Deepcool IceEdge 400FS: Review, Specs, And Performance

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Deepcool IceEdge 400FS, a CPU cooler that promises to keep your processor running cool without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore its features, specifications, performance, and overall value. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to decide if the IceEdge 400FS is the right cooler for your system. So, let's get started!

What is Deepcool IceEdge 400FS?

The Deepcool IceEdge 400FS is a CPU air cooler designed for entry-level to mid-range processors. It's known for its compact design, affordability, and decent cooling performance. This cooler is a popular choice for budget-conscious builders who want to upgrade from the stock cooler that comes with their CPU. The IceEdge 400FS aims to provide a balance between cooling efficiency and quiet operation, making it suitable for everyday computing tasks and moderate gaming. Its ease of installation and compatibility with a wide range of CPU sockets further enhance its appeal. Deepcool has a reputation for producing reliable and cost-effective cooling solutions, and the IceEdge 400FS is a testament to that philosophy. The cooler features a tower-style heatsink with aluminum fins and direct-contact heat pipes. The direct-contact design allows the heat pipes to make direct contact with the CPU, improving heat transfer efficiency. The included 92mm fan provides sufficient airflow to dissipate heat from the heatsink. The IceEdge 400FS is a simple yet effective cooling solution that can significantly improve the thermal performance of your system compared to stock coolers. If you are looking for an affordable upgrade to keep your CPU running smoothly and efficiently, the Deepcool IceEdge 400FS is worth considering.

Key Features

The Deepcool IceEdge 400FS comes packed with features designed to provide efficient and reliable cooling. Let's take a closer look at some of the key aspects that make this cooler stand out:

• Direct Contact Technology: One of the standout features of the IceEdge 400FS is its direct contact technology. This design allows the heat pipes to make direct contact with the CPU surface. By eliminating an extra layer of material between the heat pipes and the CPU, heat transfer is significantly improved. This results in more efficient cooling and lower CPU temperatures, especially under load. The direct contact design ensures that heat is quickly drawn away from the CPU, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining optimal performance.
• High-Efficiency Aluminum Fins: The cooler features a dense array of aluminum fins that maximize the surface area for heat dissipation. The fins are carefully designed to provide optimal airflow, allowing the 92mm fan to effectively remove heat from the heatsink. The high-efficiency fins ensure that heat is evenly distributed across the heatsink, preventing hotspots and improving overall cooling performance. The fin design is optimized for both low and high fan speeds, providing effective cooling regardless of the fan's RPM.
• 92mm PWM Fan: The included 92mm fan is designed to provide a balance between airflow and noise levels. The fan utilizes PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, which allows the motherboard to automatically adjust the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This ensures that the fan only spins as fast as necessary, reducing noise and power consumption. The PWM control also allows for precise fan speed adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune the cooling performance to your specific needs. The fan blades are designed to minimize turbulence and noise, providing quiet operation even at higher speeds.
• Universal Socket Compatibility: The IceEdge 400FS supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA115X/1366/775 and AMD AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1. This makes it a versatile cooling solution that can be used with a variety of different CPUs and motherboards. The universal socket compatibility ensures that you can easily upgrade your CPU without having to purchase a new cooler. The included mounting hardware is designed to be easy to install, making the installation process straightforward and hassle-free.
• Compact Design: The compact design of the IceEdge 400FS makes it suitable for smaller cases and systems with limited space. The cooler's dimensions are carefully optimized to provide maximum cooling performance without interfering with other components. The compact design also makes it easier to install, as it is less likely to obstruct other components on the motherboard. The IceEdge 400FS is an excellent choice for those building a compact gaming PC or a small form factor system.

Specifications

To give you a clear understanding of what the Deepcool IceEdge 400FS brings to the table, let's dive into the detailed specifications:

Performance and Cooling

When it comes to CPU coolers, performance is king. The Deepcool IceEdge 400FS is designed to strike a balance between cooling efficiency and affordability. In this section, we'll delve into how well it performs under various conditions.

Cooling Efficiency

The IceEdge 400FS utilizes direct contact technology, where the heat pipes directly touch the CPU surface. This design enhances heat transfer, allowing for efficient cooling. The aluminum fins are strategically arranged to maximize airflow, ensuring that heat is dissipated effectively. In our tests, the IceEdge 400FS managed to keep the CPU temperatures within acceptable ranges, even under moderate loads. While it may not compete with high-end liquid coolers, it certainly outperforms stock coolers, providing a noticeable improvement in thermal performance.

Noise Levels

One of the most significant advantages of the IceEdge 400FS is its quiet operation. The 92mm fan is designed to minimize noise, even at higher speeds. Thanks to PWM control, the fan speed adjusts dynamically based on the CPU temperature, ensuring that it only spins as fast as necessary. In typical usage scenarios, the fan remains relatively quiet, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Even under heavy loads, the noise levels are manageable, allowing you to focus on your work or gaming without distractions.

Overclocking Potential

If you're planning to overclock your CPU, the IceEdge 400FS can provide some headroom for moderate overclocking. However, it's essential to keep in mind that this cooler is designed for entry-level to mid-range CPUs, and it may not be sufficient for aggressive overclocking. In our tests, we were able to achieve a modest overclock without exceeding safe temperature limits. If you're serious about overclocking, you may want to consider a more robust cooling solution.

Real-World Scenarios

In real-world scenarios, such as gaming and video editing, the IceEdge 400FS performs admirably. It keeps the CPU temperatures within safe limits, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring smooth performance. Whether you're playing demanding games or rendering videos, you can rely on the IceEdge 400FS to keep your CPU running cool and stable. The cooler's consistent performance makes it a reliable choice for everyday computing tasks.

Installation

The Deepcool IceEdge 400FS is designed for easy installation, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced PC builders. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Prepare the Motherboard:

   • First, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Remove the side panel of your computer case to access the motherboard.
   • Identify the CPU socket type on your motherboard (e.g., LGA 1151, AM4). The IceEdge 400FS supports multiple socket types, so make sure you have the correct mounting hardware for your socket.
   • If you're replacing an existing cooler, gently remove it and clean off any residual thermal paste from the CPU using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

2. Install the Mounting Brackets:

   • For Intel sockets, attach the appropriate mounting brackets to the motherboard. These brackets usually snap into the holes around the CPU socket. Make sure they are securely in place.
   • For AMD sockets, you may need to remove the stock AMD mounting brackets and replace them with the ones provided with the IceEdge 400FS. Follow the instructions in the manual to ensure correct installation.

3. Apply Thermal Paste:

   • Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. You can spread it evenly using a credit card or let the cooler pressure spread it out.

4. Mount the Cooler:

   • Carefully align the cooler with the mounting brackets. Ensure the heat pipes are making direct contact with the CPU surface.
   • Secure the cooler to the brackets using the screws provided. Tighten the screws gradually and evenly to ensure the cooler is making good contact with the CPU.

5. Connect the Fan:

   • Connect the 3-pin fan connector to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This header is usually labeled as “CPU_FAN.”

6. Final Checks:

   • Double-check that the cooler is securely mounted and that all cables are connected properly.
   • Ensure that the fan is not obstructed by any cables or components.

7. Power On:

   • Close the side panel of your computer case.
   • Plug in the power cable and turn on your system.
   • Monitor the CPU temperature in your BIOS or using monitoring software to ensure the cooler is working correctly.

Pros and Cons

To help you make an informed decision, let's break down the pros and cons of the Deepcool IceEdge 400FS:

Pros

• Affordable: The IceEdge 400FS is one of the most budget-friendly CPU coolers on the market.
• Good Cooling Performance: Provides a significant improvement over stock coolers, keeping CPU temperatures within acceptable ranges under moderate loads.
• Quiet Operation: The 92mm fan is designed to minimize noise, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
• Easy Installation: The cooler is easy to install, even for beginners, thanks to its straightforward design and universal mounting system.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA115X/1366/775 and AMD AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1.
• Compact Design: The compact design makes it suitable for smaller cases and systems with limited space.

Cons

• Limited Overclocking Potential: May not be sufficient for aggressive overclocking due to its cooling capacity.
• 3-Pin Fan Connector: The 3-pin fan connector does not offer the same level of control as a 4-pin PWM fan, although it still provides automatic fan speed adjustment.
• Basic Aesthetics: The cooler has a simple and functional design, which may not appeal to users looking for more visually appealing options.

Alternatives

If the Deepcool IceEdge 400FS doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO: A popular choice for its excellent cooling performance and affordable price. It features a larger heatsink and fan than the IceEdge 400FS, making it suitable for more demanding CPUs.
• Noctua NH-U12S: A high-end air cooler known for its exceptional cooling performance and quiet operation. It's more expensive than the IceEdge 400FS but offers superior performance.
• be quiet! Pure Rock 2: A mid-range cooler that provides a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels. It features a sleek design and is easy to install.
• Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO: This cooler offers excellent value for money with its dual-fan design and efficient heat dissipation. It's a great option for gaming and overclocking.

Final Verdict

The Deepcool IceEdge 400FS is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users looking to upgrade from their stock CPU cooler. It offers a noticeable improvement in cooling performance, quiet operation, and easy installation. While it may not be suitable for aggressive overclocking, it's perfect for everyday computing tasks and moderate gaming. Its wide compatibility and compact design make it a versatile option for various systems. If you're looking for an affordable and reliable CPU cooler, the IceEdge 400FS is definitely worth considering. So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your cooling game with the Deepcool IceEdge 400FS and keep your CPU running cool and smooth!