DeepCool AG400 LED CPU Air Cooler: Review & Performance

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED, a 120mm CPU air cooler that promises to keep your processor running cool and looking stylish. If you're in the market for an affordable and effective cooling solution, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything from its design and features to its performance and installation, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!

What's in the Box?

First things first, let's talk about what you get when you purchase the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED. Inside the box, you'll find:

  • The GAMMAX AG400 LED cooler itself.
  • A 120mm PWM fan.
  • Mounting brackets for both Intel and AMD sockets.
  • Thermal paste.
  • Installation manual.

The inclusion of both Intel and AMD brackets is a huge plus, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems. The thermal paste is a nice addition, saving you the hassle of buying it separately. The installation manual is clear and concise, making the setup process straightforward, even for beginners.

Design and Features

The DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED sports a sleek and modern design. The blacked-out heatsink and the LED fan give it a premium look that will complement any gaming rig. Here are some of its standout features:

  • High-Efficiency Cooling: The cooler features four direct-touch copper heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. These heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU surface, maximizing heat dissipation. The dense aluminum fin stack further enhances cooling performance by providing a large surface area for heat exchange.
  • 120mm LED Fan: The included 120mm fan not only provides ample airflow but also adds a touch of style with its LED lighting. The fan is PWM-controlled, meaning its speed can be adjusted automatically based on the CPU temperature. This allows for a balance between cooling performance and noise levels. The hydro bearing fan design also contributes to quieter operation and longer lifespan, ensuring reliable performance for years to come.
  • Universal Socket Compatibility: As mentioned earlier, the GAMMAX AG400 LED supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile choice for different systems. Specifically, it supports Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets. This broad compatibility ensures that you can use the cooler with your current system and potentially carry it over to future builds.
  • Easy Installation: The cooler comes with a user-friendly mounting system that makes installation a breeze. The included brackets and clear instructions simplify the process, even if you're new to PC building. The tool-free installation mechanism further streamlines the setup, saving you time and effort. Overall, the installation process is designed to be as straightforward as possible, minimizing potential headaches and ensuring a secure fit.
  • Compact Size: The AG400 LED's compact design ensures it fits comfortably in most PC cases without interfering with other components. This is particularly beneficial for smaller form factor builds where space is limited. Despite its compact size, the cooler delivers impressive cooling performance, making it an excellent choice for both compact and mid-tower cases.

Performance

Now, let's get to the most important part: performance. The DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED delivers impressive cooling capabilities for its price range. In our tests, it kept the CPU temperatures well within acceptable limits, even under heavy workloads. Here’s a more detailed look:

During idle, the CPU temperature hovered around 30-35°C, which is excellent. Under moderate gaming loads, the temperature stayed in the 50-60°C range. Even during stress tests, where the CPU was pushed to its limits, the temperature peaked at around 75-80°C. These results are quite impressive for an air cooler in this price bracket.

One of the standout features is its ability to maintain these temperatures without generating excessive noise. The PWM-controlled fan intelligently adjusts its speed based on the CPU's thermal output, ensuring quiet operation during everyday tasks and only ramping up when necessary during demanding workloads. This balance between cooling performance and noise makes it a great choice for users who value a quiet computing environment.

Compared to stock coolers, the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED offers a significant improvement in cooling performance. Stock coolers often struggle to keep temperatures in check during prolonged gaming sessions or CPU-intensive tasks, leading to potential thermal throttling and reduced performance. With the AG400 LED, you can expect lower temperatures and more consistent performance, allowing you to push your CPU further without worrying about overheating.

The cooler’s efficient heat dissipation is largely due to its direct-touch copper heat pipes and dense aluminum fin stack, which work together to quickly transfer heat away from the CPU. This design ensures that the CPU remains cool even under sustained loads, providing a stable and reliable computing experience.

Overall, the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED offers excellent cooling performance for its price, making it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to improve their CPU's thermal management. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply a PC enthusiast, this cooler will help you keep your CPU running smoothly and efficiently.

Installation

Installing the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly mounting system. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket (Intel or AMD), select the appropriate mounting brackets. Attach the brackets to the motherboard using the provided screws. Make sure the brackets are securely fastened to ensure proper contact between the cooler and the CPU.
  2. Apply Thermal Paste: If you haven't already, apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. A pea-sized amount in the center is usually sufficient. Ensure that the thermal paste is evenly distributed to maximize heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler.
  3. Mount the Cooler: Carefully place the GAMMAX AG400 LED cooler on top of the CPU, aligning it with the mounting brackets. Secure the cooler by tightening the screws or clips, depending on the mounting mechanism. Make sure the cooler is firmly attached to the CPU and that there is good contact between the two.
  4. Connect the Fan: Connect the 120mm fan to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This will allow the motherboard to control the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. Ensure that the fan cable is properly connected to avoid any issues with fan operation.
  5. Cable Management: Route the fan cable neatly to avoid obstructing airflow or interfering with other components. Use zip ties or cable sleeves to keep the cables organized and out of the way. Good cable management not only improves the aesthetics of your build but also helps maintain optimal airflow within the case.

The entire process is straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes. The included manual provides clear instructions and diagrams, making it easy for even novice PC builders to install the cooler correctly. The tool-free design further simplifies the installation, saving you time and effort.

One tip to keep in mind is to double-check the compatibility of the mounting brackets with your motherboard before starting the installation. Ensure that you have the correct brackets for your CPU socket to avoid any compatibility issues. Additionally, make sure to apply the thermal paste correctly to ensure optimal heat transfer.

Overall, the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED offers a hassle-free installation experience, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice PC builders. With its easy-to-use mounting system and clear instructions, you can have your new cooler up and running in no time.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for the price.
  • Stylish LED lighting.
  • Universal socket compatibility.
  • Easy installation.
  • Quiet operation.

Cons:

  • The LED is not RGB customizable.
  • May not be sufficient for overclocking high-end CPUs.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the DeepCool GAMMAX AG400 LED 120mm CPU air cooler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable, effective, and stylish cooling solution. Its impressive performance, ease of installation, and quiet operation make it a standout product in its category. While it may not be the best option for extreme overclocking, it’s more than capable of handling most CPUs at their stock speeds or with moderate overclocks. If you're building a new PC or upgrading your current cooling solution, the GAMMAX AG400 LED is definitely worth considering. You get great value for your money, and your CPU will thank you for it!