How Much Does it Cost?
The DeepCool ASSASSIN IV Intel/AMD Dual Tower Performance CPU Cooler is available now from Scan for a very reasonable £84.98. That’s not exactly loose change, I know, but this is a very high-quality product and handling it, looking at it, and testing it, it seems to be worth every single penny. You get plenty of thermal paste included in the box, a third fan bracket, a built-in fan controller of sorts, and even a handy installation screwdriver/Alankey, so I’m very happy with the bundle. Noctua NH-D15S is £89.99, or £99.99 for the black version, and even then if you wanted another fan, throw another £20-£30 on top. That’s worth it too, I am a bit Noctua fan and their quality is still second to none, but with this price-to-performance ratio, DeepCool is really making it a hard choice; there’s only one meme that’s needed right now.
Overview
Right, let’s get to the one thing I don’t like about this cooler… Nothing, it’s really just fantastic. When it comes to the acoustic levels, when pushed really hard and the CPU is overclocked, Noctua is quieter, but that didn’t strike me as surprising. However, DeepCool is closer than anyone else has come in that regard, and that’s mighty impressive.
When it comes to cooling performance, and let’s be honest, that’s really the key feature to focus on, it absolutely takes things to the next level. To deliver such impressive cooling performance at these acoustic levels is no easy task, and there’s a reason Noctua haven’t had to really change much of anything on their most popular products for over a decade. The gap has now closed though, and the choice between the D15S and the Assassin IV is close enough to just say, get the one you like the look of.
This brings me to my next point. I love my Noctua fans, I spent a few years on the Chromax black, but have since gone back to the old-school brown. However, there’s rarely much new in the world of cooler design that really makes me sit forward. However, the Assassin IV looks so damn good, they’ve really raised the bar here, and I think it’s the best-looking air cooler on the market right now. There’s a fan bracket to add a third fan, but don’t bother, it looks like you’re hanging a hump on the damn thing and seems utterly pointless given the current level of performance.
The built-in fan controller is great, even if I see little to no need for it, as it’s plenty quiet already. However, I won’t deny there’s a use for an even quieter mode and it’s awesome that it’s built-in to hardware and now software controlled. Plus, the inclusion of tools and paste makes installing and maintaining the cooler an easy task too. Furthermore, the unique installation method is really clever, and the way all the hardware is enclosed is aesthetically pleasing too.
Should I Buy One?
It’s one of the best-looking, performance, and quietest air coolers I’ve ever tested. It’s really as simple as that. It’s not cheap, but for what is on offer here, it’s very competitively priced. Very highly recommended, as it’s sure to look and perform great in any system.
