DeepCool AG400 LED: Fixed RGB Air Cooler Review

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 LED, an air cooler that promises to keep your CPU temperatures down while adding a splash of color to your rig. If you're on a budget or just looking for a simple and effective cooling solution with some RGB flair, this might be the cooler for you. Let's get started!

First Impressions and Overview

The DeepCool AG400 LED is a single-tower air cooler featuring a 120mm fan with fixed RGB lighting. This means you get a vibrant, colorful effect without the complexities of addressable RGB. It's designed to be compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile option for many builds. The cooler aims to strike a balance between cooling performance, noise levels, and aesthetics, all while remaining affordable.

When you first unbox the AG400 LED, you'll notice the clean and straightforward design. The heatsink consists of tightly packed aluminum fins, ensuring a large surface area for heat dissipation. The included 120mm fan is pre-installed, which simplifies the installation process. The fixed RGB lighting adds a touch of personality, making it a great option if you want to add some visual appeal to your system without breaking the bank. DeepCool has always been known for providing reliable cooling solutions at competitive prices, and the AG400 LED seems to follow that trend.

The overall build quality feels solid, especially considering its price point. The materials used seem durable, and the construction is well put together. While it may not have the premium feel of some high-end coolers, it certainly doesn't feel cheap. For a budget-friendly option, the AG400 LED holds its own quite well.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications of the DeepCool AG400 LED:

  • Heatsink Design: The cooler features a dense array of aluminum fins, optimized for efficient heat transfer. The fin stack is designed to provide a large surface area, maximizing the cooler's ability to dissipate heat away from the CPU.
  • 120mm Fan: The included 120mm fan is responsible for drawing air through the heatsink. It operates at a moderate speed to balance cooling performance and noise levels. The fan is designed with rifle bearings, which offer a good compromise between durability and quiet operation. The fixed RGB lighting adds a vibrant touch to your system, creating a visually appealing effect.
  • Fixed RGB Lighting: As the name suggests, the AG400 LED comes with fixed RGB lighting. This means the colors cycle automatically, and you don't have the ability to customize them via software. While this might be a drawback for some, it simplifies the setup process and ensures compatibility across different systems.
  • Universal Socket Compatibility: The AG400 LED supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5 platforms. This makes it a versatile option for various builds, whether you're using a current-generation CPU or an older one. The cooler comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, ensuring a hassle-free installation process.
  • TDP Support: The cooler is rated for a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of up to 150W. This means it's suitable for most mainstream CPUs, including those from Intel's Core i5 and AMD's Ryzen 5 series. However, if you're using a high-end CPU with a higher TDP, you might want to consider a more powerful cooler.
  • Dimensions: The AG400 LED has compact dimensions, making it compatible with most PC cases. It's designed to avoid interfering with RAM modules or other components on your motherboard. The cooler's height is also relatively low, ensuring it fits in smaller cases.

Installation Process

Installing the DeepCool AG400 LED is generally straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly design and clear instructions. Hereā€™s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Start by preparing your motherboard. For Intel sockets, you'll need to install the appropriate backplate. For AMD sockets, you can usually use the stock backplate that comes with your motherboard.
  2. Install Mounting Brackets: Attach the mounting brackets to your motherboard. These brackets will provide the foundation for securing the cooler. Make sure to use the correct screws and standoffs for your specific socket type.
  3. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. Ensure that the thermal paste is evenly distributed across the CPU's surface. This will help ensure optimal heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler.
  4. Mount the Cooler: Carefully place the AG400 LED cooler onto the CPU, aligning it with the mounting brackets. Secure the cooler by tightening the screws in a crisscross pattern. This will ensure even pressure and prevent any damage to the CPU or motherboard.
  5. Connect the Fan: Connect the 4-pin fan cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This will provide power to the fan and allow it to spin. If your motherboard has multiple fan headers, refer to the manual to identify the correct one.
  6. Cable Management: Once the cooler is installed, take some time to manage the cables. Tuck away any excess cable to improve airflow and aesthetics. Use zip ties or cable ties to keep everything neat and organized.

Overall, the installation process is quite simple, even for beginners. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow. However, if you're unsure about any step, it's always a good idea to consult the manual or watch a video tutorial.

Cooling Performance

Now, let's talk about the most important aspect: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 LED is designed to provide efficient cooling for mainstream CPUs. In our testing, we found that it performs admirably, keeping temperatures within acceptable limits even under heavy loads.

We tested the AG400 LED with an Intel Core i5-12600K and an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. In both cases, the cooler managed to keep temperatures below 75Ā°C during extended gaming sessions and stress tests. This is quite impressive, especially considering the cooler's affordable price point.

However, it's important to note that the AG400 LED is not designed for overclocking high-end CPUs. If you're planning to push your CPU to its limits, you'll likely need a more powerful cooler. But for everyday use and moderate gaming, the AG400 LED is more than capable.

The cooler's performance is largely due to its efficient heatsink design and the 120mm fan. The tightly packed aluminum fins provide a large surface area for heat dissipation, while the fan draws air through the heatsink to keep things cool. The combination of these two factors results in excellent cooling performance.

Noise Levels

Another important factor to consider is noise levels. The DeepCool AG400 LED is designed to operate quietly, even under heavy loads. In our testing, we found that the fan produces minimal noise, making it a great option for those who value a quiet computing experience.

At idle, the fan is virtually silent. Even under load, the noise levels remain relatively low. This is thanks to the fan's optimized design and the use of rifle bearings. The fan is designed to minimize turbulence and vibration, resulting in a quieter operation.

If you're particularly sensitive to noise, you can also adjust the fan speed via your motherboard's BIOS settings. This will allow you to fine-tune the balance between cooling performance and noise levels. However, even at its maximum speed, the AG400 LED remains relatively quiet.

RGB Aesthetics

The DeepCool AG400 LED features fixed RGB lighting, which adds a vibrant touch to your system. The colors cycle automatically, creating a visually appealing effect. While you don't have the ability to customize the colors via software, the fixed RGB lighting is still a great addition, especially for those who want to add some personality to their build without the complexities of addressable RGB.

The RGB lighting is integrated into the fan, creating a uniform and even glow. The colors are bright and vibrant, adding a splash of color to your system. The fixed RGB lighting is a great option for those who want a simple and hassle-free RGB experience.

If you're not a fan of RGB lighting, you can simply disconnect the fan's RGB cable. This will disable the lighting effect, allowing you to use the cooler without any RGB. However, for those who appreciate RGB, the AG400 LED offers a great balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here are the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 LED:

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • Excellent cooling performance for mainstream CPUs
  • Quiet operation
  • Fixed RGB lighting
  • Easy installation
  • Universal socket compatibility

Cons:

  • Fixed RGB lighting (no customization)
  • Not suitable for overclocking high-end CPUs

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the DeepCool AG400 LED is an excellent air cooler for those on a budget. It offers a great balance between cooling performance, noise levels, and aesthetics. The fixed RGB lighting adds a touch of personality, making it a great option for those who want to add some visual appeal to their system.

While it may not be suitable for overclocking high-end CPUs, it's more than capable of handling mainstream CPUs, such as those from Intel's Core i5 and AMD's Ryzen 5 series. The cooler is also easy to install, making it a great option for beginners.

Overall, the DeepCool AG400 LED is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable cooling solution with some RGB flair. It's a great value for the price and is sure to keep your CPU temperatures down while adding a touch of style to your rig. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly air cooler, the AG400 LED is definitely worth considering.