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The DeepCool AK500 is a high-performance CPU cooler designed to keep your system running cool and quiet. This single-tower cooler boasts a variety of features that make it a compelling option for both budget-minded builders and those seeking a balance of performance and noise levels. Let’s explore it thoroughly:
Design and Construction:
The DeepCool AK500’s design and construction are key to its successful balancing act of performance, noise level, and affordability.
Heatsink:
Unlike bulkier dual-tower coolers, the AK500 employs a single-tower heatsink, making it ideal for mid-tower and smaller cases where space is a concern. Despite its single-tower design, the AK500 boasts a large heatsink measuring 127 x 90 x 158mm, providing ample surface area for efficient heat dissipation.
The AK500 utilizes DeepCool’s signature black matrix fin design. These fins are strategically staggered to create micro-channels, increasing airflow and heat exchange with the surrounding air. The heat pipes directly touch the CPU’s integrated heat spreader (IHS), eliminating thermal resistance and ensuring rapid heat transfer from the CPU core.
Heat Pipes:
Five 6mm nickel-plated copper heat pipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU core and distribute it evenly across the large heatsink. Balanced Bidirectional Heat Pipe Technology optimizes the heat pipes’ layout to counteract the effects of gravity, ensuring efficient heat transfer even in vertical PC cases.
Fan:
The fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan uses a lubricating fluid to reduce friction, resulting in smoother operation, lower noise levels, and increased lifespan compared to sleeve bearing fans. The fan speed is intelligently controlled by the motherboard based on CPU temperature, ensuring optimal cooling while minimizing noise when the system is under low load.
Additional Details:
The heatpipes are angled slightly to ensure 100% compatibility with most standard and high-profile RAM modules, eliminating clearance issues. The AK500 is built with high-quality materials, including a nickel-plated base and aluminum fins, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
Performance and Cooling:
The DeepCool AK500 boasts impressive cooling capabilities thanks to its well-designed construction and high-quality components.
Credit: Dannys Tech Channel
Cooling Capacity:
240W TDP rating signifies the maximum amount of heat the AK500 can effectively dissipate, making it suitable for cooling most modern CPUs, including mid-range and high-performance processors with a TDP of up to 240W. The combination of a large heatsink, five heat pipes, and Direct Touch technology facilitates efficient heat transfer away from the CPU core.
The black matrix fin design and PWM-controlled 120mm FDB fan work together to generate optimal airflow throughout the heatsink, effectively transferring heat to the surrounding environment.
Performance in Practice:
While real-world performance can vary depending on specific system configurations and usage scenarios, independent tests and user reviews consistently show that the AK500 is capable of maintaining safe CPU temperatures even under demanding workloads. Depending on your specific CPU and other system components, the AK500 may offer limited headroom for overclocking. However, it should be sufficient for moderate overclocking on most mid-range CPUs.
Noise Levels:
One of the AK500’s key strengths is its quiet operation. The FDB fan and PWM control work together to minimize noise generation. The fan operates at speeds between 300 and 1,500 RPM, depending on the CPU temperature. At its lowest speed, the AK500 is nearly inaudible, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
While the AK500 prioritizes quiet operation, it’s important to remember that noise levels will increase as the fan ramps up under heavier loads to maintain optimal cooling. Users seeking absolute silence at the expense of some cooling performance might need to consider alternative cooling solutions.
Installation and Compatibility:
The DeepCool AK500 boasts a user-friendly and straightforward installation process. This makes it a great choice for both experienced builders and beginners.
Installation Process:
- Prepare your system: Before installation, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Locate the motherboard socket and remove any existing coolers or thermal paste.
- Mount the backplate: The AK500 utilizes a universal backplate design compatible with various Intel and AMD sockets. Position the backplate on the backside of your motherboard and secure it using the provided screws.
- Attach the mounting brackets: Depending on your specific CPU socket, attach the designated mounting brackets to the backplate using the included thumbscrews.
- Apply thermal paste: Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste (not included) onto the center of your CPU’s integrated heat spreader (IHS).
- Position the heatsink: Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, ensuring the heat pipes make proper contact with the CPU’s IHS.
- Secure the heatsink: Secure the heatsink to the mounting brackets using the provided thumbscrews. Tighten them evenly in an alternating pattern to avoid uneven pressure.
Compatibility:
The AK500 is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets, including:
- Intel: LGA 115x, 1200, 1700, 2066
- AMD: AM4, AM5
Notes:
- Double-check compatibility: Before purchasing the AK500, it’s crucial to verify compatibility with your specific CPU socket and case dimensions using the manufacturer’s website or online resources.
- RAM clearance: While the angled heatpipe design offers good RAM clearance, it’s still recommended to check the dimensions of your RAM modules against the cooler’s specifications to ensure compatibility, especially with high-profile RAM.
- Clearance for other components: Additionally, ensure the cooler doesn’t obstruct the installation of other components like case fans or storage drives.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money: The AK500 offers impressive cooling performance for its price point, making it a budget-friendly option for users seeking good thermal performance without breaking the bank.
- Balanced performance and noise: The cooler strikes a commendable balance between cooling efficiency and noise levels. It can keep most modern CPUs cool while remaining relatively quiet, making it suitable for users who prioritize a quiet yet well-cooled system.
- Easy installation process: The AK500 utilizes a user-friendly mounting system, making it a good choice for both experienced builders and beginners.
- Wide CPU socket compatibility: The cooler is compatible with a wide range of current Intel and AMD CPU sockets, offering flexibility for various system builds.
- Good RAM clearance: The angled heatpipe design ensures compatibility with most standard and high-profile RAM modules without clearance issues.
Cons:
- Limited overclocking headroom: While the AK500 can handle most CPUs at stock speeds, it might offer limited headroom for overclocking, especially on high-performance processors.
- Bulkier than some low-profile coolers: Compared to some low-profile coolers, the AK500 has a larger footprint, which might be a concern for users with space constraints in smaller cases.
- Average aesthetics: While the all-black and ZERO DARK versions offer a sleek look, the AK500 might not appeal to users seeking a more flashy or RGB-illuminated aesthetic.
- Not ideal for extreme overclocking: If your primary focus is extreme overclocking, the AK500 might not be the best choice due to its limited cooling headroom at high loads.
Specs Table:
| Feature | Specification |
| Cooler Type | Single-tower air cooler |
| Socket Compatibility (Intel) | LGA 115x, 1200, 1700, 2066 |
| Socket Compatibility (AMD) | AM4, AM5 |
| Heatsink Dimensions (L x W x H) | 127 x 90 x 158 mm |
| Heat Pipes | 5 x 6mm nickel-plated copper |
| Fan Dimensions (L x W x H) | 120 x 120 x 25 mm |
| Fan Speed | 300 – 1500 RPM ± 10% |
| Airflow | 68.99 CFM |
| Air Pressure | 2.19 mmAq |
| Noise Level | ≤ 28 dB(A) |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) |
| LED Type (AK500 DIGITAL only) | Addressable RGB LED |
| TDP Rating | 240W |
| Weight | 1291 g |
| Warranty | 3 years |
In conclusion, the DeepCool AK500 delivers balanced cooling performance for most modern CPUs while maintaining low noise levels. It’s a reliable option for users who prioritize a quiet system without sacrificing thermal performance.