The DeepCool AK620 Digital CPU Cooler Review: Big, Heavy, and Lit
by E. Fylladitakis on March 28, 2024 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- Deepcool
- Cooler
- RGB
- CPU cooler
- Air Cooling
Testing Results, Maximum Fan Speed
To begin with, we are having a look at the DeepCool AK620 Digital with its two FK120 fans running at their maximum speed. We measured the top speed of the fans while attached to the heatsink at 1920 RPM, measurably higher than their 1850 RPM unobstructed maximum speed.
| Core Temperature, Constant Thermal Load (Max Fan Speed) |
Going by both thermal resistance and delta temperatures, the DeepCool AK620 Digital CPU Cooler is on par with the best in the game when it comes to cooling, but it's a bit louder than average. It hits an impressive 0.0896 °C/W thermal resistance at a max fan speed of 1920 RPM, making it clear it's built for heavy-duty use. Though it seems to be in the same league as other high-end coolers, the catch is its fans are faster.
When it comes to noise, the AK620 Digital isn't exactly whisper-quiet, clocking in at 39.7 dB(A) at full throttle. Despite the noise, it's still a solid choice for those prioritizing cooling performance, showing DeepCool's attempt to balance brute cooling force with noise control, even if it leans a bit more towards the loud side.
Testing Results, Low Fan Speed
In this test we are switching things up a bit, taking a look at the cooler’s performance with the FK120 fans taken down to half speed.
| Core Temperature, Constant Thermal Load (Low Fan Speed) |
When the fan speed of the DeepCool AK620 Digital CPU Cooler is adjusted down to 1000 RPM, there is expectedly a noticeable impact on its cooling capability, though a smaller one than what we initially expected from a cooler with low pressure fans. The thermal resistance at this lower speed registers at 0.1177 °C/W, which, despite the decrease, still places the cooler among the best in terms of thermal efficiency within its category. This level of performance under reduced fan speed suggests that the huge mass of the cooler itself, as well as the great heat exchange area, allow it to maintain great figures even when the airflow is limited.
However, even though the speed of the fans has been halved, the noise level of 34.6 dB(A) is somewhat louder compared to some competitors. Despite this increase, the noise produced at this speed is still within a comfortable listening range for everyday use, indicating a well-thought-out balance between noise and performance. This suggests that while the AK620 Digital might produce more sound pressure than some of its quieter rivals, it is not so much as to be a problem.
Thermal Resistance VS Sound Pressure Level
During our thermal resistance vs. sound pressure level test, we maintain a steady 100W thermal load and assess the overall performance of the coolers by taking multiple temperature and sound pressure level readings within the operating range of the stock cooling fans. The result is a graph that depicts the absolute thermal resistance of the cooler in comparison to the noise generated. For both the sound pressure level and absolute thermal resistance readings, lower figures are better.
This chart reveals where the DeepCool AK620 Digital falls compared to similar designs. Despite its exceptional thermal performance, the AK620 lands right amongst the rest of the similarly sized coolers due to its higher noise levels. Generally, it matches the performance of the best air coolers when the fan speed is high but falls behind when the fan speed is low, not really because its thermal resistance is high but because the noise is, which pushes the chart line upwards. These results suggest that the AK620 Digital can perform exceptionally if required but cannot reach the dead-silent noise figures that other offerings can.
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PeachNCream - Saturday, March 30, 2024 - link
Check Tracfone's website. There are usually refurbished phones for under $30 USD. ReplyPeachNCream - Saturday, March 30, 2024 - link
On a whim, I just peeked in and you can purchase a new BLU View 4 for $30 USD. There is also a reconditioned Android for $15 USD. Specs are not particularly high end, but paired up with a bluetooth keyboard, you have essentially a full PC for less than the $80 (not $60) of this cooler and you can carry it with you as opposed to being chained to a desk someplace.Not sure why neither of you know this already or feel compelled to be hostile about it, but I'm glad to help share information even if someone is a bit grumpy. Reply
Samus - Friday, April 5, 2024 - link
Well, in that case, you can get used Noctua DH15's for $50 (less than half of new) ReplyDougMcC - Monday, April 1, 2024 - link
For a definition of 'fully functional' that does not include running any of the apps that a computer with a cooler like this is designed to run. ReplyPeachNCream - Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - link
Yes, programs are not identical, but net results are. Consider categorical classification of activities such as viewing a website, responding to e-mail, observing a video, being amused by a game, etc. Those things are all easily achieved with a phone and have been for a decade now. In fact, all of those could easily be performed on a PDA running Windows CE or Palm OS more than two decades ago. I used to use a Palm IIIxe with a folding keyboard for short trips in 2001. Admittedly, said Palm device was more expensive, especially when accounting for inflation, but if a 16 MHz CPU powered for a few weeks by two AAA batteries could do it 23 years ago, it would be silly to presume a modern budget smartphone cannot. It also calls into question why people would have considered a PC fully functional at various arbitrary points in history when they were far less powerful than a budget smartphone, but balk at that idea now. Consider a "gaming PC" in 2001 amusing its addicted owner endlessly with Everquest or Ultima Online maybe 128 or 256MB of RAM and a 200 to 400 MHz single core CPU - far less than what you can find on your wrist or in your pocket today. So no, your qualifiers simply don't hold any water.Link - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_IIIxe Reply
GeoffreyA - Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - link
I think we should be surprised how capable today's phones are. Most importantly, they've democratised computers. Twenty years ago, not everyone had a PC at home. Another point is internet access, which wasn't always universal. ReplyT.I.M.G90 on YT - Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - link
I've had one for a lil over two months now and I have to say it's super quite.My build:
LIANLI LANCOOL 216 ATX RGB,
ASUS PRIME Z790-V WIFI D5 ATX,
INTEL INTEL I9-12900K,
DEEPCOOL AKG620 DIGITAL,
2 SK HYNIX 2TB PLATINUM P41 NVME's,
G.SKILL 32G 2X D5 6000 C36,
ASUS DUAL RTX4070 O12G,
ASUS TUF 850W 80+G ATX3 PSU,
27" Sceptre 240Hz.
I went to the microcenter in Tustin to get the in store only bundle deal that consists of three parts of choice, a motherboard a cpu and memory, for either an Intel or amd build. I paid ONLY $400 for those three! I'm currently mining while gaming and I have to say my PC IS A BEAST! Reply
Shiggy Piggy - Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - link
I wouldn't be interested in it if it was only regular quite, but if it's super quite then I'm in. Of course, people will probably accuse me of being padentic, we'll see. I'm just trying to have a laugh. ReplyWelshBloke - Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - link
People are happy hanging 1.5kg off a MB that's a couple of mm thick? I'd be too nervous to ever move a PC with that in! Replyrealbabilu - Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - link
bought ak620 for i9 14k. oh boy. need help. very easy to 100 C. any thoughts for new cooler? Reply