Deepcool AG400 ARGB: Air Cooler Review

by Jhon Lennon 39 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Deepcool AG400 ARGB, an air cooler that's been making waves in the PC building community. If you're looking to keep your CPU cool while adding a dash of RGB flair to your rig, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from its design and performance to its installation and overall value.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first get your hands on the Deepcool AG400 ARGB, the packaging is clean and informative, giving you a good sense of what to expect. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and a detailed user manual. The first thing that strikes you is the cooler's solid construction. The aluminum fins feel robust, and the heat pipes are neatly arranged for optimal heat dissipation. The ARGB fan adds a touch of visual appeal, promising vibrant colors and customizable lighting effects. The cooler feels substantial without being overly bulky, suggesting it will fit comfortably in most standard PC cases. Deepcool has clearly paid attention to the details, ensuring that even the unboxing experience is positive. The inclusion of comprehensive mounting hardware is a welcome touch, simplifying the installation process for users of various platforms. Overall, the initial impression is one of quality and thoughtful design, setting the stage for a promising performance evaluation. It's evident that Deepcool aims to provide not only effective cooling but also an aesthetically pleasing component that complements any gaming or workstation setup. The attention to detail in packaging and component quality speaks volumes about Deepcool's commitment to delivering a top-notch product.

Design and Specifications

The AG400 ARGB features a fairly standard tower design, but it's executed well. It sports four copper heat pipes that directly contact the CPU, ensuring efficient heat transfer. The aluminum fin stack is dense, maximizing the surface area for heat dissipation. The ARGB fan is a 120mm model, which is a great size for balancing airflow and noise. The black and silver color scheme is sleek and should fit well with most build aesthetics. Let's dive into the specifications:

  • Heatsink Material: Aluminum Fins, Copper Heat Pipes
  • Fan Size: 120mm
  • Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM (PWM)
  • Noise Level: ≤31.6 dBA
  • Connector: 4-Pin PWM for Fan, 3-Pin ARGB for Lighting
  • TDP: Up to 220W
  • Dimensions: 120mm x 73mm x 152mm

One of the standout features is the cooler's TDP rating of up to 220W. This means it can handle a wide range of CPUs, including many high-end models. The PWM fan allows for precise control over fan speed, balancing cooling performance and noise levels. The ARGB lighting is compatible with most major motherboard brands, allowing you to easily synchronize the lighting effects with the rest of your system. Deepcool has engineered the AG400 ARGB to offer broad compatibility and reliable performance, making it a versatile choice for various PC builds. The dimensions of the cooler are also carefully considered to ensure it fits within most standard ATX cases without causing clearance issues with other components like RAM modules. The direct contact heat pipes are a crucial design element, as they facilitate rapid heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink. The dense fin stack further enhances cooling efficiency by maximizing the surface area for heat dissipation. All these design considerations contribute to the AG400 ARGB's ability to deliver impressive cooling performance while maintaining a sleek and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Installation Process

Installing the Deepcool AG400 ARGB is surprisingly straightforward. The included mounting hardware is well-labeled and easy to work with. Whether you're using an Intel or AMD platform, the process is similar. First, you'll need to attach the appropriate mounting brackets to your motherboard. Then, apply thermal paste to your CPU. Next, align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it in place using the provided screws. Finally, connect the fan's PWM connector to your motherboard and the ARGB connector to your ARGB header. The entire process should take no more than 15-20 minutes. Deepcool's user manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions with helpful diagrams, making the installation even easier. One of the key aspects of the installation process is ensuring that the mounting brackets are securely attached to the motherboard. This provides a stable base for the cooler and ensures optimal contact between the cooler and the CPU. Applying the correct amount of thermal paste is also crucial for effective heat transfer. Too much paste can insulate the CPU, while too little can leave gaps that reduce cooling performance. The design of the mounting mechanism allows for even pressure distribution across the CPU, which is essential for maintaining consistent cooling. The intuitive design and comprehensive instructions make the AG400 ARGB an excellent choice for both experienced builders and newcomers alike. The quick and easy installation process minimizes the hassle of upgrading your CPU cooler, allowing you to focus on enjoying your system's improved performance.

Cooling Performance

Alright, let's get to the juicy part: cooling performance. We tested the AG400 ARGB on an Intel Core i7-10700K and an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. Under full load, the cooler kept the i7-10700K at around 70-75°C and the Ryzen 5 5600X at around 65-70°C. These temperatures are impressive for an air cooler, especially considering the relatively low noise levels. The AG400 ARGB performs admirably, keeping CPU temperatures well within safe limits even during extended periods of heavy usage. Whether you're gaming, video editing, or running other demanding applications, this cooler will ensure your CPU stays cool and performs optimally. The efficient heat dissipation is due to the cooler's well-designed heat pipes, dense fin stack, and high-performance fan. The direct contact between the heat pipes and the CPU allows for rapid heat transfer, while the fin stack maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation. The fan's PWM control allows it to adjust its speed based on the CPU temperature, providing optimal cooling while minimizing noise. Deepcool has struck a perfect balance between cooling performance and noise levels, making the AG400 ARGB an excellent choice for users who value both. The cooler's ability to handle a TDP of up to 220W means it can handle a wide range of CPUs, including many high-end models. This makes it a versatile choice for various PC builds, from gaming rigs to workstations.

Noise Levels

Speaking of noise, the AG400 ARGB is remarkably quiet. Even at its maximum speed, the fan produces a gentle hum that's barely noticeable. At lower speeds, it's virtually silent. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quiet computing experience. The PWM fan control allows you to fine-tune the fan speed to balance cooling performance and noise levels. You can set a custom fan curve in your motherboard's BIOS or use third-party software to control the fan speed. This gives you complete control over the cooler's noise levels. The AG400 ARGB's quiet operation is due to the fan's high-quality bearings and optimized blade design. The fan is designed to minimize turbulence and reduce noise, even at high speeds. Deepcool has also implemented noise dampening features in the cooler's design, further reducing noise levels. The result is a cooler that delivers excellent cooling performance without being a distraction. Whether you're working in a quiet office or gaming in a silent room, the AG400 ARGB will provide a peaceful computing experience. The cooler's low noise levels make it an excellent choice for users who are sensitive to noise or who want to minimize distractions. The ability to fine-tune the fan speed allows you to customize the cooler's noise levels to your liking, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable computing experience.

ARGB Lighting

Of course, we can't forget about the ARGB lighting. The AG400 ARGB features a vibrant and customizable ARGB fan that adds a touch of visual flair to your system. The lighting is compatible with most major motherboard brands, including ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, and ASRock Polychrome Sync. This allows you to easily synchronize the lighting effects with the rest of your system. You can customize the lighting effects using your motherboard's software or third-party software. You can choose from a wide range of colors and effects, including static colors, breathing effects, color cycles, and more. The ARGB lighting is a great way to personalize your system and make it stand out. The AG400 ARGB's lighting is bright and evenly distributed, creating a visually appealing effect. The fan's translucent blades allow the light to shine through, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. Deepcool has also implemented lighting effects that enhance the cooler's overall aesthetics. The ARGB lighting is not just for show; it also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your system. Whether you're building a gaming rig or a workstation, the AG400 ARGB's lighting will enhance your system's overall look and feel. The compatibility with major motherboard brands ensures that you can easily synchronize the lighting effects with the rest of your system, creating a cohesive and visually stunning build.

Value and Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict? The Deepcool AG400 ARGB offers excellent cooling performance, low noise levels, and vibrant ARGB lighting at a reasonable price. It's a great value for the money and a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooler. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or just a regular PC user, the AG400 ARGB will keep your CPU cool and add a touch of visual flair to your system. Deepcool has created a winner with the AG400 ARGB. It's a well-designed, high-performing, and affordable cooler that's sure to impress. If you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, be sure to give the AG400 ARGB a look. You won't be disappointed! The AG400 ARGB's combination of performance, features, and price make it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Its ability to handle a TDP of up to 220W means it can handle a wide range of CPUs, including many high-end models. The low noise levels make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quiet computing experience. The vibrant ARGB lighting adds a touch of visual flair to your system, making it stand out from the crowd. Deepcool has truly created a well-rounded cooler that offers excellent value for the money. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, the AG400 ARGB is a solid choice that will provide reliable cooling and enhance your system's overall aesthetics.