Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED CPU cooler. If you're looking for an affordable and effective way to keep your CPU temperatures down while adding a touch of red to your build, then this cooler might just be what you need. We'll cover everything from its features and performance to the installation process, so you can decide if it's the right fit for your system. Let's get started!

What is Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED?

The Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED is a CPU air cooler designed to provide efficient cooling at an affordable price point. It's the successor to the popular Gammaxx 400, featuring several improvements that enhance its performance and aesthetics. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile option for many PC builds. The key selling points include its four direct-touch heat pipes, a 120mm PWM fan with a red LED, and an improved mounting system for easier installation.

The primary function of the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED is to dissipate heat generated by the CPU. As your CPU works, it produces heat, and if this heat isn't managed effectively, it can lead to reduced performance, system instability, and even permanent damage. The cooler achieves this by transferring heat from the CPU to the heat sink via the direct-touch heat pipes. The 120mm fan then blows air across the heat sink, dissipating the heat into the surrounding environment. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) feature allows the fan speed to be automatically adjusted based on the CPU temperature, ensuring optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise.

The design of the Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED is both functional and visually appealing. The red LED fan adds a subtle yet noticeable aesthetic touch to your build, which is especially appealing if you have a red-themed setup. The heat sink is designed with a dense fin array to maximize the surface area for heat dissipation. The direct-touch base ensures that the heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, improving thermal transfer efficiency. The cooler's compact size also ensures that it doesn't interfere with other components in your case, such as RAM modules or VRM heatsinks. Overall, the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED strikes a balance between performance, aesthetics, and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious builders and gamers.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED stand out:

• Four Direct-Touch Heat Pipes: The cooler features four copper heat pipes that make direct contact with the CPU surface. This design ensures efficient heat transfer, as the heat doesn't have to travel through an additional layer of material. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, allowing it to quickly draw heat away from the CPU and transfer it to the heat sink.
• 120mm PWM Fan with Red LED: The 120mm fan provides ample airflow to dissipate heat from the heat sink. The PWM functionality allows the fan speed to be automatically adjusted based on the CPU temperature, ensuring optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise. The red LED adds a touch of visual flair to your build, which is especially appealing if you have a red-themed setup. The fan is designed to operate quietly, so you won't be disturbed by excessive noise during normal use. The combination of efficient cooling and aesthetic appeal makes this fan a standout feature of the cooler.
• Universal Socket Compatibility: The cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including Intel LGA1200/1151/1150/1155/1366 and AMD AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1. This versatility makes it a great option for various PC builds, whether you're using an Intel or AMD CPU. The universal mounting system ensures easy installation on different platforms, so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues. This wide compatibility makes the Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED a practical choice for many users.
• Improved Mounting System: The mounting system has been redesigned to make installation easier and more secure. The included hardware is designed to be user-friendly, even for those who are new to PC building. The installation process is straightforward, and the included instructions are clear and easy to follow. The improved mounting system ensures that the cooler is securely attached to the CPU, providing optimal contact and heat transfer.
• Dense Fin Array: The heat sink features a dense fin array that maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation. The fins are closely spaced together to increase the amount of surface area that comes into contact with the air. This design allows the cooler to dissipate heat more effectively, keeping your CPU temperatures low. The dense fin array is a key factor in the cooler's ability to provide efficient cooling performance.

Specifications:

• Overall Dimensions: 129 x 77 x 155 mm
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Fan Speed: 500-1650 RPM ± 10%
• Fan Airflow: 64.5 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 2.1 mmAq
• Fan Noise Level: ≤27.8 dB(A)
• Heatsink Material: Aluminum
• Heatpipe Material: Copper
• Connector: 4-Pin PWM

These specifications highlight the cooler's ability to provide efficient cooling while maintaining a reasonable noise level. The PWM fan ensures that the fan speed is adjusted according to the CPU temperature, providing optimal performance when needed and quiet operation during less demanding tasks. The aluminum heat sink and copper heat pipes work together to effectively dissipate heat away from the CPU, keeping it running at a safe and stable temperature.

Installation Guide

Installing the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it set up:

1. Prepare the Motherboard:

   • First, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Remove the existing CPU cooler if you have one. Clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any old thermal paste.
   • Identify the correct mounting brackets for your CPU socket (Intel or AMD). The Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED comes with universal brackets that support a wide range of sockets. Refer to the manual to identify the correct brackets and screws for your specific motherboard.

2. Install the Mounting Brackets:

   • For Intel motherboards, place the backplate behind the motherboard, aligning the holes with the CPU socket. Secure the mounting brackets on the front side of the motherboard using the provided screws. Make sure the brackets are firmly attached and don't wobble.
   • For AMD motherboards, you can usually use the stock backplate that comes with the motherboard. Attach the AMD mounting brackets to the stock backplate using the provided screws. Again, ensure the brackets are securely attached.

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 also use the line method, applying a thin line of thermal paste along the center of the CPU. Avoid using too much thermal paste, as it can be counterproductive and reduce cooling performance. The goal is to create a thin, even layer of thermal paste between the CPU and the cooler.

4. Mount the Cooler:

   • Carefully place the Gammaxx 400 V2 Red LED on top of the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the brackets you installed earlier. Gently press down on the cooler and secure it using the screws. Tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Avoid overtightening the screws, as this can damage the CPU or motherboard. The cooler should be firmly attached to the CPU, but not excessively tight.

5. Connect the Fan:

   • Connect the 4-pin PWM fan connector to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This header is usually labeled as