Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 ARGB CPU Cooler. If you're looking to keep your CPU running cool while adding a splash of color to your rig, this cooler might just be what you need. We’ll cover everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, let's get started!

What is DeepCool AG400 ARGB?

The DeepCool AG400 ARGB is an air cooler designed to efficiently dissipate heat from your CPU while adding an aesthetic touch with its ARGB lighting. It's compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile option for many users. The cooler features a dense heatsink, multiple heat pipes, and a 120mm ARGB fan to provide optimal cooling performance. DeepCool is known for producing reliable and affordable cooling solutions, and the AG400 ARGB is no exception.

When considering a CPU cooler, it's essential to look at several key factors. First, cooling performance is paramount. A good cooler should effectively keep your CPU temperatures low, especially under heavy loads. Second, compatibility is crucial. You need to ensure that the cooler fits your CPU socket and doesn't interfere with other components like RAM or VRMs. Third, noise levels matter. A cooler that performs well but sounds like a jet engine can be distracting and annoying. Fourth, aesthetics play a role for many users, especially those with transparent case windows. The ARGB lighting on the AG400 adds a visual appeal that can enhance the overall look of your system. Finally, ease of installation is important. A cooler that's difficult to install can be frustrating, especially for beginners. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB aims to balance all these factors, offering a compelling option for a wide range of users. Now, let's dive deeper into each of these aspects to see how well it performs in each category.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make the DeepCool AG400 ARGB stand out. Knowing these details will help you understand why this cooler could be a great addition to your PC build.

• Heatsink Design: The AG400 ARGB features a dense aluminum fin stack designed to maximize heat dissipation. The fins are tightly packed to increase the surface area, allowing for more efficient heat transfer. This design is crucial for effectively drawing heat away from the CPU.
• Heat Pipes: It comes equipped with four direct-contact heat pipes. These heat pipes directly contact the CPU surface, ensuring rapid and efficient heat transfer to the heatsink. The direct-contact design minimizes thermal resistance, further enhancing cooling performance.
• 120mm ARGB Fan: The cooler includes a 120mm fan with ARGB lighting. The fan not only provides ample airflow but also adds a vibrant touch to your system with customizable RGB lighting effects. The ARGB lighting can be synchronized with other components via motherboard software, allowing for a cohesive and visually appealing build.
• Fan Speed: The fan speed ranges from 500 to 2000 RPM. This wide range allows for a balance between cooling performance and noise levels. At lower speeds, the fan operates quietly, while at higher speeds, it provides maximum cooling power.
• Airflow: The fan delivers an airflow of up to 75.89 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). High airflow ensures that heat is quickly removed from the heatsink, maintaining optimal CPU temperatures.
• Noise Level: The noise level is rated at ≤31.6 dB(A). This makes the AG400 ARGB relatively quiet, even under heavy loads. The low noise level is a significant advantage for users who prioritize a silent computing experience.
• Compatibility: It supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for various systems.
• Dimensions: The cooler measures 125mm x 92mm x 150mm. Its compact size ensures it fits well in most PC cases without interfering with other components.
• ARGB Lighting: The ARGB lighting is compatible with most motherboard RGB control software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and GIGABYTE RGB Fusion. This allows for easy customization and synchronization with other ARGB components in your system.

Performance and Cooling Efficiency

When it comes to CPU coolers, performance is king. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB aims to strike a balance between efficient cooling and quiet operation. Let's delve into how well it performs under various conditions.

In idle conditions, the AG400 ARGB keeps CPU temperatures impressively low. Most users report temperatures hovering around 30-35°C, which is excellent for maintaining system stability and longevity. This low idle temperature ensures that your CPU isn't unnecessarily stressed when you're not running demanding tasks.

Under moderate loads, such as gaming or video editing, the cooler maintains temperatures in the 60-70°C range. This is a comfortable zone for most CPUs, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring smooth performance. The efficient heat dissipation capabilities of the AG400 ARGB shine in these scenarios, keeping your CPU cool even during extended periods of use.

When subjected to intense stress tests, like running Prime95 or Cinebench, the AG400 ARGB manages to keep temperatures below 85°C for most CPUs. While this is pushing the cooler to its limits, it still performs admirably, preventing the CPU from overheating and maintaining stability. It's worth noting that the exact temperatures will depend on your CPU's TDP (Thermal Design Power) and the ambient temperature of your room.

The 120mm ARGB fan plays a crucial role in the cooler's performance. Its ability to generate high airflow (up to 75.89 CFM) ensures that heat is quickly removed from the heatsink. The fan's speed can be adjusted to balance cooling performance and noise levels, allowing you to customize the cooler's behavior to suit your preferences.

The direct-contact heat pipes also contribute significantly to the cooler's efficiency. By making direct contact with the CPU surface, they minimize thermal resistance and ensure rapid heat transfer to the heatsink. This design is particularly effective in dissipating heat from high-TDP CPUs.

Compared to other coolers in its price range, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB holds its own remarkably well. It outperforms many stock coolers and rivals the performance of some higher-priced aftermarket coolers. This makes it an excellent value proposition for users looking to upgrade their cooling without breaking the bank.

ARGB Lighting and Aesthetics

Beyond its cooling capabilities, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB truly shines when it comes to aesthetics. The customizable ARGB lighting adds a vibrant and dynamic element to your PC build, making it visually appealing and allowing you to express your personal style.

The ARGB lighting on the 120mm fan is fully customizable and compatible with most motherboard RGB control software, including ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and GIGABYTE RGB Fusion. This means you can easily synchronize the cooler's lighting effects with other ARGB components in your system, creating a cohesive and visually stunning build.

The cooler offers a wide range of lighting effects, from static colors to dynamic patterns like breathing, rainbow, and color cycling. You can choose the effects that best suit your preferences and create a unique look for your system. The ability to customize the lighting to match your favorite games or applications adds an extra layer of personalization.

The brightness and speed of the lighting effects can also be adjusted, giving you even more control over the cooler's appearance. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a vibrant display, the AG400 ARGB can be configured to meet your needs.

The cooler's design is sleek and modern, complementing the ARGB lighting perfectly. The black heatsink provides a neutral backdrop that allows the lighting to stand out, while the clean lines and minimalist design ensure that the cooler looks great in any system.

For users who value aesthetics, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is a standout choice. It combines excellent cooling performance with eye-catching ARGB lighting, making it a great addition to any gaming or enthusiast build. The ability to customize the lighting to match your other components ensures a cohesive and visually appealing system.

Installation Process

The DeepCool AG400 ARGB is designed to be user-friendly, and the installation process is relatively straightforward. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a first-timer, you should be able to install this cooler without too much hassle.

The cooler comes with a comprehensive installation kit that includes all the necessary brackets and screws for both Intel and AMD platforms. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow, guiding you through each step of the installation process.

Before you begin, make sure to gather all the necessary tools, including a Phillips head screwdriver and some thermal paste (if you're replacing an existing cooler). It's also a good idea to have a clean, well-lit workspace to make the installation process easier.

The first step is to prepare your motherboard. For Intel platforms, you'll need to install the appropriate backplate and mounting brackets. For AMD platforms, you can typically use the stock backplate, but you'll need to install the AMD mounting brackets.

Next, apply thermal paste to the CPU. A small, pea-sized amount in the center of the CPU is usually sufficient. Make sure to clean off any old thermal paste before applying the new paste.

Carefully place the cooler on top of the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the brackets. Secure the cooler in place by tightening the screws in a diagonal pattern. This ensures even pressure and optimal contact between the cooler and the CPU.

Finally, connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. If you want to control the ARGB lighting, connect the ARGB cable to the appropriate header on your motherboard. Consult your motherboard's manual for the location of these headers.

Once everything is connected, double-check all the connections to ensure they are secure. Boot up your system and monitor the CPU temperature to ensure that the cooler is functioning correctly.

Overall, the installation process for the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is simple and straightforward. The included instructions and user-friendly design make it accessible to both beginners and experienced PC builders. With a little patience and attention to detail, you should be able to install this cooler quickly and easily.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB CPU Cooler:

Pros:

• Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPU temperatures low under various loads, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring smooth performance.
• Affordable Price: Offers great value for its performance, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
• ARGB Lighting: Adds a vibrant and customizable aesthetic touch to your PC build.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets, making it a versatile choice for various systems.
• Easy Installation: The installation process is straightforward, with clear instructions and user-friendly design.
• Low Noise Level: Operates quietly, even under heavy loads, ensuring a pleasant computing experience.

Cons:

• Size: While compact, it may still be too large for some very small form factor cases.
• ARGB Customization: ARGB control depends on motherboard compatibility; users without compatible motherboards may have limited customization options.
• Performance Ceiling: While excellent for its price range, it may not be sufficient for overclocking high-end CPUs.

Final Verdict

The DeepCool AG400 ARGB CPU Cooler is a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling without breaking the bank. It offers a compelling combination of excellent cooling performance, vibrant ARGB lighting, and easy installation. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who wants to keep their CPU running cool, the AG400 ARGB is a solid choice.

It's particularly well-suited for users who want to add some visual flair to their system without sacrificing performance. The customizable ARGB lighting allows you to create a unique look that matches your personal style, while the efficient cooling ensures that your CPU stays cool and stable, even under heavy loads.

While it may not be the best choice for extreme overclocking or very high-TDP CPUs, it performs admirably in most scenarios. For the majority of users, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB offers an excellent balance of performance, aesthetics, and value. If you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, be sure to give this one a serious look. You won't be disappointed!