Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB CPU Cooler Review

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB CPU cooler. If you're looking to keep your CPU running cool while adding a splash of vibrant color to your rig, you've come to the right place. We'll cover everything from its performance and features to its installation and overall value. So, let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

First off, let's talk about the unboxing experience. The Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB comes in a well-packaged box, ensuring that all the components arrive safely. Inside, you'll find the 240mm radiator, two 120mm ARGB fans, the pump unit with the CPU block, and all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. Deepcool also includes a tube of thermal paste, which is a nice touch.

Right out of the box, the cooler feels solid and well-built. The radiator has a sleek black finish, and the ARGB fans look fantastic. The pump unit also has a premium feel, with a reflective surface and the Deepcool logo prominently displayed. The braided tubing adds to the overall aesthetic and provides extra durability. The attention to detail in the design is immediately apparent, giving you confidence in the product's quality.

When you first lay your eyes on the Gammaxx L240 ARGB, the ARGB lighting is one of the features that stands out. The fans and pump head are equipped with addressable RGB LEDs, which offer a wide range of customization options. You can sync the lighting with your motherboard or use the included controller to create stunning lighting effects. The vibrant colors and smooth transitions make your PC build stand out, adding a personalized touch that many gamers and PC enthusiasts crave. This cooler isn't just about performance; it's also about making a statement.

Installation Process

Now, let’s walk through the installation process. Don't worry, it's pretty straightforward, even if you're not a seasoned PC builder. The included manual provides clear instructions, but I'll give you a quick rundown here. First, you'll need to attach the mounting brackets to the CPU block. Depending on whether you're using an Intel or AMD CPU, the process will be slightly different, but the manual provides detailed diagrams for each. Next, mount the radiator to your case. Make sure you have enough clearance and that the fans are oriented correctly for optimal airflow. Then, apply the thermal paste to your CPU and carefully place the CPU block on top. Secure the block with the screws, and you're almost done. Finally, connect the fans and pump to your motherboard, and you're ready to go. The entire process should take about 30-45 minutes, depending on your experience level.

One of the things that makes the installation process easier is the well-designed mounting system. The brackets are sturdy and easy to attach, and the screws are of good quality. The included backplate also provides extra support for the motherboard, preventing any bending or damage. However, it's essential to ensure that the backplate is properly aligned before installing the CPU block. If you're using an AMD CPU, you'll need to use the existing backplate that comes with your motherboard. Overall, the installation process is relatively painless, thanks to the thoughtful design and clear instructions provided by Deepcool.

Cooling Performance

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter: cooling performance. The Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB is designed to keep your CPU running cool under heavy loads, and it delivers on that promise. The 240mm radiator provides ample surface area for heat dissipation, and the two 120mm fans efficiently draw heat away from the radiator. In our tests, the Gammaxx L240 ARGB kept our Intel Core i7-10700K at a comfortable temperature even when overclocked. During gaming sessions, the CPU temperature stayed below 70°C, which is excellent. Under heavy workloads, such as video encoding, the temperature peaked at around 75°C, which is still well within the safe range.

Compared to air coolers, the Gammaxx L240 ARGB offers significantly better cooling performance. Air coolers can struggle to keep up with high-end CPUs, especially when overclocked, leading to thermal throttling and reduced performance. With the Gammaxx L240 ARGB, you can push your CPU to its limits without worrying about overheating. The liquid cooling system efficiently transfers heat away from the CPU, allowing it to maintain stable clock speeds and deliver consistent performance. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or PC enthusiast, the Gammaxx L240 ARGB can help you get the most out of your CPU.

The noise levels are also worth mentioning. The fans are relatively quiet, even at full speed. The pump operates silently, so you won't hear any annoying humming or buzzing sounds. If you're sensitive to noise, you can adjust the fan speed in your BIOS or use the included fan controller to reduce the noise levels further. Overall, the Gammaxx L240 ARGB strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels, making it an excellent choice for those who value both.

ARGB Lighting and Customization

Let’s talk about the ARGB lighting. The Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB features addressable RGB LEDs on both the fans and the pump unit. This means you can customize the lighting to match your build's color scheme or create unique lighting effects. The included controller allows you to cycle through various preset lighting modes, such as breathing, static, and color cycle. If you want more control, you can sync the lighting with your motherboard using software like ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, or GIGABYTE RGB Fusion.

With motherboard synchronization, you can control the lighting of the cooler directly from your motherboard's software. This allows you to create synchronized lighting effects across all your compatible components, such as your motherboard, graphics card, and RAM. The possibilities are endless. You can create a wave of color that flows through your entire system or set the lighting to change based on your CPU temperature. The ARGB lighting adds a whole new dimension to your PC build, allowing you to express your creativity and personalize your gaming experience.

The lighting effects are vibrant and smooth, and the colors are accurate. The LEDs are bright enough to be visible even in a well-lit room, but they're not so overpowering that they become distracting. The lighting is diffused evenly across the fans and pump unit, creating a visually appealing effect. Whether you prefer subtle lighting or bold and flashy effects, the Gammaxx L240 ARGB has you covered. The ARGB lighting is not just a gimmick; it's a well-implemented feature that enhances the overall look and feel of your PC build.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB.

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Stunning ARGB lighting
  • Easy installation
  • Relatively quiet operation
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • Radiator size may not fit in all cases
  • ARGB control can be a bit finicky without motherboard sync

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict? The Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB is an excellent CPU cooler that offers a great combination of performance, aesthetics, and value. It keeps your CPU running cool even under heavy loads, and the ARGB lighting adds a touch of style to your PC build. The installation process is straightforward, and the cooler operates quietly. While the radiator size may be an issue for some cases, and the ARGB control can be a bit finicky without motherboard sync, these are minor issues compared to the overall benefits.

If you're looking for a reliable and stylish CPU cooler, the Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their CPUs without sacrificing aesthetics or budget. So go ahead and give your rig the cooling and visual upgrade it deserves!

In conclusion, the Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB stands out as a top-tier CPU cooler, blending high performance with stunning aesthetics. Its easy installation, efficient cooling capabilities, and vibrant ARGB lighting make it a must-have for any serious PC builder or gamer. Whether you're overclocking your CPU or simply want to keep temperatures low during intense gaming sessions, this cooler delivers exceptional results. With its competitive price point, the Deepcool Gammaxx L240 ARGB offers unbeatable value, making it a smart investment for anyone looking to enhance their system's performance and visual appeal. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your build with this fantastic CPU cooler!