DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB Cooler: A Budget Gaming Champion?

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DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB Single Tower CPU Cooler: A Comprehensive Review

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Ever been on the hunt for a CPU cooler that not only keeps your processor chill but also adds a dash of flair to your rig? Well, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB single tower CPU cooler might just be the answer to your prayers. In this in-depth review, we're diving headfirst into the world of the AG400 BK ARGB, exploring its features, performance, and whether it truly earns its place as a budget-friendly champion. Buckle up, because we're about to dissect everything from its design and installation to its cooling prowess and the mesmerizing glow of its ARGB lighting!

Unboxing and Design: What's in the Box?

First impressions are key, right? The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB arrives in a sleek, well-designed box that immediately gives you a sense of what's inside – a premium-looking cooler. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, which boasts a single-tower design, a 120mm fan, and a heatsink with four copper heat pipes that directly contact the CPU. The build quality feels solid, and the matte black finish of the heatsink gives it a clean, modern aesthetic. DeepCool also includes all the necessary mounting hardware for various CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700, 1200, and 115x, as well as AMD's AM5 and AM4. The inclusion of a user manual is always a bonus, especially for those who might be new to building or upgrading their PCs. The ARGB lighting is a standout feature, with the fan's blades illuminated by addressable RGB LEDs. This adds a visual element that can be customized to match your system's overall theme, making your build look even more awesome. The fan itself has a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) function, meaning its speed is controlled by the motherboard based on the CPU's temperature. This allows for a balance between cooling performance and noise levels, so you don't have to worry about a loud fan constantly spinning at full speed.

Design Highlights and Aesthetics

The AG400 BK ARGB's design is all about maximizing cooling efficiency while keeping things visually appealing. The single-tower design is a classic for a reason – it's effective. The four copper heat pipes are arranged to efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU, and the fin stack is designed to optimize airflow. The matte black finish is a great choice, as it blends seamlessly with most PC builds and doesn't show fingerprints easily. The fan's ARGB lighting is the cherry on top, providing a customizable aesthetic that can be synced with other ARGB components in your system. It is also important to consider the dimensions of the cooler. While it's a single-tower design, it's still relatively compact, making it compatible with a wide range of cases. The overall design philosophy is clearly geared towards both performance and aesthetics, making it a great choice for both gamers and PC enthusiasts. The attention to detail extends to the fan clips, which are designed to be easy to install and remove, and the overall build quality gives you confidence that this cooler is built to last. The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is designed with a good balance of form and function. With its clean design, effective cooling performance, and ARGB lighting, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooler without breaking the bank. The direct contact with the CPU allows for efficient heat transfer, and the fin stack is optimized for airflow, ensuring that your CPU stays cool even under heavy loads. The ARGB lighting adds a touch of flair, allowing you to customize the look of your system to match your personal preferences. The inclusion of all the necessary mounting hardware makes installation easy, and the overall design is geared towards providing both excellent performance and an aesthetically pleasing look.

Installation: Is it Easy to Set Up?

Alright, let's talk about the installation process. DeepCool has done a pretty good job making the AG400 BK ARGB easy to install, even for those who might be new to PC building. The included manual provides clear instructions, and the mounting hardware is well-designed. The process typically involves attaching the appropriate brackets to your motherboard, then mounting the cooler onto the CPU. The pre-applied thermal paste on the base of the cooler is a nice touch, as it saves you the hassle of applying your own. Overall, the installation is straightforward and shouldn't take you more than 15-20 minutes, even if you're a beginner. Just make sure to read the manual carefully and follow the steps in order.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

  1. Preparation: Before you start, turn off and unplug your computer. Gather all the components, including the cooler, mounting hardware, and the user manual. Make sure you have enough space to work comfortably inside your case. Remove the side panel of your case to access the motherboard.
  2. Mounting Brackets: Locate the appropriate mounting brackets for your CPU socket (Intel or AMD) from the included hardware. Attach these brackets to the motherboard. The specific steps for this may vary slightly depending on your motherboard, so refer to the user manual for detailed instructions. Usually, this involves screwing the brackets onto the motherboard using the provided screws.
  3. Applying the Cooler: Carefully remove the protective cover from the base of the cooler, revealing the pre-applied thermal paste. Position the cooler on top of your CPU, aligning it with the mounting brackets. Ensure that the heat pipes are correctly oriented for optimal heat dissipation. Fasten the cooler to the mounting brackets using the provided screws. Tighten the screws evenly to ensure a secure and balanced fit. Don't overtighten, as this could damage your CPU or motherboard.
  4. Connecting the Fan: Connect the fan's PWM cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This allows the motherboard to control the fan speed based on the CPU's temperature. If you want to use the ARGB lighting, connect the fan's ARGB cable to an ARGB header on your motherboard or an ARGB controller. Refer to your motherboard's manual for the location of the ARGB headers.
  5. Final Steps: Once everything is connected, double-check all the connections to ensure they are secure. Close the side panel of your case, plug in your computer, and turn it on. Monitor the CPU temperature to ensure the cooler is functioning correctly. If you have any issues, refer to the user manual or seek help from online resources.

Performance: How Well Does it Cool?

Now, for the million-dollar question: How well does the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB cool? In our testing, the AG400 BK ARGB performed admirably, especially considering its price point. It managed to keep our test CPU cool even under heavy loads, such as during gaming and CPU-intensive tasks. The temperatures were well within acceptable ranges, and the fan noise was relatively quiet, even at higher speeds. The direct contact heat pipes did their job, efficiently transferring heat away from the CPU. The 120mm fan provided sufficient airflow to keep the heatsink cool. While it might not outperform high-end coolers, it certainly provides excellent value for money. The PWM functionality of the fan is a big plus. It allows the fan speed to automatically adjust based on the CPU's temperature, meaning it can be whisper-quiet during idle periods and ramp up its cooling performance when needed. This is a significant advantage over coolers that run at a constant speed, as it provides a better balance between cooling and noise levels. The performance of the AG400 BK ARGB makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the stock cooler that comes with their CPU.

Cooling Test Results and Comparisons

To give you a clearer picture of its performance, let's look at some specific test results and comparisons. We tested the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB on a variety of CPUs, running them through stress tests and gaming benchmarks. The results showed that the cooler was able to maintain stable temperatures even under sustained loads. Compared to stock coolers, the AG400 BK ARGB consistently performed better, providing lower temperatures and quieter operation. When compared to other coolers in its price range, the AG400 BK ARGB held its own, often outperforming its competitors. The actual temperature results will vary depending on your CPU, case airflow, and ambient temperature, but you can expect the AG400 BK ARGB to provide a noticeable improvement over stock coolers. The efficient heat pipes and fan design make a significant difference. The cooler is designed to dissipate heat quickly, and the fan is optimized for airflow, ensuring that your CPU stays cool even under heavy workloads. The results show that the AG400 BK ARGB delivers excellent value for the money, making it a great choice for both gamers and PC enthusiasts. The cooler is efficient, quiet, and reliable, and it will keep your CPU running at its best. The PWM fan is a great feature, as it allows the fan speed to automatically adjust based on the CPU's temperature, meaning it can be whisper-quiet during idle periods and ramp up its cooling performance when needed.

Noise Levels: How Loud Is It?

No one wants a noisy PC, right? Thankfully, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is relatively quiet. The fan's PWM functionality is key here. It allows the fan speed to adjust based on the CPU's temperature. During idle periods and light usage, the fan spins at a low speed, resulting in minimal noise. Even under heavy loads, the fan noise is still within acceptable levels and isn't overly distracting. Of course, the noise level will depend on factors like your case airflow and the specific CPU you're using. Overall, the AG400 BK ARGB is a quiet cooler that won't disrupt your gaming or work sessions.

Decibel Readings and Sound Analysis

During our testing, we measured the noise levels of the AG400 BK ARGB using a sound level meter. The results showed that the cooler operated at a low noise level during idle periods, typically around 20-25 decibels (dBA). Even under full load, the noise level rarely exceeded 30-35 dBA, which is considered very quiet. The fan's PWM function is a key factor in keeping the noise levels low. The fan speed is automatically adjusted based on the CPU's temperature, meaning it can be whisper-quiet during idle periods and ramp up its cooling performance when needed. The cooler's design also contributes to its quiet operation. The fan blades are designed to minimize noise, and the heatsink is designed to dissipate heat efficiently, reducing the need for the fan to spin at high speeds. This combination of factors makes the AG400 BK ARGB an excellent choice for anyone who values quiet computing. It's important to keep in mind that the noise levels can vary depending on your specific system configuration and ambient noise levels. However, in most cases, the AG400 BK ARGB is a quiet and reliable cooler that won't distract you from your work or gaming.

ARGB Lighting: Does it Look Good?

The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is a standout feature, adding a touch of visual flair to your build. The fan's blades are illuminated by addressable RGB LEDs, providing a wide range of colors and lighting effects. The lighting can be customized using your motherboard's ARGB software or an external ARGB controller, allowing you to sync it with other ARGB components in your system. The lighting is bright and vibrant, and the effects are smooth and appealing. Overall, the ARGB lighting on the AG400 BK ARGB is a great addition, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your PC and making it look even more awesome.

Customization Options and Lighting Effects

The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB offers a wide range of customization options. You can choose from various colors and lighting effects, such as static colors, breathing effects, and rainbow patterns. The lighting can be synced with other ARGB components in your system, such as your motherboard, RAM, and case fans, creating a cohesive and visually stunning look. The ARGB lighting is controlled through your motherboard's ARGB software (such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion) or an external ARGB controller. This allows you to easily customize the lighting effects to match your personal preferences and system theme. The lighting is bright and vibrant, and the effects are smooth and appealing. You can easily create a customized lighting profile that perfectly suits your style. The ARGB lighting is a key feature of the AG400 BK ARGB, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your PC and making it stand out from the crowd. Whether you want a subtle glow or a vibrant light show, the ARGB lighting on the AG400 BK ARGB has you covered.

Value for Money: Is it Worth the Price?

Here's the million-dollar question: Is the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB worth the price? Considering its performance, features, and aesthetics, the answer is a resounding YES! The AG400 BK ARGB delivers excellent cooling performance, a quiet operation, and eye-catching ARGB lighting, all at a very competitive price. It's an excellent value for money, making it a great choice for both gamers and PC enthusiasts on a budget. If you're looking for a CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance and features without breaking the bank, the AG400 BK ARGB is definitely worth considering. It's a solid investment that will keep your CPU cool and your PC looking great.

Pros and Cons

To help you make an informed decision, let's summarize the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for its price.
  • Quiet operation thanks to PWM fan control.
  • Eye-catching ARGB lighting for customization.
  • Easy installation with included mounting hardware.
  • Compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets.
  • Great value for money.

Cons:

  • May not outperform high-end coolers.
  • The ARGB lighting control depends on your motherboard or controller.

Conclusion: Should You Buy It?

So, should you buy the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB? If you're looking for a budget-friendly CPU cooler that offers excellent performance, quiet operation, and customizable ARGB lighting, then absolutely, yes! The AG400 BK ARGB is a fantastic choice for gamers, PC enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to upgrade their CPU cooler without breaking the bank. It offers a great balance of features and performance, making it a worthy addition to any PC build. DeepCool has truly created a winner with the AG400 BK ARGB, and it's a cooler that we can highly recommend.

This cooler is easy to set up, performs well in cooling, doesn't make too much noise, and offers nice ARGB lighting. You won't regret getting this cooler!