DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB CPU Cooler Review

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DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB: A Deep Dive into Cooling Performance

Hey everyone! Today, we're checking out the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB CPU cooler, a cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware community. If you're building a new rig or just looking to upgrade your current cooling solution, understanding the ins and outs of this cooler can really help you make an informed decision. We’re going to dive deep into its features, performance, and overall value to see if it lives up to the hype.

First Impressions and Key Features

When you first unbox the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB, you'll immediately notice its sleek design. The blacked-out heatsink combined with the ARGB lighting gives it a premium look that will complement any build. But it’s not just about looks; this cooler is packed with features designed to keep your CPU running cool and quiet.

Design and Build Quality

The AG400 Digital Plus ARGB features a dense array of aluminum fins, optimized for heat dissipation. The fins are tightly packed to maximize surface area, which is crucial for efficient cooling. The cooler also includes four copper heat pipes that make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring rapid heat transfer. The build quality feels solid, and you can tell that DeepCool has paid attention to the details. The black coating on the heatsink not only looks great but also adds a layer of protection against corrosion.

ARGB Lighting

One of the standout features of this cooler is its ARGB lighting. The fan and the top cover both feature addressable RGB LEDs that can be customized to match your build's aesthetic. The lighting is vibrant and evenly distributed, creating a stunning visual effect. You can control the lighting using your motherboard's ARGB software, such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, or GIGABYTE RGB Fusion. This allows you to synchronize the lighting with your other components for a cohesive look.

Digital Display

What sets the AG400 Digital Plus apart from other coolers in its class is the integrated digital display. This small screen on the top of the cooler can show real-time CPU temperature, fan speed, or even custom text. It's a neat little feature that adds a touch of personalization and provides useful information at a glance. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to read even in a well-lit case. The digital display is controlled by a software that is easy to install and use.

Fan Specifications

The included 120mm fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise. It features a fluid dynamic bearing, which ensures smooth and quiet operation. The fan speed is PWM controlled, meaning it can automatically adjust based on the CPU temperature. This helps to keep the noise levels down when the system is idle or under light load. The fan blades are also designed to maximize airflow, ensuring efficient cooling even at lower speeds.

Installation Process

Installing the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly mounting system. The cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD AM5/AM4. The package includes all the necessary hardware and a detailed instruction manual. Here’s a quick overview of the installation process:

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket, you may need to install a backplate. The AG400 Digital Plus ARGB comes with backplates for both Intel and AMD platforms.
  2. Install Mounting Brackets: Attach the appropriate mounting brackets to the motherboard. These brackets will provide a secure base for the cooler.
  3. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU. This will help to improve heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler.
  4. Mount the Cooler: Carefully place the cooler on top of the CPU and secure it using the provided screws. Make sure the cooler is firmly attached to the mounting brackets.
  5. Connect the Fan and ARGB Cables: Connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. Also, connect the ARGB cable to the ARGB header on your motherboard to control the lighting.

Overall, the installation process is simple and should only take about 15-20 minutes. Even if you're a first-time builder, you shouldn't have any trouble installing this cooler.

Cooling Performance

Now, let's get to the most important part: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is designed to handle a wide range of CPUs, from mid-range to high-end. To test its cooling capabilities, we put it through a series of stress tests using various benchmarks.

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
  • Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow

Results

During our tests, the AG400 Digital Plus ARGB performed admirably. At idle, the CPU temperature hovered around 30-35°C. Under heavy load, such as running Cinebench or gaming, the temperature peaked at around 70-75°C. These results are impressive for an air cooler of this size and price. The cooler was able to keep the CPU running within safe temperature limits, even during extended periods of stress.

Noise Levels

In terms of noise, the AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is relatively quiet. At idle, the fan is barely audible. Under load, the fan speed increases, but the noise levels remain acceptable. The fluid dynamic bearing ensures smooth and quiet operation, even at higher speeds. If you're sensitive to noise, you can also adjust the fan curve in your BIOS to prioritize silence over cooling performance. I think that this is the great part that makes this product unique, because it can manage the performance and noise in a well-optimized way.

Value and Alternatives

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB offers excellent value for its price. It provides solid cooling performance, a sleek design, and unique features like the digital display and customizable ARGB lighting. However, it's always good to consider the alternatives before making a purchase.

Alternatives

  • Noctua NH-U12S Redux: This is a popular air cooler known for its exceptional performance and quiet operation. It doesn't have ARGB lighting, but it's a great option if you prioritize performance over aesthetics.
  • Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition: This is another affordable air cooler that offers good cooling performance and RGB lighting. It's a solid alternative to the AG400 Digital Plus ARGB.
  • be quiet! Dark Rock 4: If you're looking for a high-end air cooler, the Dark Rock 4 is an excellent choice. It offers top-notch cooling performance and near-silent operation.

Who is this cooler for?

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is perfect for:

  • Gamers who want a cooler that can handle demanding games without overheating.
  • Content creators who need a reliable cooling solution for video editing and other CPU-intensive tasks.
  • PC enthusiasts who want a cooler that looks great and performs well.
  • Anyone who wants to upgrade from their stock cooler to a more efficient and stylish option.

Final Verdict

Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is a fantastic CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, features, and value. Its sleek design, customizable ARGB lighting, and unique digital display make it stand out from the competition. The cooler provides solid cooling performance and keeps noise levels down. If you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, the AG400 Digital Plus ARGB is definitely worth considering.

So, should you buy the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus ARGB? If you're looking for a cooler that offers excellent performance, stunning aesthetics, and unique features, then the answer is a resounding yes! It's a great addition to any build and will keep your CPU running cool and quiet. I hope this review has been helpful, and thanks for reading!