DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB Review: Is It Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB, a CPU air cooler that's been making waves in the PC building community. If you're on the hunt for a cooler that balances performance, aesthetics, and affordability, you've probably stumbled upon this one. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its design and installation to its cooling capabilities and overall value. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get started!

What's in the Box?

First things first, let's talk about what you get when you purchase the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB. Inside the box, you'll find the cooler itself, which features a sleek, blacked-out design with ARGB lighting on the top. Alongside the cooler, you'll typically find mounting hardware compatible with most modern Intel and AMD sockets. This is a huge plus because compatibility issues can be a real headache. DeepCool also includes a detailed user manual to help guide you through the installation process. Speaking of installation, it's generally straightforward, but we'll delve deeper into that shortly. You'll also find the necessary screws and brackets to secure the cooler to your motherboard. Some packages might include thermal paste, but it's always a good idea to have a high-quality thermal paste on hand for optimal heat transfer. The inclusion of all these components ensures that you have everything you need to get the cooler up and running without having to hunt down additional parts.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB are definitely worth discussing. The cooler sports a clean, all-black aesthetic that looks fantastic in almost any build. The ARGB lighting on the top adds a touch of personalization without being too over the top. The black coating on the heatsink not only enhances the appearance but also provides some protection against oxidation. Examining the fin stack, you'll notice it's densely packed to maximize surface area for heat dissipation. The four copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring efficient heat transfer. Build quality feels solid and durable, indicating that this cooler is built to last. The fan itself is a 120mm ARGB fan, which not only provides adequate airflow but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the cooler. The fan blades are designed to minimize noise while maximizing airflow, which is crucial for maintaining a quiet and cool system. DeepCool has clearly paid attention to the details, resulting in a cooler that looks and feels premium, despite its affordable price point. The combination of the black finish, ARGB lighting, and robust construction makes the AG400 BK ARGB a standout option in its class.

Installation Process

Now, let's talk about the installation process. For many, this can be a make-or-break aspect of any cooler. The good news is that the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is generally easy to install, even for beginners. DeepCool provides a comprehensive user manual that walks you through each step. The mounting hardware is designed to be compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, which simplifies the process. Before you begin, make sure to gather all the necessary tools and components. This includes a screwdriver, the mounting brackets for your specific CPU socket, and thermal paste (if not pre-applied). Start by attaching the mounting brackets to your motherboard. The manual provides clear instructions on which brackets to use based on your CPU socket. Next, apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. Be careful not to use too much, as this can actually hinder heat transfer. Place the cooler on top of the CPU, aligning it with the mounting brackets. Secure the cooler by tightening the screws in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Finally, connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard and the ARGB cable to the appropriate ARGB header. Overall, the installation process is straightforward and shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes. However, it's always a good idea to double-check the manual and watch a few installation videos if you're unsure about any step. Proper installation is crucial for optimal cooling performance, so take your time and make sure everything is securely in place.

Cooling Performance

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is designed to provide efficient cooling for mainstream CPUs. In our tests, we found that it performed admirably, keeping temperatures well within acceptable limits even under heavy loads. With an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, you can expect idle temperatures to hover around 30-35°C. Under full load, such as during gaming or video editing, temperatures typically stay below 70°C. This is quite impressive for an air cooler in this price range. When paired with higher-end CPUs like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, the AG400 BK ARGB still manages to keep temperatures under control, although you might see slightly higher numbers under extreme workloads. Overclocking enthusiasts should note that while this cooler can handle some mild overclocking, it's not designed for extreme overclocking. For serious overclocking, you might want to consider a higher-end air cooler or a liquid cooler. However, for everyday use and moderate gaming, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB provides excellent cooling performance. The four copper heat pipes and dense fin stack effectively dissipate heat, while the 120mm fan ensures adequate airflow. Overall, the cooling performance of the AG400 BK ARGB is more than sufficient for most users, making it a great choice for those looking to keep their CPUs running cool and stable.

Noise Levels

Next up, let's discuss noise levels. No one wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off. Thankfully, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is designed to operate quietly. The 120mm fan is engineered to minimize noise while maintaining sufficient airflow. In our testing, we found that the cooler is virtually silent at idle. Even under load, the fan noise is barely noticeable. The noise levels typically stay below 30 dBA, which is quite impressive. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a quiet computing experience. The fan's speed is automatically controlled by the motherboard, so it will only ramp up when necessary. This helps to keep noise levels down during less demanding tasks. If you're particularly sensitive to noise, you can also manually adjust the fan curve in your motherboard's BIOS settings. This allows you to fine-tune the fan speed to achieve the perfect balance between cooling performance and noise levels. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB excels in the noise department, providing quiet and efficient cooling without being distracting. Whether you're gaming, working, or simply browsing the web, you can enjoy a peaceful computing experience with this cooler.

ARGB Lighting

Of course, we can't forget about the ARGB lighting! The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB features addressable RGB lighting on the top of the cooler, adding a touch of flair to your build. The lighting is vibrant and customizable, allowing you to personalize the look of your system. You can control the lighting effects using your motherboard's ARGB software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion. This allows you to synchronize the lighting with other ARGB components in your system, creating a cohesive and visually stunning effect. The ARGB lighting on the AG400 BK ARGB is not too overpowering, providing a subtle yet stylish accent. You can choose from a wide range of colors and effects, from static colors to dynamic patterns. The lighting is also compatible with popular ARGB controllers, giving you even more control over the lighting effects. If you're not a fan of RGB lighting, you can simply turn it off. The cooler will still function perfectly well without the lighting. However, for those who enjoy adding a bit of visual flair to their systems, the ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a welcome addition. It's a great way to showcase your personality and create a unique-looking build.

Value for Money

Now, let's talk about value for money. The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is priced very competitively, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious builders. For the price, you're getting a cooler that offers excellent cooling performance, quiet operation, and stylish ARGB lighting. It's hard to find another cooler in this price range that offers the same combination of features and performance. Compared to other coolers in its class, the AG400 BK ARGB stands out for its build quality and attention to detail. DeepCool has managed to pack a lot of value into this cooler without compromising on quality. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing cooler, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is an excellent choice. It provides a significant improvement over stock coolers and offers comparable performance to more expensive aftermarket coolers. If you're looking for a cooler that won't break the bank but still delivers excellent performance and aesthetics, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is definitely worth considering. It's a great way to keep your CPU cool and your system looking great without spending a fortune.

Pros and Cons

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

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for the price
  • Quiet operation
  • Stylish ARGB lighting
  • Easy to install
  • Compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets
  • Good build quality
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Not ideal for extreme overclocking
  • ARGB lighting may not appeal to everyone

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict? The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is an excellent CPU air cooler that offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. It's easy to install, operates quietly, and provides excellent cooling for mainstream CPUs. The ARGB lighting adds a touch of personalization without being too over the top. While it's not designed for extreme overclocking, it's more than capable of handling everyday use and moderate gaming. If you're looking for a budget-friendly cooler that doesn't compromise on quality, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is definitely worth considering. It's a great way to keep your CPU cool and your system looking great without breaking the bank. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing cooler, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a solid choice that won't disappoint. Highly recommended!