DeepCool AG400 LED: LGA1700 Support & RGB Cooling

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a review of the DeepCool AG400 LED, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC building world. This cooler is a strong contender in the budget-friendly category, boasting some impressive features for its price point. We'll explore its performance, design, and compatibility, especially concerning the LGA1700 socket, which is a key selling point for those using the latest Intel processors. Plus, we'll check out that sweet fixed RGB lighting – because, let's face it, who doesn't love a bit of flair in their build?

Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the DeepCool AG400 LED

Right off the bat, the DeepCool AG400 LED impresses with its clean and professional packaging. Inside the box, you'll find the cooler itself, a mounting kit compatible with a wide range of sockets (including the LGA1700), a fan, and all the necessary screws and accessories for installation. The included instruction manual is clear and concise, making the installation process relatively straightforward, even for those new to PC building. The cooler's build quality feels solid, with a well-constructed heatsink and a fan that seems durable. The fixed RGB lighting on the top of the cooler adds a touch of visual appeal, and the overall design is sleek and modern. The AG400 LED looks like a premium product without the premium price tag. The heatsink features a tower design with four direct-contact heat pipes, which efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. These heat pipes are in direct contact with the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS), ensuring optimal heat dissipation. The fan itself is a 120mm PWM fan, allowing for adjustable fan speeds to balance cooling performance and noise levels. DeepCool has clearly put thought into the design, aiming to provide both effective cooling and a visually pleasing aesthetic. The attention to detail is evident in the included accessories, such as the thermal paste, which is pre-applied to the cooler, simplifying the installation process. The mounting hardware is also well-designed, ensuring a secure and easy installation on various motherboard types. From the moment you unbox the DeepCool AG400 LED, you get the sense that you're dealing with a quality product that offers excellent value for money. The components feel robust and well-made. The inclusion of the LGA1700 mounting kit is a significant advantage, allowing users of the latest Intel processors to benefit from this cooler's performance and features.

Specifications and Features Breakdown

Let's break down the specs to see what the DeepCool AG400 LED brings to the table. The cooler features four 6mm copper heat pipes that directly contact the CPU, ensuring efficient heat transfer. It supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, and 1155, and AMD's AM5, AM4, and AM3/AM2. The 120mm PWM fan operates at speeds ranging from 500 to 2000 RPM, with an airflow of up to 66.7 CFM and a noise level of up to 31.6 dB(A). The cooler's dimensions are 125 x 92 x 150 mm (L x W x H), making it compatible with most standard ATX cases. The fixed RGB lighting is a nice touch, with a single color option that adds a bit of visual flair to your build. The thermal design power (TDP) rating is 220W, which means the AG400 LED can handle some serious heat, making it suitable for a wide range of CPUs, including those with higher power requirements. The cooler is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to install and reducing the strain on the motherboard. The fan uses hydraulic bearings, which provide a balance between performance and noise reduction. The direct contact heat pipes are a key feature, as they maximize heat transfer efficiency. The cooler's compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms makes it a versatile choice. The PWM fan allows for automatic fan speed adjustments based on CPU temperature, ensuring optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise. The AG400 LED is designed to provide excellent cooling performance at a reasonable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious builders. The included accessories, such as the mounting hardware and the thermal paste, simplify the installation process. With its solid specifications and features, the DeepCool AG400 LED provides great value for the money, making it a smart choice for many PC builds.

Installation Process: Getting the AG400 LED into Your System

Installing the DeepCool AG400 LED is a breeze, especially if you follow the included instructions. First, you'll need to prepare your motherboard. If you're using an Intel system, you'll need to install the backplate and the mounting brackets. The backplate typically goes on the back of the motherboard, while the brackets attach to the front. Make sure to align the backplate correctly with the CPU socket. If you're using an AMD system, the process is slightly different, but the manual provides clear instructions. Next, apply the thermal paste. If your cooler doesn't have pre-applied thermal paste (the AG400 LED does), you'll need to apply a small amount to the top of your CPU. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can negatively impact cooling performance. Once the thermal paste is applied, carefully place the cooler onto the CPU. Align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it with the screws. Tighten the screws evenly, ensuring the cooler is firmly attached to the CPU. Don't overtighten the screws, as this can damage the motherboard. Finally, connect the fan's power cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This will allow the motherboard to control the fan speed and monitor the CPU temperature. Once everything is connected, you can start your system and monitor the CPU temperature to ensure that the cooler is functioning correctly. The installation process is designed to be straightforward, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mounting hardware. The pre-applied thermal paste simplifies the process. The included manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions. Proper installation is crucial for ensuring optimal cooling performance and preventing damage to your CPU. Always double-check all connections to ensure everything is secure. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully.

Step-by-Step Guide for LGA1700 Installation

For those of you rocking an LGA1700 setup (Intel's latest and greatest), here's a more detailed breakdown. First, make sure you have the correct mounting hardware for LGA1700 – the AG400 LED includes it in the box. Remove your old cooler, clean off the old thermal paste from the CPU, and then install the backplate onto the back of your motherboard, aligning it with the holes for the LGA1700 socket. Next, attach the appropriate mounting brackets to the cooler itself. Now, carefully place the cooler on top of your CPU, aligning the mounting brackets with the backplate. Secure the cooler with the provided screws, tightening them evenly and gradually to ensure a snug fit. Make sure the cooler is making proper contact with the CPU. Connect the fan's power cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. The motherboard will then control the fan speed automatically. Fire up your system and check the CPU temperatures to verify that the cooler is doing its job. The LGA1700 installation process is very similar to other Intel sockets, but it is crucial to use the correct mounting hardware. Always handle the CPU with care and avoid touching the pins. Ensure that the cooler is making good contact with the CPU's IHS. Monitor the CPU temperatures after installation to confirm that the cooler is performing well.

Performance and Cooling Capabilities

So, how well does the DeepCool AG400 LED actually cool? The answer is: pretty darn well, especially for its price. In testing, it's consistently able to keep CPUs at reasonable temperatures, even under heavy loads. The four heat pipes and the efficient fan work together to dissipate heat effectively. While it may not outperform high-end coolers, it's more than capable of handling most mainstream CPUs and even some higher-end ones, as long as you're not planning on serious overclocking. The PWM fan allows for a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels. At idle, the fan is quiet, and even under load, the noise is not excessive. The fixed RGB adds a nice touch of visual appeal without being overly distracting. The LGA1700 compatibility ensures that you can use it with the latest Intel processors, and its thermal design power (TDP) rating of 220W means it can handle a wide range of CPUs. The AG400 LED is a great choice for gamers and content creators who need a reliable and affordable cooling solution. The cooler's performance is consistently good in various tests. It keeps the CPU temperatures within safe limits, even during demanding tasks. The fan is designed to minimize noise, making it a good choice for those who value a quiet system. The RGB lighting is a nice bonus. Overall, the cooling performance is impressive for a cooler in its price range.

Noise Levels and Fan Control

One of the critical factors in choosing a CPU cooler is noise. Nobody wants a jet engine screaming in their case! Fortunately, the DeepCool AG400 LED excels in this area. The 120mm PWM fan is designed to operate quietly, even under load. At idle, the fan is barely noticeable, and even during intense gaming sessions or demanding tasks, the noise levels remain relatively low. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control allows the motherboard to automatically adjust the fan speed based on CPU temperature, ensuring that the fan only spins as fast as needed. This helps to minimize noise and extend the lifespan of the fan. You can also customize the fan curve in your motherboard's BIOS to fine-tune the balance between cooling performance and noise levels. DeepCool has done a great job of balancing performance and noise reduction. The hydraulic bearing in the fan also contributes to quieter operation. The fan's design is optimized to minimize noise without compromising cooling performance. The PWM control provides excellent flexibility in adjusting the fan speed. The AG400 LED is a great choice for those who prioritize a quiet PC build.

Compatibility: Making Sure It Fits Your Build

Compatibility is key, guys! The DeepCool AG400 LED boasts excellent compatibility. It supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the LGA1700, which is crucial for those with the latest Intel processors. The cooler's dimensions are also relatively compact, so it should fit in most standard ATX cases without any issues. However, it's always a good idea to double-check your case's specifications to ensure there's enough clearance for the cooler, especially if you have tall RAM modules. The mounting hardware is designed to be versatile and easy to install. The included manual provides detailed information about compatibility. The AG400 LED is a good choice for most PC builds due to its wide compatibility. Compatibility with a wide range of sockets makes it a versatile choice. The compact dimensions make it easy to fit into most cases. The clear instructions make it easy to install, even for beginners.

Fixed RGB Lighting: The Aesthetics Factor

Let's talk about the bling! The DeepCool AG400 LED features fixed RGB lighting. This means the lighting is a single color, which adds a touch of visual appeal without being overly distracting. The RGB lighting is located on the top of the cooler. It adds a nice aesthetic touch without making the system look too flashy. The lighting is bright and evenly distributed. The fixed RGB offers a clean and simple look. The lighting adds to the overall visual appeal of the cooler. For those who want more control over their lighting, there are other coolers with customizable RGB, but the fixed RGB on the AG400 LED is a great choice for those who want a simple and elegant look. The fixed RGB integrates seamlessly with the overall design. The lighting enhances the visual experience. The fixed RGB is a cost-effective solution for adding a touch of style to the build.

Pros and Cons of the DeepCool AG400 LED

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good.

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for its price.
  • Good build quality.
  • Easy installation, especially on LGA1700.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Fixed RGB lighting adds a touch of style.
  • Wide compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets.

Cons:

  • Fixed RGB lighting (some may prefer customizable RGB).
  • May not be the best choice for extreme overclocking.

The DeepCool AG400 LED is a fantastic choice for those looking for a budget-friendly CPU cooler. It offers a great balance of performance, features, and value. The pros significantly outweigh the cons. The cooler is a solid performer for its price. The easy installation process is a significant advantage. The quiet operation is also a major benefit. The fixed RGB lighting is a nice touch. Overall, the AG400 LED is a great value for the money.

Conclusion: Is the DeepCool AG400 LED Worth It?

So, is the DeepCool AG400 LED worth it? Absolutely! For its price, it's a solid performer that provides excellent cooling performance, easy installation, and quiet operation. The LGA1700 support makes it a great choice for the latest Intel builds, and the fixed RGB adds a touch of visual flair. If you're on a budget and looking for a reliable and stylish CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 LED is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants a well-performing cooler without breaking the bank. The cooler provides excellent value for the money. The performance is impressive for its price range. The ease of installation makes it a great choice. The quiet operation is a significant benefit. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 LED is a highly recommended CPU cooler.