DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB: CPU Cooler Review

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DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB: Keeping Your CPU Cool in Style

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC building community. If you're looking for a cooler that not only keeps your processor running smoothly but also adds a touch of visual flair to your rig, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything from its design and performance to its ease of installation and overall value. So, let's get started!

What is the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB?

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is a CPU air cooler designed to efficiently dissipate heat from your processor while adding a vibrant splash of color with its ARGB lighting. It's part of DeepCool's lineup of cooling solutions, known for balancing performance, aesthetics, and affordability. This particular model, the Digital Plus version, takes it a step further by incorporating a digital display that shows real-time CPU temperature and utilization, giving you a quick and easy way to monitor your system's performance.

Key Features at a Glance

  • High Cooling Performance: Equipped with four direct-touch copper heat pipes and a dense aluminum fin stack, the AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is designed to handle the thermal demands of modern CPUs.
  • Digital Display: A small screen on the top of the cooler displays CPU temperature and utilization, providing valuable information at a glance.
  • ARGB Lighting: The included 120mm ARGB fan and the DeepCool logo on the top of the cooler are illuminated with addressable RGB lighting, allowing for extensive customization.
  • Universal Socket Compatibility: The cooler supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it compatible with most modern CPUs.
  • Quiet Operation: The 120mm fan is designed for quiet operation, ensuring that your system remains relatively silent even under heavy load.

Design and Build Quality

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB boasts a sleek and modern design that will look great in any build. The blacked-out cooler with the illuminated DeepCool logo and ARGB fan creates a visually appealing aesthetic. The build quality feels solid, with a sturdy aluminum fin stack and well-finished copper heat pipes. The digital display is clear and easy to read, adding a touch of sophistication to the cooler.

A Closer Look at the Components

  • Heatsink: The heatsink features a dense array of aluminum fins that maximize surface area for heat dissipation. The fins are carefully arranged to optimize airflow and ensure efficient cooling.
  • Heat Pipes: Four direct-touch copper heat pipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU to the heatsink. Direct-touch technology ensures that the heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, improving thermal transfer.
  • Fan: The included 120mm ARGB fan provides ample airflow while remaining relatively quiet. The fan features a fluid dynamic bearing for smooth and reliable operation.
  • Digital Display: The digital display shows real-time CPU temperature and utilization, giving you valuable information at a glance. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to read even in brightly lit environments.
  • ARGB Lighting: The ARGB lighting is vibrant and customizable, allowing you to create stunning lighting effects that match your system's theme. The lighting can be controlled using motherboard software or the included remote.

Installation Process

Installing the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly mounting system. The cooler comes with all the necessary hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and the included instructions are clear and easy to follow. Even if you're a first-time builder, you shouldn't have any trouble getting this cooler installed.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket, install the appropriate mounting brackets onto the motherboard.
  2. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. This will ensure good contact between the CPU and the cooler.
  3. Mount the Cooler: Carefully align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it in place. Make sure the cooler is firmly attached to the CPU.
  4. Connect the Fan and ARGB Cables: Connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. Connect the ARGB cable to an ARGB header on your motherboard or to the included ARGB controller.
  5. Power On Your System: Power on your system and check that the cooler is functioning properly. Monitor the CPU temperature to ensure that the cooler is effectively dissipating heat.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB doesn't disappoint. It's capable of keeping most mainstream CPUs running at comfortable temperatures, even under heavy loads. While it may not be the best choice for overclocking high-end processors, it's more than adequate for most users.

Temperature Testing

We put the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB through its paces with a series of stress tests to evaluate its cooling performance. Here are the results:

  • Idle Temperature: At idle, the CPU temperature hovered around 30-35°C.
  • Gaming Temperature: During gaming, the CPU temperature stayed in the range of 60-70°C.
  • Stress Test Temperature: Under a heavy stress test, the CPU temperature reached a maximum of 80-85°C. While this is still within the safe operating range for most CPUs, it's worth noting that more demanding processors may require a more robust cooling solution.

ARGB Lighting and Digital Display

The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is a standout feature. The fan and the DeepCool logo on the top of the cooler are illuminated with vibrant, customizable lighting that can be synced with the rest of your system using motherboard software or the included remote. The digital display is another great addition, providing real-time information about your CPU temperature and utilization.

Customization Options

  • ARGB Lighting: The ARGB lighting can be customized using motherboard software such as ASUS Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome Sync. You can choose from a wide range of colors and effects to create a lighting scheme that matches your system's theme.
  • Digital Display: The digital display can be configured to show CPU temperature, CPU utilization, or both. You can also adjust the brightness of the display to suit your preferences.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many PC builders, and the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise. The 120mm fan is designed for quiet operation, and it remains relatively silent even under heavy load. While it's not completely silent, it's quiet enough that it shouldn't be distracting.

Fan Noise Testing

We measured the noise levels of the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB using a sound level meter. Here are the results:

  • Idle Noise: At idle, the fan noise was barely audible.
  • Gaming Noise: During gaming, the fan noise was noticeable but not distracting.
  • Stress Test Noise: Under a heavy stress test, the fan noise was more pronounced but still within acceptable levels.

Value for Money

In terms of value for money, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is an excellent choice. It offers a great combination of cooling performance, aesthetics, and features at an affordable price. If you're looking for a CPU cooler that won't break the bank but still delivers solid performance and looks great, this is definitely worth considering.

Pricing and Availability

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is widely available at online retailers such as Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. The price typically ranges from $30 to $40, making it a very affordable option.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB:

Pros

  • Excellent cooling performance for the price
  • Attractive ARGB lighting
  • Digital display for real-time monitoring
  • Easy installation
  • Quiet operation
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • May not be suitable for overclocking high-end processors
  • ARGB lighting may not be compatible with all motherboards

Final Verdict

Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is a fantastic CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and value. It's easy to install, keeps your CPU running cool, and adds a touch of visual flair to your system with its ARGB lighting and digital display. If you're looking for an affordable and effective CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is definitely worth considering. So, there you have it, folks! Hope this review was helpful in guiding your decision. Happy building!