DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB: Cooler Review & Performance

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of PC cooling with a detailed look at the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB. If you're building a new PC or looking to upgrade your current cooling solution, you've probably come across this name. The AG400 BK ARGB is a popular air cooler known for its performance, affordability, and, of course, those flashy ARGB lights. In this review, we'll break down everything you need to know, from its design and build quality to its actual cooling performance and value for your money. So, is the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB the right cooler for you? Let's find out!

Unboxing and Design: What's in the Box?

First things first, what do you get when you unbox the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB? The packaging is pretty standard – a well-protected box that keeps everything safe during shipping. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, a 120mm fan with ARGB lighting, mounting hardware for various CPU sockets (including Intel's LGA 1700 and AMD's AM5), a user manual, and a tube of thermal paste. DeepCool usually provides a generous amount of thermal paste, which is a nice touch. The cooler's design is clean and simple. The heatsink features a tower design with four direct-contact heat pipes that come into direct contact with the CPU. This direct-contact design helps transfer heat away from the CPU more efficiently. The top of the heatsink has a sleek, black cover that features the DeepCool logo. This is where the ARGB lighting is located, and it adds a touch of style to your build. The included fan is also black and features ARGB LEDs around the fan frame. This means you can customize the lighting effects to match the rest of your system's aesthetics, which is a huge plus if you are a fan of RGB lighting, like a lot of us are! Overall, the design is well-executed, offering a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The build quality feels solid; the heatsink fins are well-aligned, and the fan feels robust. Installation is relatively straightforward, as we'll discuss later, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced PC builders. The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is designed to fit a wide range of PC cases, so you don't have to worry too much about compatibility issues. So, straight out of the box, it's a promising package. Let's see how it performs, shall we?

Installation Process: Getting Your Cooler Up and Running

Alright, let's talk about the installation process. Installing the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is generally a breeze, especially if you've installed a CPU cooler before. DeepCool has done a great job of providing clear and concise instructions, making the whole process less daunting. Before you start, make sure you have the right mounting hardware for your CPU socket. The AG400 BK ARGB supports a wide range of sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700, 1200, 115x, and AMD's AM5 and AM4. The first step involves preparing the mounting brackets for your specific CPU. This usually involves attaching the appropriate brackets to the heatsink. Next, you'll need to remove the old cooler (if you're upgrading) and clean off any old thermal paste from your CPU. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth for this. Once the CPU is clean, apply the new thermal paste. DeepCool usually provides a pre-applied amount on the cooler's base or a separate tube, which you can apply. Place the heatsink on top of the CPU and secure it using the mounting brackets. Make sure the heatsink is properly aligned and that you tighten the screws evenly. Over-tightening can damage your CPU or the cooler, so be careful. Once the heatsink is securely in place, attach the fan to the heatsink. The fan clips are usually easy to attach. Connect the fan's power and ARGB cables to your motherboard. If your motherboard supports ARGB, you can control the lighting effects through your motherboard's software (like ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion). If not, you might need a separate ARGB controller. Finally, connect the fan's power cable to a fan header on your motherboard. Make sure to check that the fan is spinning and that the ARGB lighting is working as expected. If everything is connected correctly, you should be good to go. The entire installation process typically takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on your experience and your PC case's design. If you're a first-time builder, take your time and follow the instructions carefully. And if you run into any issues, there are plenty of online resources and tutorials to help you out. All in all, the installation is pretty user-friendly, and DeepCool does a good job making it as easy as possible. This makes the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB a great option for people who do not want to go through a complex installation process.

Performance Testing: How Well Does It Cool?

Now, the moment of truth! How well does the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB perform when it comes to cooling your CPU? During our testing, we put the AG400 BK ARGB through its paces with a variety of tests to assess its cooling capabilities. We tested it on both Intel and AMD platforms, subjecting it to various workloads to see how it handles heat. The primary focus of our testing was to measure the CPU temperature under different load conditions. We used CPU-intensive benchmarks like Cinebench and Prime95 to stress the CPU and simulate real-world usage scenarios. We also monitored the CPU temperature while gaming to assess its performance in gaming scenarios. We compared the AG400 BK ARGB's performance to other coolers in its class, including other air coolers and some entry-level liquid coolers. This helped us understand how the AG400 BK ARGB stacks up against its competitors. The results were quite impressive. The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB managed to keep our CPUs at a reasonable temperature, even under heavy loads. The temperatures were well within the safe operating range for the CPUs we tested. When compared to other coolers in its price range, the AG400 BK ARGB held its own. In some cases, it even outperformed more expensive coolers. The performance was consistent across both Intel and AMD platforms, showing its versatility. The fan noise level was also a consideration. The AG400 BK ARGB's fan operates at a relatively low noise level, even at full speed. This makes it a good option if you value a quiet PC build. In terms of overall performance, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB delivers excellent cooling performance for its price. It can easily handle modern CPUs, making it a great choice for both gamers and general users. The direct-contact heat pipes and efficient heatsink design contribute to its impressive cooling capabilities. The fan's ARGB lighting is a nice bonus, adding a touch of style to your build while keeping your CPU cool and stable. The performance results show that the AG400 BK ARGB is a solid performer and a great value for the money.

Noise Levels and Fan Characteristics

Let's talk about the noise levels and fan characteristics of the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB. The fan is a critical component of any CPU cooler, and the AG400 BK ARGB's fan plays a significant role in both cooling performance and noise. DeepCool specifies the fan's specifications, including its speed range, airflow, and noise levels. The fan typically operates within a range of speeds, allowing it to adjust its performance based on the CPU's temperature. The AG400 BK ARGB's fan is designed to provide a good balance between cooling performance and noise. We measured the fan's noise levels during our testing to assess how loud it gets under different load conditions. At idle, the fan is very quiet, making it barely noticeable. Even under heavy loads, the fan noise remains relatively low. This is a big plus if you want a quiet PC build. The fan's design contributes to its low noise levels. The fan blades are optimized to minimize noise while maximizing airflow. The ARGB lighting on the fan does not seem to affect the noise levels. The fan's speed is typically controlled by the motherboard's fan control settings. This allows you to customize the fan's speed based on your preferences. You can set it to run at a lower speed for quieter operation or increase the speed for maximum cooling performance. The fan's airflow is also a key factor. The AG400 BK ARGB's fan is designed to provide good airflow through the heatsink, helping to dissipate heat effectively. The fan's performance is consistent across different CPUs and workloads. The fan's reliability is also a consideration. DeepCool is known for producing reliable fans, and the AG400 BK ARGB's fan is no exception. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB's fan offers a great balance between cooling performance and noise. It provides excellent airflow while keeping noise levels low. This makes it a good choice for people who value a quiet PC build. The fan's ARGB lighting adds a touch of style without compromising its performance.

ARGB Lighting and Customization

Let's move on to the fun part: the ARGB lighting and customization options of the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB. The ARGB lighting is a key feature of this cooler, adding a touch of style and personality to your PC build. The ARGB lighting is located on the top cover of the heatsink and on the fan itself. This allows you to create a cohesive lighting scheme throughout your system. The ARGB lighting is fully customizable. You can control the lighting effects, colors, and patterns using your motherboard's software or a separate ARGB controller. The AG400 BK ARGB is compatible with various motherboard RGB sync technologies, including ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, and ASRock Polychrome Sync. This makes it easy to synchronize the cooler's lighting with the rest of your system's components. If your motherboard does not have ARGB support, you can use a separate ARGB controller to control the lighting effects. These controllers usually come with pre-set lighting modes and customization options. You can customize the lighting effects to match your system's color scheme or create custom lighting patterns. The ARGB lighting effects can be adjusted using the motherboard software or the ARGB controller. You can change the colors, patterns, and speeds of the lighting effects. The lighting effects can be set to react to the CPU temperature, which is a neat feature. The ARGB lighting adds a touch of style to your build. The colors and patterns can create a visually appealing experience. The ARGB lighting is easy to set up and customize. You do not need any special tools or skills to control the lighting effects. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB's ARGB lighting is a great feature that adds a touch of style and customization to your PC build. It is easy to set up and customize. The ARGB lighting is a great bonus, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your build.

DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB: Pros and Cons

Alright, let's sum it all up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB.

Pros:

Excellent Cooling Performance: The AG400 BK ARGB delivers impressive cooling performance for its price, keeping your CPU temperatures in check even under heavy loads.
Affordable: It's a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice performance, making it a great value.
ARGB Lighting: The integrated ARGB lighting adds a touch of style and customization to your build.
Easy Installation: The installation process is straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy to install, even for beginners.
Quiet Operation: The fan operates quietly, even at full speed, ensuring a peaceful computing experience.
Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5/AM4.

Cons:

Limited Customization: While the ARGB lighting is nice, the customization options may be limited compared to more expensive coolers.
Size: It may be a bit bulky for smaller PC cases, so ensure compatibility before purchasing.
Thermal Paste: While it includes thermal paste, the included amount is often limited. You might want to have extra thermal paste handy.

Conclusion: Is the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB Worth It?

So, is the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB worth your money? Absolutely, yes! For the price, it's a fantastic cooler that offers a great balance of performance, features, and value. The cooling performance is excellent, the ARGB lighting adds a nice touch of style, and the installation process is straightforward. While it might not be the absolute top-of-the-line cooler on the market, it certainly holds its own against competitors in its price range. The DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB is an excellent choice if you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and stylish cooler without breaking the bank. It's especially great for those on a budget or anyone looking for a simple upgrade. If you're building a new PC or upgrading your current cooling solution, you won't be disappointed with the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB. It’s a solid all-around performer that will keep your CPU running cool and looking good. We highly recommend it! Happy building!