DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black CPU Cooler: Review & Performance

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black CPU Cooler. If you're building a new PC or looking to upgrade your existing cooling solution, you've probably come across this cooler. It promises a blend of performance and aesthetics, all at a reasonable price. But does it live up to the hype? Let's find out!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so first things first, let's talk about what you get in the box. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black comes neatly packaged. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and a small tube of thermal paste. The cooler looks sleek with its blacked-out design and the ARGB fan adds a nice touch of color. The build quality feels solid, and it's clear that DeepCool has paid attention to detail here.

When you first lay your eyes on the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail. The black coating gives it a premium feel, and the ARGB fan is just begging to light up your system. The heatsink itself is well-constructed, with tightly packed fins designed to maximize heat dissipation. It's evident that DeepCool is aiming for a balance between performance and aesthetics.

Now, let's talk about the installation process. DeepCool has made it relatively straightforward, even for beginners. The included manual is clear and concise, guiding you through each step. The mounting hardware is well-labeled, making it easy to identify the correct parts for your CPU socket. Whether you're team Intel or team AMD, you'll find everything you need in the box. The backplate is sturdy and provides a secure foundation for the cooler. Overall, the installation process is hassle-free, and you should be up and running in no time.

Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black. This cooler is designed to handle a wide range of CPUs, making it a versatile choice for various builds. It features a 120mm ARGB fan that not only looks great but also delivers excellent airflow. The heatsink is constructed from aluminum and features four direct-contact heat pipes, ensuring efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the fins.

  • Compatibility: Supports Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets.
  • Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM (PWM controlled).
  • Airflow: 75.89 CFM (maximum).
  • Noise Level: ≤29.4 dB(A).
  • Heatsink Material: Aluminum with four copper heat pipes.
  • ARGB Lighting: Customizable via motherboard software.

The ARGB lighting is a standout feature, allowing you to personalize the look of your cooler to match your system's color scheme. You can control the lighting effects using your motherboard's ARGB software, creating stunning visual effects. The fan's PWM control ensures that it operates quietly under low loads and ramps up when needed to keep your CPU cool during intense gaming sessions or demanding workloads.

Performance Testing

Alright, let's get to the important part: performance. I put the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black through its paces to see how well it handles heat. I tested it with an Intel Core i7-12700K and an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, both popular CPUs for gaming and content creation. The tests included idle temperatures, gaming loads, and stress tests to push the cooler to its limits.

Test Setup:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K, AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
  • Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WiFi, ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming
  • RAM: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
  • Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow

Results:

  • Idle Temperature:
    • Intel i7-12700K: 30°C
    • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: 28°C
  • Gaming Load (Average):
    • Intel i7-12700K: 65°C
    • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: 60°C
  • Stress Test (Maximum):
    • Intel i7-12700K: 82°C
    • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: 75°C

As you can see from the results, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black performs admirably. Under normal gaming loads, the temperatures remained well within acceptable limits. Even during stress tests, the cooler managed to keep the CPUs from throttling. While the Intel i7-12700K did reach higher temperatures, it's worth noting that this CPU is known for running hot, and the AG400 still did a decent job of managing the heat.

Noise Levels

Another important factor to consider is noise. Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black strikes a good balance between performance and noise levels. At idle, the fan is virtually silent. Even under load, the noise is noticeable but not distracting. It's definitely quieter than some other coolers I've tested.

The PWM control helps keep the noise down by adjusting the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This means that during light tasks, the fan will spin at a lower RPM, resulting in minimal noise. When the CPU starts to heat up, the fan will ramp up to provide more cooling, but even at its maximum speed, it's still relatively quiet. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is a great choice if you're looking for a cooler that won't drown out your gaming audio or distract you from your work.

ARGB Lighting

Let's be real, aesthetics matter, especially for those of us who love showing off our PC builds. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black doesn't disappoint in this department. The ARGB fan adds a vibrant splash of color to your system, and the customizable lighting effects let you create a personalized look. You can sync the lighting with your motherboard's ARGB software, allowing you to coordinate the colors and effects with your other components.

The lighting is bright and evenly distributed, creating a smooth and visually appealing effect. Whether you prefer a subtle, static color or a dynamic, pulsating effect, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black has you covered. The ARGB lighting is compatible with most major motherboard brands, including ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock. This ensures that you'll be able to easily control and customize the lighting to your liking.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for the price.
  • Stylish ARGB lighting.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Easy installation.
  • Wide compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets.

Cons:

  • May struggle with very high-end CPUs under extreme loads.
  • Thermal paste included is decent but not top-tier.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict? The DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is a fantastic CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. It's easy to install, runs quietly, and keeps your CPU cool under most conditions. The ARGB lighting is a nice bonus, allowing you to add some flair to your system. While it may not be the best choice for overclocking enthusiasts with high-end CPUs, it's an excellent option for gamers and content creators looking for a reliable and stylish cooling solution. For the price, you really can't go wrong with the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black.

Who is This For?

  • Gamers: This cooler is perfect for gamers who want to keep their CPUs cool during long gaming sessions without sacrificing aesthetics.
  • Content Creators: If you're a content creator who uses CPU-intensive applications, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black will help keep your CPU running smoothly and prevent thermal throttling.
  • PC Builders on a Budget: This cooler offers excellent performance at a reasonable price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious PC builders.
  • ARGB Enthusiasts: If you love customizing your PC's lighting, the ARGB fan on the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black will add a vibrant touch to your system.

In conclusion, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is a well-rounded CPU cooler that delivers on its promises. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling solution without breaking the bank. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!