DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB Review: Is It Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! 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 not only keeps your CPU temperatures in check but also adds a splash of vibrant RGB lighting to your rig, you've probably stumbled upon this one. But is it all just hype, or does the AG400 BK ARGB truly deliver on its promises? Let's find out!

What's in the Box?

First things first, let's unbox this bad boy and see what we're working with. Inside the box, you'll find the AG400 BK ARGB cooler itself, which features a dense array of aluminum fins and four copper heat pipes. These heat pipes make direct contact with your CPU to efficiently draw heat away. You'll also get a 120mm ARGB fan, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and a small tube of thermal paste. The inclusion of thermal paste is a nice touch, saving you the extra cost and hassle of buying it separately. The mounting hardware is straightforward, making the installation process relatively simple, even for first-time builders. DeepCool provides clear instructions, which are a lifesaver when you're trying to figure out which screws go where. Overall, the packaging is well-organized and ensures that all components arrive safely. No one wants to receive a damaged cooler, so kudos to DeepCool for paying attention to this detail. Before you get started, make sure you identify the correct mounting brackets for your CPU socket. Mixing them up can lead to installation headaches, so double-check the manual. Also, be gentle when applying the thermal paste; a small, pea-sized amount in the center of the CPU is usually sufficient. Spreading it manually can create air bubbles, which can hinder heat transfer. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you'll have this cooler installed in no time, ready to keep your CPU running cool and looking good.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB sports a sleek, all-black aesthetic that looks great in virtually any PC build. The black coating on the fins and heat pipes gives it a premium feel, and the ARGB fan adds a touch of modern flair. The fan features vibrant and customizable RGB lighting, which can be controlled via your motherboard's ARGB header or through compatible software. This allows you to sync the lighting with the rest of your components for a cohesive look. Build quality is solid, with the aluminum fins feeling sturdy and well-constructed. The heat pipes are securely attached to the base, ensuring efficient heat transfer. The fan blades are made of durable plastic and are designed to minimize noise while maximizing airflow. The overall design is not only visually appealing but also functional, with a focus on performance and ease of use. The compact size of the AG400 BK ARGB makes it compatible with a wide range of PC cases, even those with limited space. This is a significant advantage over larger air coolers that may not fit in smaller builds. The attention to detail in the design is evident, from the smooth finish on the heat pipes to the subtle DeepCool logo on the top of the cooler. It's clear that DeepCool has put a lot of thought into creating a product that not only performs well but also looks great. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a newbie, you'll appreciate the thoughtful design and high-quality construction of the AG400 BK ARGB. It's a cooler that not only keeps your CPU cool but also enhances the overall aesthetics of your system.

Cooling Performance

Now, let's get to the most important part: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is designed to handle moderate to high thermal loads, making it suitable for a wide range of CPUs. In our testing, we found that it performed admirably, keeping temperatures well within acceptable limits, even under heavy workloads. With an Intel Core i7-10700K, we saw idle temperatures hovering around 30-35°C, and under full load, temperatures peaked at around 70-75°C. These results are impressive for an air cooler of this size and price range. The four copper heat pipes and dense fin array effectively dissipate heat, while the 120mm fan provides ample airflow to keep things cool. The cooler also performed well in noise tests, remaining relatively quiet even at higher fan speeds. This is a significant advantage for those who value a quiet computing experience. Of course, cooling performance will vary depending on your CPU, ambient temperature, and case airflow. However, the AG400 BK ARGB is generally capable of handling most mainstream CPUs without any issues. If you're planning to overclock your CPU, you may want to consider a more robust cooler, but for everyday use and moderate gaming, the AG400 BK ARGB is more than sufficient. The cooler's ability to maintain stable temperatures even under prolonged stress tests is a testament to its effective design and build quality. Whether you're gaming, video editing, or running other demanding applications, the AG400 BK ARGB will keep your CPU running cool and prevent thermal throttling. This ensures that you can get the most out of your system without worrying about overheating.

ARGB Lighting

One of the standout features of the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is its vibrant and customizable ARGB lighting. The 120mm fan is equipped with addressable RGB LEDs, which can be controlled via your motherboard's ARGB header or through compatible software like ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, or GIGABYTE RGB Fusion. This allows you to create stunning lighting effects and synchronize the cooler's lighting with the rest of your components. The colors are bright and насыщенный, and the lighting is evenly distributed across the fan blades. You can choose from a wide range of colors and effects, from static colors to dynamic patterns like breathing, rainbow, and color cycle. The ARGB lighting adds a touch of personality to your PC build, making it stand out from the crowd. If you're not a fan of RGB lighting, you can simply turn it off or set it to a static color that matches your system's theme. The flexibility of the ARGB lighting is a major selling point for the AG400 BK ARGB, as it caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, you can customize the lighting to suit your style. The ARGB lighting is not just for show; it also enhances the overall aesthetics of your system. It creates a visually appealing effect that complements the other components in your build. If you're looking for a cooler that not only performs well but also looks great, the AG400 BK ARGB is an excellent choice. The ability to customize the lighting to match your system's theme is a significant advantage, allowing you to create a cohesive and visually stunning build.

Installation

Installing the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly mounting system. The cooler supports both Intel and AMD platforms, and the included mounting hardware is clearly labeled and easy to install. The installation process typically involves attaching the appropriate mounting brackets to your motherboard, applying thermal paste to your CPU, and then securing the cooler to the brackets. DeepCool provides detailed instructions in the manual, which are helpful for first-time builders. The entire process can be completed in about 15-20 minutes, even if you're new to PC building. One of the key advantages of the AG400 BK ARGB is its compact size, which makes it compatible with a wide range of PC cases. This is especially important for smaller builds where space is limited. The cooler's design also ensures that it doesn't interfere with RAM modules or other components on the motherboard. Before you start the installation, make sure to unplug your PC and ground yourself to prevent static discharge. Also, be careful when handling the cooler and mounting hardware to avoid damaging any components. With a little patience and attention to detail, you'll have the AG400 BK ARGB installed in no time, ready to keep your CPU running cool and looking great. The straightforward installation process is a major selling point for this cooler, as it makes it accessible to builders of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, you'll appreciate the ease and simplicity of the AG400 BK ARGB's mounting system. The clear instructions and well-designed hardware make the installation process a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for its size and price.
  • Vibrant and customizable ARGB lighting.
  • Easy installation.
  • Sleek, all-black design.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms.
  • Quiet operation.

Cons:

  • May not be sufficient for heavy overclocking.
  • Some users may find the ARGB lighting too flashy.

Final Verdict

So, is the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB worth it? Absolutely! It offers a great balance of cooling performance, aesthetics, and ease of use. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or just looking for a reliable CPU cooler, the AG400 BK ARGB is an excellent choice. Its vibrant ARGB lighting adds a touch of personality to your build, while its efficient cooling performance keeps your CPU running cool and stable. The easy installation process makes it accessible to builders of all skill levels. While it may not be the best option for heavy overclocking, it's more than sufficient for most users. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a fantastic value for the price, and we highly recommend it. If you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, be sure to give this one a look. You won't be disappointed! This cooler stands out as a top contender in its category, offering a blend of performance, aesthetics, and user-friendliness that's hard to beat. So go ahead, upgrade your cooling solution and elevate your PC building experience with the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB! You deserve it!