The DeepCool AK500 is a high-performance CPU cooler designed to keep your system running cool and quiet. This single-tower cooler boasts a variety of features that make it a compelling option for both budget-minded builders and those seeking a balance of performance and noise levels. Let’s explore it thoroughly:

Design and Construction:

Heatsink:

Unlike bulkier dual-tower coolers, the AK500 employs a single-tower heatsink, making it ideal for mid-tower and smaller cases where space is a concern. Despite its single-tower design, the AK500 boasts a large heatsink measuring 127 x 90 x 158mm, providing ample surface area for efficient heat dissipation.

The AK500 utilizes DeepCool’s signature black matrix fin design. These fins are strategically staggered to create micro-channels, increasing airflow and heat exchange with the surrounding air. The heat pipes directly touch the CPU’s integrated heat spreader (IHS), eliminating thermal resistance and ensuring rapid heat transfer from the CPU core.

Heat Pipes:

Five 6mm nickel-plated copper heat pipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU core and distribute it evenly across the large heatsink. Balanced Bidirectional Heat Pipe Technology optimizes the heat pipes’ layout to counteract the effects of gravity, ensuring efficient heat transfer even in vertical PC cases.

Fan:

The fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan uses a lubricating fluid to reduce friction, resulting in smoother operation, lower noise levels, and increased lifespan compared to sleeve bearing fans. The fan speed is intelligently controlled by the motherboard based on CPU temperature, ensuring optimal cooling while minimizing noise when the system is under low load.

Additional Details:

The heatpipes are angled slightly to ensure 100% compatibility with most standard and high-profile RAM modules, eliminating clearance issues. The AK500 is built with high-quality materials, including a nickel-plated base and aluminum fins, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.

Performance and Cooling:

Credit: Dannys Tech Channel

Cooling Capacity:

240W TDP rating signifies the maximum amount of heat the AK500 can effectively dissipate, making it suitable for cooling most modern CPUs, including mid-range and high-performance processors with a TDP of up to 240W. The combination of a large heatsink, five heat pipes, and Direct Touch technology facilitates efficient heat transfer away from the CPU core.

The black matrix fin design and PWM-controlled 120mm FDB fan work together to generate optimal airflow throughout the heatsink, effectively transferring heat to the surrounding environment.

Performance in Practice:

While real-world performance can vary depending on specific system configurations and usage scenarios, independent tests and user reviews consistently show that the AK500 is capable of maintaining safe CPU temperatures even under demanding workloads. Depending on your specific CPU and other system components, the AK500 may offer limited headroom for overclocking. However, it should be sufficient for moderate overclocking on most mid-range CPUs.

Noise Levels:

One of the AK500’s key strengths is its quiet operation. The FDB fan and PWM control work together to minimize noise generation. The fan operates at speeds between 300 and 1,500 RPM, depending on the CPU temperature. At its lowest speed, the AK500 is nearly inaudible, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

While the AK500 prioritizes quiet operation, it’s important to remember that noise levels will increase as the fan ramps up under heavier loads to maintain optimal cooling. Users seeking absolute silence at the expense of some cooling performance might need to consider alternative cooling solutions.

Installation and Compatibility:

The DeepCool AK500 boasts a user-friendly and straightforward installation process. This makes it a great choice for both experienced builders and beginners. 

Installation Process:

Prepare your system: Before installation, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Locate the motherboard socket and remove any existing coolers or thermal paste.

Mount the backplate: The AK500 utilizes a universal backplate design compatible with various Intel and AMD sockets. Position the backplate on the backside of your motherboard and secure it using the provided screws.

Attach the mounting brackets: Depending on your specific CPU socket, attach the designated mounting brackets to the backplate using the included thumbscrews.

Apply thermal paste: Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste (not included) onto the center of your CPU’s integrated heat spreader (IHS).

Position the heatsink: Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, ensuring the heat pipes make proper contact with the CPU’s IHS.

Secure the heatsink: Secure the heatsink to the mounting brackets using the provided thumbscrews. Tighten them evenly in an alternating pattern to avoid uneven pressure.

Compatibility:

The AK500 is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets, including:

Intel: LGA 115x, 1200, 1700, 2066

AMD: AM4, AM5

Installation Process:

Prepare your system: Before installation, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Locate the motherboard socket and remove any existing coolers or thermal paste.

Mount the backplate: The AK500 utilizes a universal backplate design compatible with various Intel and AMD sockets. Position the backplate on the backside of your motherboard and secure it using the provided screws.

Attach the mounting brackets: Depending on your specific CPU socket, attach the designated mounting brackets to the backplate using the included thumbscrews.

Apply thermal paste: Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste (not included) onto the center of your CPU’s integrated heat spreader (IHS).

Position the heatsink: Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, ensuring the heat pipes make proper contact with the CPU’s IHS.

Secure the heatsink: Secure the heatsink to the mounting brackets using the provided thumbscrews. Tighten them evenly in an alternating pattern to avoid uneven pressure.

Compatibility:

Read Here

Performance:

The Galahad II Performance 360 doesn’t just boast increased cooling capacity compared to its standard counterpart; it provides quantifiable improvements. Lian Li claims an 11% increase in heat transfer efficiency thanks to the larger copper cold plate and improved fin design. This translates to lower CPU temperatures, allowing you to push your overclocks further or simply enjoy cooler and quieter operation under stock settings.

Lian Li’s benchmark results show the Galahad II Performance 360 keeping the Intel Core i9-12900K at an average of 63°C under full load, a significant improvement over the standard Galahad II’s 72°C. Independent reviewers have also reported similar impressive temperature control, with some even observing overclocking headroom thanks to the cooler’s enhanced capabilities.

Noise Concerns:

Additional Considerations:

The 360mm radiator offers a larger surface area for heat dissipation compared to smaller AIO coolers, further contributing to efficient cooling.

The increased pump speed (31% faster) ensures efficient water circulation throughout the loop, maximizing heat transfer from the CPU to the radiator.

Aesthetics and Features:

Beyond performance, the Galahad II Performance 360 shines in its visual appeal and user-friendly features:

The radiator and fans offer feature customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to synchronize colors and effects with other RGB components in your build, creating a cohesive and visually stunning aesthetic. The 45-Degree Swiveling innovative connectors offer greater flexibility during installation and cable management. This allows for cleaner aesthetics within the case, improving overall build quality and airflow. The black braided nylon sleeves on the tubing add a touch of sophistication and durability to the cooler’s overall look.

The Liquid Crystal Polymer fan blades offer a unique visual element while ensuring efficient airflow and quieter operation. Lian Li includes three different pump cap options: Dazzle Mode, Sink Hole, and Duo-Infinity. These caps allow for further customization, letting you personalize the look of your cooling solution to match your system’s theme.

Compatibility and Installation:

The Galahad II Performance 360 boasts broad compatibility with popular CPU sockets, ensuring wider user accessibility:

Intel LGA 1700, 1200, and 115x sockets

AMD AM5 and AM4 platforms

Lian Li emphasizes a user-friendly installation process thanks to the included mounting system. This caters to both experienced builders and newcomers, simplifying the integration of the cooler into your system.

Here are some additional points to consider regarding compatibility and installation:

Case Size: Due to its 360mm radiator size, ensure your case has ample space for the cooler’s installation. Check your case’s radiator clearance specifications before purchasing.

Pre-applied Thermal Paste: The cooler comes with pre-applied thermal paste for your convenience. However, some users may prefer to choose their own thermal paste solution.

Software Control: The included L-Connect 3 software allows for monitoring and customization of fan speeds, pump speed, and RGB lighting effects.

Competitors:

It’s important to consider its competitors and alternatives before making your final decision. There are many other robust CPU coolers for gamers. Two of the key contenders are:

Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 ARGB: This popular option offers similar cooling performance to the Galahad II Performance 360 at a slightly lower price point. It also features addressable RGB lighting and quiet operation. However, it may not have the same level of visual customization and premium aesthetics as the Lian Li cooler.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub Zero ARGB: This high-end AIO boasts even better cooling performance than both the Galahad II and the Arctic Liquid Freezer II, thanks to its integrated fan controller and support for push-pull fan configurations. However, it comes at a significantly higher price tag.

Also Read: Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU Cooler | Gamers Guide Review

Alternatives:

Air Coolers: While not as visually striking as AIO coolers, high-performance air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 or be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 offer excellent cooling performance at a lower cost and quieter noise levels. However, they require significant case clearance and may not be suitable for all builds.

Smaller Radiator AIOs: If your case size is limited, consider 240mm or 280mm radiator AIOs like the NZXT Kraken X53 or the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix. These coolers offer decent cooling performance for mid-range CPUs and still feature RGB lighting and user-friendly installation.

What to Consider:

Consider the following factors:

Budget: The Galahad II Performance 360 sits in a mid-range price point. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and compare it to the cost of competitors and alternatives.

Cooling Needs: If you have a high-end CPU and plan to overclock, a powerful AIO like the Galahad II or the MasterLiquid ML360 Sub Zero might be necessary. If not, a smaller AIO or even a high-performance air cooler might suffice.

Noise Levels: The Galahad II offers a balance between performance and noise. If near-silent operation is crucial, consider air coolers or AIOs with lower RPM fan profiles.

Aesthetics: The Galahad II shines in its visual appeal with RGB lighting and premium details. If aesthetics are important to you, compare it to other visually striking AIOs.

Case Size: Ensure your case has enough space for the 360mm radiator of the Galahad II. Smaller cases might require alternative cooling solutions.

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Thermaltake Technology appoints Savera Marketing as National Distributor

New Delhi, India, January 22, 2014: Savera Marketing Agency, one of the leading IT distributors in India, has been appointed as national distributor by Thermaltake technology, an internationally acclaimed cooler, case and power supply manufacturer. Savera Marketing Agency will be the exclusive PAN India distributor for Thermaltake, Tt eSPORTS & LUXA2 for India.

With vast distributorship network, Savera Marketing will contribute in pushing Thermaltake, Tt eSPORTS & LUXA2 product line up in the market. It will also be responsible to educate the retailers and dealers about the product & generate sales.

Thermaltake’s products are preferred by PC enthusiasts worldwide, and became one of the leading brands in this field. It was established in 1999 with the mission to produce the highest quality PC Cooler, Case and Power Supply in the industry. It has extended its footprint with its two other brand Tt eSPORTS & LUXA2.

Thermaltake features unique, aggressive, vivid and stylish products and makes it an expert in creating exciting things and fascinating environment for gamers and enthusiasts globally. While Savera Marketing will be distributing the product range, Thermaltake technology retains the responsibility of addressing the servicing issues of the products.

Managing Director at Savera Gopal Pansari said, “Thermaltake is a brand which is best known for their innovative product line in PC cooler, case and power supply. The other two brands Tt eSPORTS & LUXA2 will add more variety in their products. With their exclusive PAN India distributorship we will be able to escalate our market share. Personally it gives me a satisfaction & pride that we are associated with such brand which is best known for their magnificent products.”