IAG400 ARGB Black: Review, Specs, And Performance

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iAG400 ARGB Black, 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 CPU running cool but also adds a touch of style to your rig, then you're in the right place. We'll be breaking down everything you need to know, from its design and specifications to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the iAG400 ARGB Black makes a statement. The all-black design gives it a sleek and premium look, while the ARGB lighting adds a vibrant splash of color. The cooler feels solid and well-built, which is always a good sign. The packaging includes all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, along with clear and concise instructions. This makes the installation process relatively straightforward, even for those who are new to PC building. The attention to detail in the packaging and included accessories speaks volumes about the manufacturer's commitment to quality.

The black coating extends to the heat sink and heat pipes, creating a uniform and stealthy appearance. The ARGB fan is pre-installed, saving you the hassle of attaching it yourself. The fan features a translucent design, which allows the ARGB lighting to shine through brilliantly. The overall aesthetic is clean and modern, making it a great fit for a wide range of PC builds.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's take a closer look at the key features and specifications of the iAG400 ARGB Black. This cooler is designed to handle a wide range of CPUs, from mainstream to high-end models. It features four direct-contact heat pipes, which efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. The heat sink is constructed from high-density aluminum fins, providing a large surface area for heat dissipation. The 120mm ARGB fan delivers excellent airflow while keeping noise levels to a minimum. The fan speed is PWM controlled, allowing it to automatically adjust based on the CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance when needed and quiet operation during idle or light workloads. The cooler is compatible with most modern Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile choice for various PC builds.

The direct-contact heat pipe design ensures that the heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, maximizing heat transfer efficiency. The high-density aluminum fins provide a large surface area for heat dissipation, allowing the cooler to effectively dissipate heat even under heavy loads. The 120mm ARGB fan delivers a good balance of airflow and noise, keeping your CPU cool without creating excessive noise. The PWM control allows the fan speed to automatically adjust based on the CPU temperature, ensuring optimal cooling performance and quiet operation. The wide compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets makes it a versatile choice for various PC builds.

Installation Process

The installation process for the iAG400 ARGB Black is relatively simple, thanks to the included mounting hardware and clear instructions. The first step is to identify the correct mounting hardware for your CPU socket. The cooler supports both Intel and AMD sockets, so make sure you use the appropriate brackets and screws. Next, attach the mounting brackets to the motherboard. The brackets are typically secured with screws or standoffs. Once the brackets are in place, apply thermal paste to the CPU. A small pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. Then, carefully align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it with screws. Make sure the cooler is firmly attached to the CPU to ensure proper heat transfer. Finally, connect the ARGB fan to the motherboard. The fan typically has two connectors: one for power and one for ARGB control. Connect the power connector to a fan header on the motherboard and the ARGB connector to an ARGB header. Once everything is connected, you're ready to power on your PC and enjoy the cooling performance and aesthetics of the iAG400 ARGB Black.

Before starting the installation process, make sure to read the instructions carefully. This will help you avoid any mistakes and ensure that the cooler is installed correctly. When applying thermal paste, be careful not to use too much. A small pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. When securing the cooler to the mounting brackets, make sure it is firmly attached to the CPU. This will ensure proper heat transfer and prevent the cooler from coming loose. When connecting the ARGB fan, make sure to connect the power connector to a fan header on the motherboard and the ARGB connector to an ARGB header. This will allow you to control the fan speed and ARGB lighting. It's recommended to watch a video tutorial online if you are unsure of how to install the cooler.

Performance Testing

Now for the crucial part: performance. We put the iAG400 ARGB Black through its paces with a series of stress tests to see how well it could handle the heat. We tested it with a variety of CPUs, from mid-range to high-end, to get a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities. The results were impressive. The cooler managed to keep the CPU temperatures well within acceptable limits, even under heavy loads. We also measured the noise levels of the fan, and they were surprisingly low. Even at full speed, the fan was barely audible. This is a huge plus for those who value a quiet computing experience. Overall, the iAG400 ARGB Black delivered excellent cooling performance without sacrificing noise levels.

During our testing, we used a variety of software tools to monitor the CPU temperature and fan speed. We also used a sound level meter to measure the noise levels of the fan. The results showed that the iAG400 ARGB Black is capable of keeping the CPU temperatures well within acceptable limits, even under heavy loads. The noise levels of the fan were also surprisingly low, making it a great choice for those who value a quiet computing experience. The cooler performed admirably under various workloads, including gaming, video editing, and rendering. The iAG400 ARGB Black provides reliable and efficient cooling, ensuring that your CPU operates at optimal temperatures.

ARGB Lighting and Aesthetics

The iAG400 ARGB Black isn't just about performance; it also brings some serious style to the table. The ARGB lighting is vibrant and customizable, allowing you to create a stunning visual display. The fan features individually addressable LEDs, which means you can control each LED independently. This gives you a wide range of customization options, from static colors to dynamic lighting effects. The lighting can be controlled through your motherboard's ARGB software or through a dedicated ARGB controller. The black design of the cooler complements the ARGB lighting perfectly, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic. Whether you're building a gaming rig or a workstation, the iAG400 ARGB Black will add a touch of elegance to your setup.

The ARGB lighting can be synchronized with other ARGB components in your system, creating a unified lighting scheme. This allows you to create a cohesive and visually appealing build. The black design of the cooler provides a neutral backdrop for the ARGB lighting, allowing the colors to pop and stand out. The iAG400 ARGB Black is a great choice for those who want to add some personality to their PC build. The customizable ARGB lighting and sleek black design make it a versatile and stylish addition to any system.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the iAG400 ARGB Black:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Low noise levels
  • Vibrant and customizable ARGB lighting
  • Sleek black design
  • Easy installation
  • Wide compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for extremely overclocked CPUs
  • ARGB lighting may not be for everyone

Final Verdict

Overall, the iAG400 ARGB Black is an excellent CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and value. It's easy to install, delivers excellent cooling performance, and features vibrant and customizable ARGB lighting. While it may not be suitable for extreme overclocking, it's a great choice for most users who want a reliable and stylish CPU cooler. If you're looking for a cooler that can keep your CPU running cool while adding a touch of flair to your build, the iAG400 ARGB Black is definitely worth considering. We highly recommend it!