DeepCool AG400 ARGB White: A CPU Cooler Review

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool Gammaxx AG400 ARGB CPU Cooler White. This cooler has been making waves in the PC building community, and for good reason. It offers a fantastic blend of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. I'll be breaking down everything you need to know about this cooler, from its design and features to its real-world performance, so you can decide if it's the right fit for your rig. We will discuss everything about its specifications, installation process and also its pros and cons. Let's get started!

Unboxing and Design of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White

First impressions matter, right? The DeepCool AG400 ARGB White comes in a sleek, clean box that immediately gives you a sense of what's inside. The white color scheme is the star of the show. It's a clean, modern look that's perfect for anyone building a white-themed PC or just wants a cooler that stands out from the usual black. The cooler itself boasts a tower design, which is pretty standard for a cooler of this type. It's got a single fan, which is usually a good balance between cooling power and noise levels. The fan is the real eye-catcher. It's an ARGB fan, meaning it has addressable RGB LEDs. These let you customize the lighting to match your build's theme. The heat sink fins are also designed to maximize heat dissipation. We are talking about the key components of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB, which is the heat sink, fan, and mounting hardware. The heat sink is made of aluminum, which is a good conductor of heat. It is designed with a unique fin structure to maximize surface area and improve heat transfer. This design allows for efficient cooling, even under heavy loads. The fan is a 120mm ARGB fan that provides excellent airflow while keeping noise levels low. The fan also has PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, allowing the fan speed to adjust based on the CPU temperature, which helps to further reduce noise and improve cooling efficiency. The mounting hardware is designed to be compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets. It is easy to install and provides a secure fit. The cooler's overall build quality feels solid, and the white finish is smooth and premium-looking. The ARGB lighting is also a nice touch, giving you plenty of customization options. Overall, the design of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White is a win. It looks great, it's well-built, and it has all the features you'd expect from a modern CPU cooler.

Specifications

To give you a better idea, here’s a quick rundown of the specifications:

  • Dimensions: 125 x 92 x 150 mm (L×W×H)
  • Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM
  • Airflow: 66.17 CFM
  • Noise Level: ≤31.6 dB(A)
  • TDP: 220W
  • Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155; AMD: AM5/AM4

These specs paint a pretty clear picture: The DeepCool AG400 ARGB White is designed for a wide range of CPUs, including some of the more powerful ones. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating of 220W means it can handle a lot of heat, so it should be suitable for most mainstream CPUs. The fan speed and airflow numbers are also good, suggesting that it can provide effective cooling while keeping noise levels reasonable. The wide socket compatibility is a huge plus, as it means you can likely use this cooler with your current or future build.

Installation Process

Installing a CPU cooler can sometimes be a pain, but DeepCool has done a great job of making the installation of the AG400 ARGB White as easy as possible. The included manual is clear and easy to follow. The mounting hardware is also well-designed and straightforward to use. Let's break down the general process:

  1. Preparation: First, you'll need to remove your old cooler (if you have one) and clean off the old thermal paste from your CPU. Make sure your motherboard is ready for the new cooler. This means ensuring the CPU socket is clear and that you have access to the mounting points. The DeepCool AG400 ARGB White comes with its own thermal paste pre-applied, which is a nice convenience. If you are not familiar with the thermal paste application process, make sure to watch some videos or read the guides. Applying too much or too little can impact your CPU's cooling performance. And of course, always turn off and unplug your computer before starting any hardware installation.
  2. Mounting the Brackets: Depending on your CPU, you'll need to attach the appropriate mounting brackets to your motherboard. The manual will guide you through this step. DeepCool provides different brackets for Intel and AMD sockets, so make sure you use the correct ones.
  3. Installing the Cooler: Carefully position the cooler over your CPU. Align the mounting holes on the cooler with the mounting points on the brackets. Use the screws provided to secure the cooler to the brackets. Make sure to tighten the screws evenly to ensure proper contact between the cooler and your CPU. Don't overtighten the screws, as this could damage your motherboard or CPU.
  4. Connecting the Fan: Once the cooler is mounted, connect the fan's power cable to your motherboard. It's usually a 4-pin PWM connector, which will allow your motherboard to control the fan speed. Also, connect the ARGB cable to your motherboard's ARGB header if you want to control the lighting. This will enable you to sync the cooler's lighting with your other components. The ARGB cable is usually a 3-pin connector. Check your motherboard manual to find the right header. Keep in mind that a good cable management is necessary for a clean setup.
  5. Testing: After everything is connected, it's time to test. Power on your computer and check if the fan is spinning. Monitor your CPU temperature to make sure the cooler is working correctly. You can use software like CPU-Z or HWMonitor to monitor your CPU temperature. The temperature should be within an acceptable range, which depends on your CPU model, but generally, under 70°C under load is a good target. Also, check the noise levels of the cooler under different loads.

The entire installation process shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes, even if you're a beginner. Just take your time, follow the instructions, and double-check everything.

Performance and Cooling Capabilities

So, does the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White actually keep your CPU cool? The short answer is yes. It performs admirably for its price point. It can handle CPUs with a TDP of up to 220W. Under load, the CPU temperatures with this cooler are usually very reasonable. Of course, the exact temperatures you'll see will depend on your CPU, your case's airflow, and the ambient temperature. In most scenarios, you can expect to see temperatures that are well within safe limits, even during gaming or other demanding tasks. The fan is generally pretty quiet, especially at lower speeds. At higher speeds, you might hear some noise, but it's usually not too distracting. Overall, the AG400 ARGB White offers a great balance of cooling performance and noise levels. The fan's PWM control helps to keep the noise down when you don't need maximum cooling.

Testing Results

Here are some typical temperature results you might expect to see, but please note that the results can vary depending on the setup and environment:

  • Idle: CPU temperatures typically range from 30°C to 40°C.
  • Gaming: Temperatures usually stay in the 50°C to 65°C range.
  • Stress Testing: Under heavy load, temperatures might reach 70°C or slightly higher, depending on the CPU.

These results are impressive, especially considering the price of this cooler. The AG400 ARGB White is a great choice if you're looking for a CPU cooler that can provide excellent cooling performance without breaking the bank. The PWM fan control ensures that the cooler can adapt to the CPU's load, offering an ideal balance between noise and performance. The cooling performance of the AG400 ARGB White makes it a great choice for both gamers and anyone looking to build a reliable and efficient PC.

ARGB Lighting and Customization Options

Let's talk about the flash! The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White is one of its most appealing features. The fan has addressable RGB LEDs that provide vibrant and customizable lighting effects. You can sync the lighting with your motherboard or other ARGB components, creating a cohesive and visually stunning aesthetic. The fan supports various lighting effects, like rainbow, breathing, and static colors. You can control the lighting using your motherboard's software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, or ASRock Polychrome Sync. This allows you to easily customize the lighting to match your build's theme or your personal preferences. The ARGB lighting is not just about aesthetics; it also adds a touch of personalization to your build. The customization options are pretty extensive, allowing you to create unique lighting effects. The lighting is bright and even, adding a premium feel to the cooler. Overall, the ARGB lighting is a fantastic addition, making the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White a great choice for those who want to add some flair to their PC.

Pros and Cons

To give you a better overview, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White:

Pros:

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPUs cool, even under heavy loads.
  • Attractive Design: Clean white color scheme and ARGB lighting look great.
  • Easy Installation: Simple and user-friendly installation process.
  • Quiet Operation: Fan is generally quiet, especially at lower speeds.
  • Affordable Price: Offers great value for the performance.
  • Wide Compatibility: Supports many CPU sockets.

Cons:

  • Single Fan: Might not be the best choice for extremely high-end CPUs that generate a lot of heat.
  • ARGB Control: Requires an ARGB header on your motherboard for full lighting control.

Conclusion: Is the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White Worth It?

So, is the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White worth buying? In my opinion, absolutely! The DeepCool AG400 ARGB White is an excellent CPU cooler that delivers a lot of value for its price. It offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. The cooling performance is excellent, the design is stylish, and the installation is easy. The ARGB lighting is a great bonus, allowing you to customize your build's look. It is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable and visually appealing CPU cooler. If you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing one, the DeepCool AG400 ARGB White is definitely worth considering. It's a solid performer that won't disappoint. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or just a casual user, this cooler will keep your CPU running cool and looking good!