DeepCool AK400 CPU Cooler Review
DeepCool's accessories include mounting hardware for modern Intel and AMD mainstream platforms. There is also an extra set of metal fan retention clips included in case you decide to switch to a dual-fan configuration in the future. There is no need for a tube of thermal paste because it is already put on the cooler's base.
DeepCool's AK400 is built around a 120mm-class heatsink. The raw aluminum fin array is 120x45x152 mm, which is a reasonable size. Four 6mm copper heat pipes channel heat away from the CPU heat-spreader.
These heat pipes are used in the Heatpipe Direct Touch (HDT) technique, which is used in lower-cost coolers. DeepCool has made a wise decision. DeepCool, on the other hand, brings the central two heat pipes closer together than the outer two.
This is intended to bias heat extraction potential towards the center of a CPU's heat spreader, which may or may not make a difference depending on your particular Intel or AMD chip.
According to DeepCool, the fin array is made utilizing a matrix array architecture. Some fins stick out further than others in some regions. To some extent, this will govern the pressure profiles throughout the fin array.
DeepCool's 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fan is used on the AK400. The 4-pin PWM control curve has a speed range of 500-1850 RPM, which is rather decent for a cheap cooler. Though, unexpectedly, it is outperformed by Arctic's competitive A35 series coolers.
DeepCool uses a reasonably good-looking all-black fan but does not use any type of RGB lighting in its quest for a no-nonsense design that focuses largely on performance and cost. Noise reduction is provided, however, because the fan is mounted to the heatsink with rubber contact dampers.
DeepCool appears to be mediocre for a cheap cooler in that category, with a 50,000-hour rated operational lifespan for the FDB fan.
The warranty period is three years, which is adequate for a simple air cooler. However, in comparison, Arctic and SilentiumPC offer 6-year and longer guarantees on their comparable, low-cost products. So DeepCool appears to be deficient in this area.
According to DeepCool, a white version of the cooler will be ready in June 2022.
AM4 installation on the AK400 is simple and can be done with only a pair of hands.
The default AM4 backplate is held in place by four orange retention plastic bits. After that, the metal bracket is bolted into place using the AM4 mounting holes. The AK400 heatsink may be put onto the retention bracket after the fan has been removed.
Because the thermal paste is pre-applied to the cooler's base, no handling is necessary. The 120mm fan is then clipped into place and attached to the 4-pin PWM wire.
The overall mount is strong, and the cooler's tiny stature means that RAM and VRM interference appears to be a non-issue for most well-designed motherboards.
