DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark 120mm Single Tower Air Cooler (Black)

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark fan speed is 500 to 1850 RPM ± 10%. The fan is thus able to rotate at varying speeds depending on cooling requirements. At low speeds, the fan is quiet, which is perfect for normal usage. As the CPU heats up, the fan increases speed to cool the CPU more efficiently. This broad range allows the cooler to adapt to various heat levels. The ± 10% indicates that the actual speed will be a little more or less.

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark is of the following sizes: 127×97×155 mm (Length × Width × Height). The heatsink itself is 120×45×152 mm (L×W×H). Be sure to check the size of your PC case before you purchase in order to ensure it can hold these dimensions. If the cooler is larger, it can impede components such as RAM or the side panel. Taking note of case size beforehand will make cooler installation a breeze.

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark does not come with a radiator since it is an air cooler. It utilizes a heatsink and fan for cooling the heat instead of liquid cooling. The size of the heatsink is 120×45×152 mm (L×W×H). The heat sink traps heat from the CPU and the fan blows air over it to cool it down. The dimensions and shape of the heatsink play a very significant role in the performance of the cooler.

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark comes equipped with a PWM fan. PWM is short for Pulse Width Modulation. The fan is 4-pin and has greater control over the speed of the fan. The fan can automatically change the speed according to CPU temperature. It keeps the computer cool while being quiet. PWM fans are utilized in CPU coolers due to the fact that they are more efficient compared to DC fans.

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark is designed to support a maximum of 200W TDP (Thermal Design Power). TDP refers to the amount of heat generated by the CPU that the cooler needs to dissipate. Be sure to utilize a cooler capable of supporting your CPU's TDP. If your cooler is not powerful enough, the CPU can overheat, resulting in slow performance or shutdowns. Ensure your cooler's TDP rating is at least as high as your CPU's TDP.

Yes, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark does include thermal paste pre-applied to the base of the cooler. This is a better option because you do not need to purchase additional paste. Otherwise, if you ever remove the cooler, clean off the used paste and reapply new thermal paste. This gives good contact between the cooler and CPU to facilitate heat transfer.

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark is a decent cooler for the average user. It is a compromise between cooling, noise, and cost. It is appropriate for general use and gaming with mid-range CPUs. But if you have an extreme CPU or you need to overclock, you may require a more powerful cooler. It is "good enough" depending on your CPU and how much cooling you require.

DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark is a single tower cooler. It has one heatsink with a fan mounted on it. Dual towers consist of two heatsinks and usually two fans, with greater cooling. Single towers such as the AK400 Zero Dark are smaller in form and accommodate more cases. Dual towers like to be required for high-end systems with greater cooling requirements.

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark is designed to be quiet, particularly when the fan runs at low speed. The fan noise is subject to the speed of the fan. During light usage, the fan runs low and quietly. When it gets hot for the CPU, the fan spins at a higher speed, producing more noise. In general, it is a well-balanced performance of cooling and quietness, particularly considering the price.

DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark supports 200W TDP. TDP is not watts, but it is the amount of heat that can be drawn by the cooler. Select a cooler with the TDP value of or above your CPU's TDP. If your CPU TDP value exceeds 200W, you will need a more powerful air cooler or liquid cooler for optimal performance.