DeepCool AG400 ARGB Review: Is This Cooler Worth It?
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 ARGB, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the budget-friendly market. We're going to dissect everything from its performance and aesthetics to its installation process and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!
What is DeepCool AG400 ARGB?
Before we get too far, let's clarify exactly what the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is. Essentially, it's an air cooler designed to keep your CPU running cool and efficiently. The 'ARGB' part signifies that it features addressable RGB lighting, meaning you can customize the colors and effects to match your gaming rig's aesthetic. This cooler is designed to strike a balance between affordability and performance, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and PC builders. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB is a single-tower cooler, making it compatible with a wide range of systems due to its relatively compact size. It utilizes a 120mm fan to dissipate heat from the heatsink, ensuring that your CPU stays within safe temperature limits even during demanding tasks.
DeepCool, the manufacturer of the AG400 ARGB, has a strong reputation for creating reliable and affordable cooling solutions. They have a wide range of products, from air coolers like this one to liquid coolers and other PC components. DeepCool aims to provide excellent value to its customers without compromising on quality, and the AG400 ARGB is a perfect example of this philosophy. With its attractive design, efficient cooling performance, and customizable RGB lighting, the AG400 ARGB is an excellent option for users looking to upgrade their cooling solution without breaking the bank. The cooler is designed to be easy to install and compatible with most modern CPU sockets, making it a hassle-free upgrade for both new and experienced PC builders. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is a versatile and cost-effective cooling solution that offers a great combination of performance, aesthetics, and ease of use.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Okay, so the box arrived, and it's pretty standard stuff. Inside, you'll find the AG400 ARGB cooler itself, the 120mm ARGB fan, mounting brackets for both Intel and AMD platforms, screws, and thermal paste. DeepCool usually includes a fairly detailed manual, which is great for those who aren't seasoned PC builders. My first impression? It looks pretty sleek! The black heatsink with the ARGB fan gives it a modern, clean aesthetic that should fit well in most builds. The build quality seems solid for the price point, no flimsy fins or anything like that. The heatsink feels robust, and the fan looks like it's made from decent quality plastic. Nothing screams 'cheap' right off the bat, which is always a good sign.
When you first take the AG400 ARGB out of the box, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail. The heatsink has a nice, smooth finish, and the fins are evenly spaced. This is important for efficient heat dissipation. The included 120mm fan is a standard size, making it easy to replace or upgrade if you ever want to. The ARGB lighting is vibrant and evenly distributed, adding a touch of flair to your system. The mounting brackets are clearly labeled and easy to identify, which is a huge plus for installation. The thermal paste provided is a decent quality, but you might consider using your own preferred brand for optimal performance. Overall, the unboxing experience is positive, with everything you need neatly packaged and ready to go. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB makes a strong first impression with its clean design, solid build quality, and attention to detail. It's clear that DeepCool has put a lot of thought into creating a cooler that looks good and performs well, all while remaining affordable.
Installation Process
Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty: installation. This is where things can either go smoothly or become a total headache. Thankfully, DeepCool has made the process relatively straightforward. The included manual provides clear instructions for both Intel and AMD platforms. I tested it on an AMD AM4 socket. First, you need to install the correct mounting brackets onto your motherboard. This involves attaching the backplate (if needed) and securing the brackets with screws. Next, you apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU. Then, you carefully place the AG400 ARGB cooler onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the brackets. Finally, you tighten the screws to secure the cooler in place. One thing to note: make sure you don't overtighten the screws, as this can damage your motherboard or CPU. Overall, the installation process is relatively easy, even for beginners. It took me about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. However, if you're not comfortable working with hardware, you might want to ask a more experienced friend or PC builder for help.
Installing the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. DeepCool has taken steps to ensure that even novice PC builders can install the cooler without too much difficulty. The included mounting hardware is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including the latest Intel and AMD platforms. The installation process is well-documented in the manual, with clear diagrams and step-by-step instructions. One of the key aspects of the installation is the backplate. The backplate provides additional support to the motherboard and ensures that the cooler is mounted securely. Make sure to install the backplate correctly, as it is essential for proper cooling performance. Applying thermal paste correctly is also crucial. Use a small amount of thermal paste and spread it evenly over the CPU. Too much thermal paste can actually decrease cooling performance. The AG400 ARGB comes with pre-applied thermal paste, but you may want to remove it and use your own preferred brand. Tightening the screws evenly is important to ensure that the cooler makes good contact with the CPU. Start by tightening the screws finger-tight, and then use a screwdriver to tighten them further. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage your motherboard or CPU. Once the cooler is installed, connect the fan to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. The ARGB lighting can be connected to an ARGB header on your motherboard or to an ARGB controller. Overall, the installation process is straightforward and easy to follow. With a little patience and attention to detail, you should be able to install the DeepCool AG400 ARGB without any problems.
Cooling Performance
Alright, let's get to the most important part: how well does this thing actually cool? I put the AG400 ARGB through its paces on my test bench, which consists of an AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU. At idle, the temperatures hovered around 35-40°C, which is pretty good. Under load, such as during gaming or running demanding applications, the temperatures peaked at around 70-75°C. This is definitely acceptable and within safe operating limits for the CPU. Compared to the stock cooler, the AG400 ARGB provided a significant improvement in cooling performance. The stock cooler would often reach temperatures of 85°C or higher under load, which can lead to thermal throttling and reduced performance. The AG400 ARGB kept the CPU running cooler and more efficiently, resulting in better overall performance. Of course, cooling performance can vary depending on your specific CPU, ambient temperature, and case airflow. However, in my experience, the AG400 ARGB performed admirably and provided excellent cooling for the price.
To get a more comprehensive understanding of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB's cooling performance, it's important to consider a few different factors. First, the thermal design power (TDP) of your CPU is a key consideration. The AG400 ARGB is rated for CPUs with a TDP of up to 180W, which means it should be able to handle most mainstream CPUs without any issues. However, if you're using a high-end CPU with a higher TDP, you might want to consider a more powerful cooler. Second, the ambient temperature in your room can affect the cooler's performance. If you're running your PC in a hot room, the cooler will have to work harder to keep the CPU cool. Third, the airflow in your case is also important. Make sure you have enough intake and exhaust fans to create good airflow, which will help the cooler dissipate heat more efficiently. In addition to the temperature tests, I also monitored the fan speed of the AG400 ARGB during the stress tests. The fan speed ranged from around 600 RPM at idle to around 1800 RPM under load. The fan noise was relatively quiet, even at higher speeds. Overall, the cooling performance of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is excellent for the price. It provides a significant improvement over stock coolers and is capable of keeping most mainstream CPUs running cool and efficiently.
Noise Levels
Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine, right? Thankfully, the AG400 ARGB is relatively quiet. At idle, the fan is virtually silent. Even under load, the fan noise is noticeable but not overly intrusive. It's definitely quieter than the stock cooler, which tends to get quite loud when the CPU is under stress. If you're a hardcore gamer or someone who works in a noise-sensitive environment, you might want to consider a more premium cooler with even lower noise levels. However, for most users, the AG400 ARGB should be perfectly acceptable in terms of noise. You can also adjust the fan speed in your BIOS or using fan control software to further reduce noise levels if needed.
The noise levels of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB are an important factor to consider, especially if you value a quiet computing environment. DeepCool has designed the cooler to minimize noise while still providing excellent cooling performance. The 120mm fan is optimized for quiet operation, with specially designed blades that reduce turbulence and noise. The fan also features a hydrodynamic bearing, which is known for its smooth and quiet operation. In addition to the fan design, the heatsink also plays a role in noise reduction. The heatsink is designed to dissipate heat efficiently, which means the fan doesn't have to spin as fast to keep the CPU cool. This helps to reduce noise levels. During my testing, I found that the AG400 ARGB was indeed very quiet at idle. The fan was barely audible, even when I put my ear close to the case. Under load, the fan noise increased, but it was still relatively quiet compared to other coolers I've tested. The noise was a low hum rather than a high-pitched whine, which is less annoying. Overall, the noise levels of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB are excellent. It's a great choice for users who want a quiet cooler that still provides excellent cooling performance. You can also use fan control software to customize the fan speed and further reduce noise levels if needed. Many motherboards have built-in fan control features that allow you to adjust the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This can help to keep the noise levels down while still providing adequate cooling.
ARGB Lighting
Let's talk about the bling! The AG400 ARGB features addressable RGB lighting on the fan. This means you can customize the colors and effects to match your personal preferences. The lighting is compatible with most major motherboard RGB software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome Sync. This allows you to synchronize the lighting with your other RGB components for a unified look. The lighting effects are vibrant and smooth, adding a touch of flair to your system. If you're not a fan of RGB lighting, you can simply turn it off. However, if you're looking to add some visual appeal to your PC, the AG400 ARGB is a great option.
The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is one of its standout features. The addressable RGB lighting allows you to customize the colors and effects to match your personal preferences. The lighting is compatible with most major motherboard RGB software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome Sync. This allows you to synchronize the lighting with your other RGB components for a unified look. The lighting effects are vibrant and smooth, adding a touch of flair to your system. The fan has multiple addressable RGB LEDs, which create a stunning visual effect. You can choose from a wide range of colors and effects, including static colors, breathing effects, color cycling, and more. The lighting can be controlled using your motherboard's RGB software or an ARGB controller. If you don't have an ARGB header on your motherboard, you can use an ARGB controller to control the lighting. The ARGB lighting on the AG400 ARGB is a great way to add some personality to your PC. It's a simple and effective way to make your system stand out. If you're not a fan of RGB lighting, you can simply turn it off. The cooler will still function perfectly without the lighting. However, if you're looking to add some visual appeal to your PC, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is a great option.
Value for Money
So, is the DeepCool AG400 ARGB worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely! For the price, you're getting a cooler that performs well, looks good, and is relatively easy to install. It's a significant upgrade over the stock cooler and will help keep your CPU running cooler and more efficiently. The ARGB lighting is a nice bonus, especially if you're into aesthetics. Of course, there are more powerful coolers out there, but they come at a higher price. The AG400 ARGB strikes a great balance between performance, features, and affordability, making it an excellent value for money. If you're on a budget and looking for a reliable and attractive CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is definitely worth considering.
When evaluating the value for money of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB, it's important to consider its competitors in the market. There are many other CPU coolers available at similar price points, but the AG400 ARGB stands out for its combination of performance, features, and aesthetics. One of its main competitors is the Cooler Master Hyper 212, which is another popular budget-friendly cooler. The Hyper 212 offers similar cooling performance, but it doesn't have ARGB lighting. Another competitor is the be quiet! Pure Rock 2, which is known for its quiet operation. However, the Pure Rock 2 is slightly more expensive than the AG400 ARGB. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB offers excellent value for money. It provides a great balance of performance, features, and affordability. It's a significant upgrade over stock coolers and is capable of keeping most mainstream CPUs running cool and efficiently. The ARGB lighting is a nice bonus, especially if you're into aesthetics. If you're on a budget and looking for a reliable and attractive CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for gamers, PC enthusiasts, and anyone looking to improve the cooling performance of their PC.
Final Verdict
The DeepCool AG400 ARGB is a solid CPU cooler that offers excellent performance, attractive aesthetics, and great value for money. It's easy to install, relatively quiet, and provides a significant improvement over stock coolers. The ARGB lighting is a nice touch, and the cooler is compatible with most major motherboard RGB software. If you're on a budget and looking for a reliable and attractive CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for gamers, PC enthusiasts, and anyone looking to improve the cooling performance of their PC. So, there you have it, my in-depth review of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB. I hope this has helped you make an informed decision. Happy building, folks!
