DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB Review: Is This Cooler Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB, a CPU air cooler that's been making waves in the PC building community. If you're on the hunt for a cooler that not only keeps your CPU temperatures in check but also adds a dash of visual flair to your rig, then you've probably stumbled upon this one. We're going to break down everything you need to know about the AG400 WH ARGB, from its performance and design to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!

What is the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB?

The DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is a single-tower CPU air cooler designed to provide efficient cooling for a wide range of CPUs while also featuring addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting for aesthetics. It's part of DeepCool's AG series, known for offering solid performance at a reasonable price point. The 'WH' in the name signifies the white color scheme, appealing to those building white-themed PCs. This cooler is compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile option for various builds. The ARGB lighting can be customized to match your setup, adding a vibrant touch to your system. Essentially, it's designed to be a balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability.

Key Features

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let's highlight some of the key features that make the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB stand out:

  • ARGB Lighting: The customizable ARGB lighting on the fan and top cover allows you to personalize the look of your cooler.
  • High Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, ensuring it can be used with most modern CPUs.
  • Efficient Cooling: Designed to provide adequate cooling for CPUs with moderate thermal loads.
  • White Color Scheme: The all-white design is perfect for white-themed PC builds.
  • Easy Installation: Comes with a user-friendly mounting system for hassle-free installation.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB sports a clean and attractive look, thanks to its all-white finish. The white color extends to the heatsink, fan, and even the mounting hardware, creating a cohesive aesthetic that's sure to please anyone going for a white-themed build. The top of the cooler features a frosted ARGB strip, which diffuses the light beautifully, creating a soft and even glow. The fan itself also has ARGB lighting, adding to the overall visual appeal.

Heatsink Design

The heatsink consists of aluminum fins stacked closely together to maximize surface area for heat dissipation. Four copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, efficiently transferring heat away from the processor to the fins. The heat pipes are nickel-plated, which not only adds to the cooler's aesthetic but also helps prevent corrosion. The overall construction feels solid, and the fin stack is well-aligned, indicating good manufacturing quality.

Fan Quality

The included 120mm ARGB fan is designed to provide a good balance of airflow and static pressure. It features a rifle bearing, which should offer decent longevity and quiet operation. The fan blades are translucent, allowing the ARGB lighting to shine through. The fan cable is sleeved, adding to the premium feel of the cooler. In terms of build quality, the fan feels sturdy and well-made.

Overall Impressions

Overall, the design and build quality of the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB are impressive, especially considering its price point. The white color scheme is executed well, and the ARGB lighting is tastefully implemented. The cooler feels solid and well-built, giving you confidence in its longevity.

Cooling Performance

Now, let's talk about the most important aspect: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is designed to handle CPUs with moderate thermal loads, but how well does it actually perform in real-world scenarios? We'll look at its performance under various conditions.

Test Setup

To evaluate the cooling performance of the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB, we used the following test setup:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K
  • Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WiFi
  • RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5200 32GB
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
  • SSD: Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
  • PSU: Corsair RM850x
  • Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact

We ran several tests, including idle temperatures, gaming temperatures, and stress tests using benchmarks like Cinebench R23 and Prime95. We also compared the results to those of other coolers in the same price range.

Temperature Results

Here are the temperature results we observed during our testing:

  • Idle: 30-35°C
  • Gaming: 55-65°C
  • Cinebench R23: 70-75°C
  • Prime95: 80-85°C

These temperatures are quite reasonable for a cooler in this class. During gaming, the CPU temperatures remained well within the safe zone, and even during the demanding Cinebench R23 benchmark, the temperatures were manageable. However, under the extreme load of Prime95, the temperatures did creep up to the 80-85°C range, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on running your CPU at 100% load for extended periods.

Noise Levels

In terms of noise levels, the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is relatively quiet. At idle and during light gaming, the fan is barely audible. Even under heavy load, the fan noise is noticeable but not overly intrusive. If you're particularly sensitive to noise, you might want to consider adjusting the fan curve in your BIOS to prioritize silence over cooling performance.

Comparison with Other Coolers

Compared to other coolers in the same price range, the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB performs competitively. It offers similar cooling performance to coolers like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 and the be quiet! Pure Rock 2. However, the AG400 WH ARGB stands out with its white color scheme and ARGB lighting, making it a more attractive option for those who value aesthetics.

ARGB Lighting and Customization

The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is one of its standout features. The cooler features addressable RGB lighting on both the fan and the top cover, allowing for a wide range of customization options. The lighting is compatible with most major motherboard ARGB control software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, and ASRock Polychrome Sync.

Customization Options

With the compatible software, you can customize the lighting effects, colors, and patterns to match your system's theme. You can choose from a variety of preset effects, such as rainbow, breathing, and color cycle, or create your own custom effects. The lighting is bright and vibrant, and the colors are accurate. The frosted ARGB strip on the top cover diffuses the light evenly, creating a smooth and polished look.

Ease of Use

The ARGB lighting is easy to control and customize. Simply connect the cooler to your motherboard's ARGB header, install the corresponding software, and you're ready to go. The software is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to adjust the lighting to your liking.

Overall Impressions

Overall, the ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is well-implemented and adds a lot of visual appeal to the cooler. The customization options are extensive, and the lighting is easy to control. If you're looking for a cooler that not only performs well but also looks great, the AG400 WH ARGB is an excellent choice.

Installation

The installation process for the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is straightforward and user-friendly. The cooler comes with a comprehensive set of mounting hardware that supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow, making the installation process hassle-free.

Mounting System

The mounting system consists of a backplate, mounting brackets, and screws. The backplate is used for both Intel and AMD sockets, and the mounting brackets are specific to each socket type. The brackets attach to the backplate using screws, and the cooler is then secured to the brackets using additional screws.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide to installing the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB:

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Install the backplate on the back of the motherboard, aligning the holes with the CPU socket.
  2. Attach the Mounting Brackets: Attach the appropriate mounting brackets to the backplate using screws. Make sure the brackets are securely fastened.
  3. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of the CPU.
  4. Mount the Cooler: Carefully place the cooler on top of the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the brackets. Secure the cooler to the brackets using screws.
  5. Connect the Fan: Connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header on the motherboard. Connect the ARGB cable to the ARGB header on the motherboard.
  6. Verify Installation: Double-check that the cooler is securely mounted and that all cables are properly connected.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make the installation process even easier:

  • Read the Instructions: Take the time to read the included instructions carefully before starting the installation process.
  • Use the Correct Mounting Hardware: Make sure you're using the correct mounting hardware for your CPU socket.
  • Don't Overtighten the Screws: Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this could damage the motherboard or CPU.
  • Manage Cables: Take the time to manage the cables properly, ensuring they don't interfere with the fan or other components.

Overall Impressions

Overall, the installation process for the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is simple and straightforward. The included instructions are clear, and the mounting hardware is easy to use. Even if you're a first-time PC builder, you should have no trouble installing this cooler.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB:

Pros

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: Provides adequate cooling for CPUs with moderate thermal loads.
  • Attractive Design: Features a clean and stylish white color scheme with customizable ARGB lighting.
  • Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets.
  • Easy Installation: Comes with a user-friendly mounting system for hassle-free installation.
  • Quiet Operation: Operates quietly, even under heavy load.
  • Affordable Price: Offers great value for the price.

Cons

  • Limited Overclocking Potential: May not be sufficient for heavily overclocked CPUs.
  • High Temperatures Under Extreme Load: Temperatures can reach high levels under extreme load, such as Prime95.

Final Verdict

So, is the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB worth it? Absolutely! If you're looking for a CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability, the AG400 WH ARGB is an excellent choice. It provides adequate cooling for most CPUs, features a clean and attractive design with customizable ARGB lighting, and is easy to install. While it may not be the best option for heavily overclocked CPUs or extreme workloads, it's perfect for gaming, everyday use, and moderate overclocking.

Who is This Cooler For?

The DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is ideal for:

  • Gamers who want a cooler that can keep their CPU temperatures in check while adding a touch of visual flair to their system.
  • PC builders who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-install CPU cooler.
  • Users who want a cooler that operates quietly, even under load.
  • Those building a white-themed PC and want a cooler that matches their aesthetic.

Overall, the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB is a fantastic CPU cooler that offers excellent value for the price. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a first-timer, you'll appreciate its performance, design, and ease of use. So go ahead and give your CPU the cooling it deserves with the DeepCool AG400 WH ARGB!