DeepCool AG400 Digital: ARGB PWM CPU Cooler Review

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB PWM CPU Cooler. If you're looking to keep your CPU cool while adding some serious visual flair to your rig, this cooler might just be what you need. We'll break down everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

First things first, let's talk about what you get in the box. The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus comes neatly packaged with all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. You'll find the cooler itself, the ARGB fan, thermal paste, and an installation guide. The packaging is sturdy, ensuring everything arrives safe and sound.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that strikes you is the cooler's sleek design. The blacked-out heatsink combined with the ARGB fan gives it a premium look. The digital display on the top is a nice touch, adding a modern aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional air coolers. The build quality feels solid, and the overall presentation is impressive.

Design and Features

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB PWM is packed with features designed to enhance cooling performance and aesthetics. Let's break down some of the key aspects:

Heatsink Design

The heatsink features a dense array of aluminum fins optimized for efficient heat dissipation. The four direct-contact heat pipes ensure rapid heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink. The black coating not only enhances the cooler's appearance but also improves its thermal performance by increasing emissivity.

ARGB Fan

The included 120mm ARGB fan is a major highlight. It not only provides excellent airflow but also adds vibrant lighting effects to your system. The fan supports PWM control, allowing you to adjust the fan speed based on your CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance while keeping noise levels to a minimum. The ARGB lighting is compatible with most motherboard RGB control software, making it easy to synchronize with the rest of your components.

Digital Display

One of the standout features of the AG400 Digital Plus is the integrated digital display. This display shows real-time CPU temperature and fan speed, giving you valuable information at a glance. The display is customizable, allowing you to choose what information is displayed and how it is presented. This is a fantastic feature for monitoring your system's performance and ensuring everything is running smoothly.

Compatibility

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5 platforms. This makes it a versatile cooler that can be used with various CPU models. The installation process is straightforward, thanks to the included mounting hardware and clear instructions. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading your existing cooler, the AG400 Digital Plus is a great choice.

Installation Process

Installing the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is a breeze. The included mounting hardware is well-designed and easy to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket (Intel or AMD), select the appropriate mounting brackets and install them on the motherboard.
  2. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU. The AG400 Digital Plus comes with a tube of thermal paste, so you don't need to purchase it separately.
  3. Mount the Cooler: Align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it in place using the provided screws. Make sure the cooler is firmly attached to the CPU.
  4. Connect the Fan: Connect the ARGB fan to the motherboard's PWM fan header and the ARGB header. This will allow you to control the fan speed and lighting effects.
  5. Power On: Double-check all connections and power on your system. The digital display should light up, showing the CPU temperature and fan speed.

The entire installation process should take no more than 15-20 minutes. The included instructions are clear and concise, making it easy even for novice builders.

Cooling Performance

Now, let's get to the most important part: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB PWM is designed to provide excellent cooling for mainstream CPUs. To evaluate its performance, we tested it with an Intel Core i7-12700K and an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.

Test Setup

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
  • Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WiFi D4, ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero
  • RAM: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
  • SSD: 1TB NVMe SSD
  • PSU: 750W 80+ Gold

Results

During our tests, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus performed admirably. With the Intel Core i7-12700K at stock settings, the CPU temperature peaked at around 70°C under full load. Overclocking the CPU to 4.9 GHz resulted in temperatures reaching 80°C. These are excellent results for an air cooler in this price range.

With the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, the cooler managed to keep the CPU temperature below 75°C under full load at stock settings. Overclocking the CPU to 4.7 GHz resulted in temperatures around 82°C. Again, these are impressive results, demonstrating the cooler's ability to handle high thermal loads.

Noise Levels

In terms of noise levels, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is relatively quiet. The PWM fan automatically adjusts its speed based on the CPU temperature, keeping noise levels to a minimum during light workloads. Even under full load, the fan noise is not intrusive, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive users.

ARGB Lighting and Aesthetics

The ARGB lighting on the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is a major selling point. The fan features vibrant and customizable lighting effects that can be synchronized with other ARGB components in your system. The lighting is bright and evenly distributed, adding a premium look to your build.

The digital display is another aesthetic highlight. It provides real-time information about your CPU temperature and fan speed, adding a touch of modernity to your system. The display is customizable, allowing you to choose what information is displayed and how it is presented. This is a great feature for those who want to keep an eye on their system's performance.

Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is a visually appealing cooler that will enhance the look of any gaming rig. The ARGB lighting and digital display are well-implemented and add a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

Value and Conclusion

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB PWM offers excellent value for its price. It provides impressive cooling performance, a sleek design, and customizable ARGB lighting. The digital display is a unique feature that sets it apart from other air coolers in its class. It's a solid pick for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Sleek design with ARGB lighting
  • Integrated digital display
  • Easy installation
  • Wide compatibility
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • Can be a bit bulky in smaller cases
  • ARGB lighting may not appeal to everyone

In conclusion, if you're in the market for a high-performance air cooler with a touch of style, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is definitely worth considering. It offers a great balance of performance, features, and value, making it a top contender in its price range. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or PC enthusiast, this cooler will help keep your CPU running cool and looking great.