DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB Review: Is This Cooler Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB CPU cooler. If you're on the hunt for a cooler that not only keeps your CPU running smoothly but also adds a touch of aesthetic flair to your build, you've probably come across this one. We're going to break down everything you need to know – from its performance and noise levels to its design and ease of installation. So, let's get started and see if the AG400 WH ARGB is the right choice for your rig!

What's in the Box and Key Features

First things first, let's talk about what you get when you unbox the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD sockets, and, of course, the ARGB fan. The white color scheme is a nice touch, giving it a clean and modern look that fits well in most builds. Key features that stand out include its dense fin stack, four direct-contact heat pipes, and the 120mm ARGB fan. The fan not only provides cooling but also lights up your case with customizable colors and effects. Installation is pretty straightforward, thanks to DeepCool's user-friendly mounting system.

Detailed Feature Analysis

The AG400 WH ARGB is designed with a focus on efficient heat dissipation. The dense fin stack increases the surface area, allowing for better heat transfer from the heat pipes to the surrounding air. The four direct-contact heat pipes are crucial as they make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring heat is quickly drawn away. The 120mm ARGB fan is optimized for both airflow and static pressure, providing a good balance between cooling performance and noise. The ARGB lighting is compatible with most motherboard ARGB control systems, allowing for easy synchronization with the rest of your components. Overall, the AG400 WH ARGB is packed with features aimed at delivering solid cooling performance while looking great.

Performance Benchmarks

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – performance! We put the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB through its paces with a few different CPUs to see how it handles various thermal loads. On an Intel i5-12600K, we saw temperatures hovering around 65-70°C under full load, which is pretty impressive for a cooler in this price range. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, the temperatures were even lower, staying in the low 60s. Overclocking the CPUs did push the temperatures up a bit, but the AG400 WH ARGB still managed to keep things under control. Compared to the stock coolers, the AG400 WH ARGB offered a significant improvement in temperature, allowing for better sustained performance and less thermal throttling. For those of you looking to push your CPUs a bit harder, this cooler is definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other coolers in its class, the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB holds its own quite well. Against the Cooler Master Hyper 212, it offers similar performance with a slightly quieter operation. Compared to some AIO (All-in-One) liquid coolers, it might not offer the same extreme cooling potential, but it's also significantly more affordable and easier to install. In terms of noise, the AG400 WH ARGB is relatively quiet, even under heavy load. The fan is designed to minimize turbulence, resulting in a more pleasant acoustic profile. Overall, the AG400 WH ARGB strikes a good balance between performance, noise, and price, making it a competitive option in the air cooler market.

Noise Levels

Speaking of noise, nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off. Thankfully, the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is designed with noise reduction in mind. At idle, the fan is virtually silent, and even under moderate load, it remains relatively quiet. Under full load, the fan does spin up, but the noise level is still acceptable. We measured the noise levels using a sound meter, and the AG400 WH ARGB typically stayed below 35 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. This is a pretty good result, especially considering the cooling performance it delivers. If you're sensitive to noise, you'll appreciate the AG400 WH ARGB's ability to keep things quiet without sacrificing performance.

Subjective Listening Experience

Beyond the numbers, the subjective listening experience is also important. The AG400 WH ARGB produces a smooth, consistent sound that isn't annoying or distracting. There are no high-pitched whines or annoying vibrations, which can be common with cheaper coolers. The fan's design minimizes turbulence, resulting in a more pleasant acoustic profile. Overall, the AG400 WH ARGB is a great choice for those who value a quiet computing experience.

Design and Aesthetics

Now, let's talk about looks! The DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is a real looker. The white color scheme is clean and modern, fitting well in most build themes. The ARGB lighting on the fan adds a splash of color and can be customized to match your other components. The cooler itself has a sleek and minimalist design, with the DeepCool logo subtly placed on the top. The overall build quality feels solid and premium, giving you confidence in its durability. If you care about aesthetics, the AG400 WH ARGB is definitely a step up from basic coolers. It adds a touch of style to your build without being too flashy or over-the-top.

ARGB Customization

The ARGB lighting on the AG400 WH ARGB is fully customizable and compatible with most motherboard ARGB control systems, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and Gigabyte RGB Fusion. This means you can easily synchronize the lighting effects with the rest of your components, creating a cohesive and visually appealing build. The fan features multiple LEDs that produce vibrant and smooth color transitions. You can choose from a wide range of colors and effects, from static colors to dynamic patterns. Whether you want a subtle accent or a bold statement, the ARGB lighting on the AG400 WH ARGB can be tailored to your preferences.

Installation Process

Ease of installation is a big factor for many users, and the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB doesn't disappoint. The mounting system is straightforward and user-friendly, with clear instructions included in the box. The cooler supports both Intel and AMD sockets, and the necessary hardware is included. The installation process typically involves attaching a backplate to the motherboard, securing the mounting brackets, and then attaching the cooler itself. The whole process can be completed in about 10-15 minutes, even for beginners. DeepCool has done a good job of making the installation process as painless as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide

For a more detailed guide, here's a step-by-step overview of the installation process:

  1. Prepare the motherboard: Place the appropriate backplate on the back of the motherboard.
  2. Install the mounting brackets: Secure the mounting brackets to the motherboard using the included screws.
  3. Apply thermal paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU.
  4. Attach the cooler: Carefully place the cooler on top of the CPU and secure it to the mounting brackets.
  5. Connect the fan: Connect the fan to the CPU fan header on the motherboard and the ARGB connector to the ARGB header.
  6. Verify the installation: Double-check that everything is securely installed and that the fan is spinning freely.

With these steps, you'll have your AG400 WH ARGB installed and ready to go in no time!

Pros and Cons

To sum it all up, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for the price
  • Quiet operation
  • Attractive design with customizable ARGB lighting
  • Easy installation
  • Good compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets

Cons:

  • Not the best choice for extreme overclocking
  • ARGB lighting may not appeal to everyone

Final Verdict

So, is the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB worth it? Absolutely! It offers a great balance of performance, noise, aesthetics, and ease of installation. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a stock cooler or build a new system with a focus on value and appearance. While it might 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. The ARGB lighting adds a touch of style to your build, and the quiet operation ensures a pleasant computing experience. Overall, the AG400 WH ARGB is a solid cooler that delivers on its promises.

Who Should Buy This Cooler?

The DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is perfect for:

  • Gamers looking for a cooler that can handle their favorite games without overheating
  • Content creators who need a reliable cooler for their CPU-intensive tasks
  • Anyone who wants to add a touch of style to their PC build with ARGB lighting
  • Users who value a quiet computing experience
  • Those on a budget who want a high-quality cooler without breaking the bank

If you fall into any of these categories, the AG400 WH ARGB is definitely worth considering. It's a fantastic cooler that offers great value for the price.