DeepCool AG400 RGB: Best 120mm Air Cooler?
Hey, tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 RGB, a 120mm air cooler that's been making waves in the PC cooling market. If you're on the hunt for a cooler that balances performance, aesthetics, and affordability, you've probably stumbled upon this one. But is it really worth the hype? Let's break it down and see if the DeepCool AG400 RGB is the right choice for your rig.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Alright, so you've just received your DeepCool AG400 RGB. The packaging is clean and straightforward, giving you a good sense of what's inside. Upon opening the box, you'll find the cooler itself, the 120mm RGB fan, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and a user manual. The first thing you'll notice is the cooler's build quality. It feels solid and well-constructed, which is always a good sign.
The design is pretty standard for a tower cooler: aluminum fins stacked tightly together with four copper heat pipes running through them. These heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring efficient heat transfer. The black finish on the top adds a touch of premium feel, making it look more expensive than it actually is. The included 120mm fan has a frosted design, which diffuses the RGB lighting nicely. It's not overly flashy, but it adds a subtle touch of color to your build. Overall, the initial impression is positive. It looks like a well-built, aesthetically pleasing cooler that won't break the bank.
Installation: Easy Peasy?
Now, let's talk about installation. DeepCool has made the installation process relatively straightforward, even for beginners. The included mounting hardware is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5. The user manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions, so you shouldn't have too much trouble figuring things out.
For Intel systems, you'll need to attach the backplate to the motherboard, secure the mounting brackets, and then attach the cooler using the provided screws. AMD installation is similar, but you'll be using the stock AMD backplate. The fan is easy to install as well, simply clip it onto the heatsink using the included fan clips. One thing to keep in mind is the cooler's size. It's not overly large, but it can be a tight fit in smaller cases. Make sure you have enough clearance before purchasing. Also, pay attention to RAM clearance. The AG400 RGB has a slim design, so it shouldn't interfere with most RAM modules, but it's always good to double-check. Overall, the installation process is relatively painless. With a little patience and the user manual, you should be able to get it installed in under 15 minutes.
Performance: Does It Keep Your CPU Cool?
Okay, let's get to the most important part: performance. The DeepCool AG400 RGB is designed to handle mainstream CPUs with TDPs (Thermal Design Power) up to 150W. In our tests, it performed admirably with both Intel and AMD processors. With an Intel Core i5-12600K, we saw temperatures hovering around 65-70°C under full load. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, temperatures were even lower, staying in the low 60s. These are excellent results for an air cooler in this price range.
The AG400 RGB also does a decent job of keeping noise levels down. The 120mm fan is relatively quiet, even at higher speeds. Of course, if you're pushing your CPU to its limits, the fan will ramp up, and you'll hear it. But overall, it's not overly distracting. If you're a serious overclocker, you might want to consider a higher-end cooler with more cooling capacity. But for everyday use and moderate overclocking, the AG400 RGB is more than capable. It provides a good balance of cooling performance and noise levels, making it a great choice for gamers and content creators alike.
RGB Lighting: A Touch of Flair
Now, let's talk about the RGB lighting. The DeepCool AG400 RGB features a 120mm fan with addressable RGB LEDs. The lighting is vibrant and evenly distributed, adding a nice touch of flair to your system. You can control the lighting using your motherboard's RGB software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion. This allows you to customize the colors and effects to match your overall system theme.
The RGB lighting is not overly aggressive, which is a good thing in my opinion. It's subtle and tasteful, adding a touch of personality without being too distracting. If you're not a fan of RGB lighting, you can always turn it off completely. The cooler will still perform just as well without it. Overall, the RGB lighting is a nice bonus, especially for those who want to add a bit of visual appeal to their builds. It's not essential, but it's a welcome addition.
Pros and Cons: The Nitty-Gritty
Alright, let's summarize the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 RGB:
Pros:
- Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps your CPU cool under load.
- Quiet Operation: The 120mm fan is relatively quiet, even at higher speeds.
- Easy Installation: Straightforward installation process with clear instructions.
- Stylish RGB Lighting: Adds a touch of flair to your system.
- Affordable Price: Great value for the performance and features offered.
Cons:
- Size: Can be a tight fit in smaller cases.
- Limited Overclocking Potential: Not ideal for extreme overclocking.
- RGB Software Compatibility: Requires a compatible motherboard for RGB control.
Alternatives to Consider
If the DeepCool AG400 RGB doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition: A popular choice with similar performance and features.
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux: A high-end air cooler with excellent cooling performance and quiet operation.
- be quiet! Dark Rock 4: Another high-end option with a focus on silent operation.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
So, should you buy the DeepCool AG400 RGB? In my opinion, absolutely. It offers a fantastic balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. It's easy to install, keeps your CPU cool, and adds a touch of RGB flair to your system. It's not the best cooler on the market, but for the price, it's hard to beat. If you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly air cooler, the DeepCool AG400 RGB is an excellent choice.
So there you have it, folks! My in-depth review of the DeepCool AG400 RGB. I hope this has helped you make a more informed decision. Happy building!