DeepCool Assassin IV Review: A Silent Cooling Powerhouse
In the ever-evolving world of PC hardware, keeping your components cool under pressure is paramount. DeepCool, a name synonymous with innovative cooling solutions, steps into the arena once again with their latest offering: the Assassin IV air cooler. This highly anticipated release promises a potent blend of performance and quiet operation, aiming to dethrone the reigning champions in the air cooling market.
This comprehensive review delves deep into the Assassin IV’s design, features, installation process, and most importantly, its cooling prowess. We’ll put it through rigorous testing, comparing its performance against other high-end air coolers to determine if it truly lives up to the hype.
Unboxing the Assassin: A Look at the Features
The DeepCool Assassin IV arrives in a robust package, ensuring its safe transit to your doorstep. Inside, you’ll find the cooler itself, along with a comprehensive set of accessories:
- Mounting Hardware: Brackets and screws for compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA1700 and AM5 platforms.
- Additional Fan Mount: Allows for the installation of a third fan (not included) for enhanced cooling performance.
- Screwdriver: A thoughtful inclusion, especially useful for those who prefer not to dig through their toolbox.
- DeepCool DM9 Thermal Paste: A high-performance thermal compound pre-applied to the cooler’s base, with an extra syringe included for future reapplications.
- Thermal Paste Spreader and Cleaning Wipes: Ensures a clean and even application of thermal paste for optimal heat transfer.
- User Manual: Provides clear and concise instructions for installation and operation.
Design and Features: A Symphony of Form and Function
The Assassin IV boasts a striking design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and engineered for optimal thermal performance. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
- Dual-Tower Heatsink: The cooler’s massive size is immediately apparent, featuring a dual-tower design with seven thick copper heat pipes. This design maximizes surface area for heat dissipation, allowing it to handle even the most demanding CPUs.
- Checkerboard Matrix Fin Design: DeepCool employs a unique “checkerboard” pattern for the heatsink fins, creating micro-turbulence that enhances airflow and improves heat transfer efficiency.
- Dual FDB Fans: The Assassin IV comes equipped with two high-performance fans: a 140mm fan sandwiched between the heatsink towers and a 120mm fan at the rear. These fans utilize Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB) for smooth and near-silent operation, even at high speeds.
- Fan Speed Switch: A convenient switch on the cooler allows you to toggle between “Quiet” and “Performance” modes, adjusting the fan curve to prioritize either silent operation or maximum cooling performance.
- Full RAM Compatibility: The cooler’s design ensures ample clearance for RAM modules, even those with tall heat spreaders. This eliminates compatibility issues and allows you to utilize high-performance RAM kits without compromise.
- Optional Third Fan Support: For users seeking the absolute best cooling performance, the Assassin IV supports the installation of a third fan (not included) using the provided mounting bracket. This configuration further enhances airflow and heat dissipation, but it may impact RAM clearance depending on the height of your modules.
Installation: A Breeze for Both Veterans and Beginners
DeepCool has designed the Assassin IV with ease of installation in mind. The process is straightforward and well-documented in the user manual, making it accessible even for first-time builders. Here’s a general overview of the installation process:
- Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket, you’ll need to either install the provided backplate (for Intel platforms) or remove the default retention bracket (for AMD platforms).
- Attach the Mounting Brackets: Secure the appropriate mounting brackets to the motherboard using the provided standoffs and thumbscrews.
- Install the Cooler: Carefully align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it using the included screwdriver.
- Connect the Fan Cables: Connect the fan cables to the appropriate headers on your motherboard.
- Apply Thermal Paste (Optional): While the Assassin IV comes with pre-applied thermal paste, you may choose to apply your own for optimal performance.
Performance: A Silent Assassin in Action
The true test of any CPU cooler lies in its ability to keep temperatures in check under load. We subjected the Assassin IV to a battery of benchmarks and real-world tests, pitting it against other high-end air coolers to gauge its mettle.
Test System:
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K (Intel platform) / AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (AMD platform)
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero (Intel platform) / MSI MEG X670E Ace (AMD platform)
- RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo DDR5-6000 CL30 (32GB)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition
- Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
- PSU: Corsair HX1000i
- Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R23: A multi-core rendering benchmark that pushes CPUs to their limits.
- 7-Zip: A popular file compression and decompression utility that stresses all CPU cores.
- Prime95: A CPU stress test tool used to assess stability and thermal performance.
Results:
The Assassin IV delivered exceptional cooling performance across all tests, consistently maintaining low temperatures even under heavy load. It traded blows with the Noctua NH-D15, a perennial favorite among enthusiasts, and even surpassed it in some scenarios.
Noise Levels:
Despite its impressive cooling capabilities, the Assassin IV remained remarkably quiet throughout testing. The combination of its high-quality FDB fans and well-designed heatsink resulted in near-silent operation, even at maximum fan speed.
Conclusion: A Top Contender in the Air Cooling Arena
The DeepCool Assassin IV is a formidable air cooler that delivers on its promises of exceptional cooling performance and quiet operation. Its robust design, comprehensive feature set, and ease of installation make it an excellent choice for both seasoned builders and newcomers alike.
Pros:
- Outstanding cooling performance
- Near-silent operation
- Full RAM compatibility
- Easy installation
- Competitive price
Cons:
- Large size may not fit all cases
- Optional third fan not included
Verdict:
The DeepCool Assassin IV is a top-tier air cooler that earns our highest recommendation. If you’re looking for the best possible cooling for your CPU without the added complexity of a liquid cooler, the Assassin IV is an excellent choice.
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