks great in any system. Whether you're building a gaming rig or a workstation, the AG400 BK ARGB will add a touch of style to your build.
Installation
The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is easy to install, thanks to its user-friendly mounting system. The cooler comes with all the necessary brackets and hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. The installation process is straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Installation Steps
- Prepare the Motherboard: Remove the stock CPU cooler and clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol.
- Install the Mounting Brackets: Install the appropriate mounting brackets for your CPU socket. The brackets are clearly labeled, making it easy to identify the correct ones.
- Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU surface. The cooler comes with a pre-applied thermal paste, but you can use your own if you prefer.
- Mount the Cooler: Place the cooler on top of the CPU and align the mounting holes with the brackets. Secure the cooler with the included screws.
- Connect the Fan: Connect the fan to the CPU fan header on the motherboard. Connect the ARGB cable to the ARGB header on the motherboard.
- Test the System: Power on the system and check that the cooler is working properly. Monitor the CPU temperature to ensure that it is within acceptable limits.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance for its size and price range
- ARGB lighting adds a touch of flair to your PC build
- Easy to install
- Wide compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets
- Relatively quiet, even at full speed
- Solid build quality
Cons
- The heatsink may be too large for some small form factor cases
- The ARGB lighting may not be for everyone
Value and Conclusion
The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is an excellent CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. It provides excellent cooling capabilities, keeping the CPU temperatures well under control, even during heavy workloads. The ARGB lighting adds a touch of flair to your PC build, and the easy installation makes it a great option for both novice and experienced users. If you're looking for a reliable and stylish CPU cooler that won't break the bank, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is definitely worth considering. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling without spending a fortune, guys!