DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black: Review & Specs

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black air cooler. If you're on the hunt for a cooler that not only keeps your CPU temperatures in check but also adds a dash of aesthetic flair to your build, you might've just stumbled upon your match. In this comprehensive review, we're going to dissect everything from its design and performance to its installation process and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

First Impressions and Design

When you first unbox the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black, you’ll immediately notice its sleek, all-black design. The cooler features a dense array of aluminum fins, meticulously stacked to maximize surface area for heat dissipation. The black coating isn't just for looks; it also aids in radiating heat more efficiently. The ARGB lighting is subtly integrated into the top cover, providing a vibrant yet not-too-overpowering glow that can be customized to match your system's color scheme.

The cooler's dimensions are quite reasonable, making it compatible with a wide range of PC cases. It stands at about 150mm tall, so you'll want to ensure your case has enough clearance, but it generally fits well in most mid-tower and full-tower cases. The overall build quality feels solid, with no noticeable flexing or bending in the fins or heat pipes. The included 120mm fan is also black, maintaining the cooler’s consistent aesthetic. The fan features a nine-blade design optimized for both static pressure and airflow, ensuring efficient cooling performance.

One of the standout features of the AG400 ARGB Black is its ease of installation. DeepCool has designed the mounting system to be user-friendly, even for those who are new to PC building. The included brackets are compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, ensuring broad compatibility. The cooler also comes with thermal paste pre-applied, which is a nice touch that simplifies the installation process even further. The ARGB lighting connects via a standard 3-pin ARGB connector, allowing it to sync with most motherboard ARGB control systems. This makes it easy to customize the lighting effects using your motherboard’s software, creating a cohesive and visually appealing build.

Performance Benchmarks

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: performance. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is designed to handle CPUs with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of up to 200W. In our testing, we used an Intel Core i7-12700K and an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X to evaluate its cooling capabilities. Both CPUs are known for generating a significant amount of heat, especially under heavy loads.

With the Intel Core i7-12700K running at its base clock speeds, the AG400 ARGB Black kept temperatures well under control. During idle, the CPU hovered around 30-32°C. Under sustained loads, such as gaming or video editing, temperatures peaked at around 65-68°C. This is a very respectable result, indicating that the cooler can easily handle the i7-12700K without any thermal throttling. When overclocking the i7-12700K to 4.9 GHz, temperatures did rise, but the AG400 ARGB Black still managed to keep them below 80°C, which is within acceptable limits for overclocked CPUs.

On the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, the AG400 ARGB Black performed similarly well. At stock settings, idle temperatures were around 32-34°C, and under heavy loads, temperatures reached about 63-66°C. This demonstrates that the cooler is also well-suited for AMD's high-performance processors. Overclocking the Ryzen 7 5800X to 4.6 GHz, we saw temperatures climb to around 75-78°C, which is still manageable and indicates that the AG400 ARGB Black has enough thermal headroom for moderate overclocking.

In terms of noise levels, the AG400 ARGB Black is relatively quiet. The 120mm fan operates at a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, but it remains fairly silent even at full speed. In a typical gaming scenario, the fan speed usually hovers around 1200-1500 RPM, making it barely audible above other system components. This makes the AG400 ARGB Black a great choice for those who value a quiet computing experience. The fan also supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, allowing you to adjust the fan speed based on CPU temperature. This can be done through your motherboard's BIOS or using third-party software, giving you precise control over the cooler's performance and noise levels.

Installation Process: Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most appealing aspects of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is its straightforward installation process. Even if you're a first-time builder, you should find it relatively easy to install. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Start by preparing your motherboard. For Intel sockets, you'll need to install the appropriate backplate. For AMD sockets, you can usually use the stock backplate that comes with the motherboard.
  2. Install Mounting Brackets: Next, install the mounting brackets onto the motherboard. These brackets will provide the necessary mounting points for the cooler. The brackets are typically secured with screws and should be tightened evenly to ensure a secure fit.
  3. Apply Thermal Paste (If Needed): If the thermal paste isn't pre-applied, apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. Ensure that the thermal paste is evenly distributed to maximize heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler.
  4. Mount the Cooler: Carefully align the cooler with the mounting brackets and gently lower it onto the CPU. Secure the cooler by tightening the screws or clips that hold it in place. Tighten the screws evenly to ensure that the cooler makes full contact with the CPU.
  5. Connect the Fan: Connect the 4-pin PWM connector to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This will allow the motherboard to control the fan speed based on CPU temperature.
  6. Connect the ARGB Lighting: Connect the 3-pin ARGB connector to the ARGB header on your motherboard. This will allow you to control the lighting effects using your motherboard’s software.
  7. Cable Management: Finally, manage the cables to ensure they don't interfere with other components or airflow. Use zip ties or cable sleeves to keep the cables tidy and organized.

ARGB Lighting and Aesthetics

The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is a major selling point for many users. The lighting is integrated into the top cover of the cooler and provides a subtle yet vibrant glow. The colors are rich and saturated, and the lighting effects are smooth and even. You can customize the lighting effects using your motherboard’s software, allowing you to match the cooler’s lighting to your system’s overall color scheme.

The ARGB lighting supports a wide range of colors and effects, including static colors, breathing effects, color cycling, and more. You can also synchronize the lighting with other ARGB components in your system, such as your motherboard, graphics card, and RAM. This allows you to create a cohesive and visually stunning build.

The black finish of the cooler complements the ARGB lighting perfectly. The black coating provides a sleek and modern look that blends well with most PC cases. The overall aesthetic is clean and understated, making it a great choice for those who want a cooler that looks as good as it performs.

Value and Alternatives

When it comes to value, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black offers a lot for its price. It provides excellent cooling performance, quiet operation, and attractive ARGB lighting, all at a reasonable cost. Compared to other coolers in its price range, the AG400 ARGB Black stands out for its combination of performance, aesthetics, and ease of installation.

However, there are also some alternatives to consider. If you don't care about ARGB lighting, you can opt for the non-ARGB version of the AG400, which is typically a bit cheaper. Alternatively, if you need even better cooling performance, you might want to consider a higher-end air cooler or a liquid cooler. However, these options usually come at a higher price point.

Some popular alternatives to the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black include the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition, the Noctua NH-U12S, and the be quiet! Dark Rock 4. These coolers offer similar performance and features, but they may differ in terms of aesthetics, noise levels, or ease of installation.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here are the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Quiet operation
  • Attractive ARGB lighting
  • Easy installation
  • Wide compatibility
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • May not be sufficient for extreme overclocking
  • ARGB lighting may not appeal to everyone

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is a fantastic air cooler that offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and value. It’s perfect for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to keep their CPU temperatures in check while adding a touch of style to their build. While it may not be the best choice for extreme overclocking, it’s more than capable of handling most CPUs at stock speeds or with moderate overclocks. If you're in the market for a new air cooler, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB Black is definitely worth considering. Thanks for reading, and happy building!