A Complete Look at Wood-Grain Design, Digital Displays, and High-End Air Cooling
DeepCool has steadily built a strong reputation in the PC cooling market, particularly with its AK-series air coolers that combine solid thermal performance, clean industrial design, and increasingly smart features such as real-time digital displays and AI-assisted fan control. With the introduction of the Digital SE, G2 Digital NYX, and the flagship Assassin VC Elite, DeepCool now covers everything from compact mainstream systems to high-end enthusiast builds.
In this combined review, we take a detailed look at the DeepCool AK400, 500, 600, Digital NYX, Digital SE, G2 Wood Grain and the premium Assassin VC Elite, breaking down their design, cooling performance, features, and ideal use cases.
Design Philosophy & Build Quality
Across the board, DeepCool maintains a consistent visual identity with the AK and Assassin series. Most of the coolers feature a minimalist, squared-off heatsink design finished in matte black or white, making them suitable for both RGB-heavy gaming builds and clean professional setups.
The Digital SE and Digital NYX models stand out thanks to their integrated top-mounted digital display, which shows real-time CPU temperature, usage, and system status. This eliminates the need for third-party overlays while adding a subtle tech aesthetic that fits modern PC builds.
Build quality is excellent throughout the range. The fin stacks are dense and evenly spaced, heatpipes are well-aligned, and mounting hardware feels robust. Even the more affordable AK400 Digital SE does not feel “budget” in construction, while the higher-end models such as the AK700 and Assassin VC Elite are clearly designed with long-term reliability in mind.
Specifications at a glance
| Model | AK400 Digital SE WH | AK500S Digital SE | AK620 Digital SE WH | AK500 G2 Digital NYX | AK700 Digital NYX | AK500 G2 Digital NYX | AK500 G2 (Wood-Grain) | AK620 G2 (Wood-Grain) | Assassin VC Elite |
| Weight | 695 g | 864 g | 1400 g | 1362 g | 1252 g | 1362 g | 1040 g | 1386 g | 1772 g |
| Heatpipe | Ø6 mm×4 pcs | Ø6 mm×5 pcs | Ø6 mm×6 pcs | Ø6 mm×5 pcs | Ø6 mm×7 pcs | Ø6 mm×5 pcs | Ø6 mm×5 pcs | Ø6 mm×6 pcs | Ø6 mm×7 pcs |
| Fan Airflow | 68.99 CFM | 68.99 CFM | 68.99 CFM | 63.4 CFM | 77.23 CFM | 63.4 CFM | 68.99 CFM | 57.76 CFM | 48.55 CFM / 46.75 CFM |
| Power Consumption | 1.44 W | 1.44 W | 1.44 W | 3 W | 4.2 W | 3 W | 1.44 W | 2.28 W | 4.8 W |
Cooling Performance Overview
AK400 Digital SE WH – Compact and Efficient
The AK400 Digital SE WH is a single-tower cooler with four heatpipes, aimed at mainstream CPUs. In real-world usage, it performs reliably for mid-range processors, offering a noticeable upgrade over stock coolers while maintaining relatively low noise levels.
It is best suited for:
- Mid-range Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 systems
- Compact or airflow-restricted cases
- Users who want a digital display without a bulky cooler
While it is not designed for heavy overclocking, it delivers consistent thermal control for daily workloads and gaming.
AK500S Digital SE & AK500 Series – The Sweet Spot
Stepping up, the AK500S Digital SE and standard AK500 variants introduce a five-heatpipe design that significantly improves thermal performance. These models strike a strong balance between size, noise, and cooling capability.
The AK500 series is ideal for:
- Upper mid-range CPUs
- Users who want quieter operation under sustained loads
- Builds where RAM clearance is important
The Digital SE version adds extra visual appeal and real-time system monitoring, making it a popular choice for users who want both function and form.
AK620 Digital SE – Dual-Tower Power
The AK620 Digital SE marks a major step up with its dual-tower, dual-fan configuration. Cooling performance here enters enthusiast territory, handling higher-TDP CPUs with ease while maintaining stable temperatures during extended workloads such as rendering or long gaming sessions.
This model is particularly suitable for:
- High-core-count CPUs
- Content creators and power users
- Users who prefer air cooling over AIO liquid coolers
Despite its size, noise levels remain well-controlled thanks to efficient fan tuning and good airflow design.
G2 Digital NYX Series – Smarter Cooling
DeepCool’s G2 Digital NYX refresh introduces smarter thermal management through AI-assisted fan control. These coolers dynamically adjust fan behavior based on system load, prioritising silence during light tasks and performance when under stress.
AK500 G2 Digital NYX
The AK500 G2 Digital NYX refines the already capable AK500 with improved fans, enhanced display functionality, and more responsive cooling behavior. It is a strong choice for users who want modern features without stepping into oversized dual-tower designs.
AK700 Digital NYX – Maximum AK-Series Performance
At the top of the AK lineup, the AK700 Digital NYX features a massive heatsink paired with seven heatpipes. This model delivers the highest cooling capacity in the AK family, making it suitable for flagship processors and heavy multitasking scenarios.
For users who want top-tier air cooling with modern digital features, the AK700 stands out as the most capable all-in-one solution in the AK range.
G2 Series with Wood-Grain Top Design
AK500 G2 (Wood-Grain) – Style-Focused Performance
The AK500 G2 with wood-grain top cover brings a refreshing design language to air cooling. Beneath its aesthetic appeal lies a capable single-tower cooler equipped with five copper heatpipes and a refined fan design.
Thermally, it performs similarly to the AK500 series, providing reliable cooling for mid- to upper-tier CPUs. Noise levels are well-controlled, particularly during light to moderate workloads. This model is ideal for users who want dependable cooling wrapped in a distinctive, non-RGB design.
AK620 G2 (Wood-Grain) – Dual-Tower Elegance
The AK620 G2 wood-grain edition takes the same design philosophy and applies it to a powerful dual-tower configuration. With six heatpipes and a large surface area, it delivers strong cooling performance suitable for high-core-count CPUs and demanding workloads.
This model stands out by offering enthusiast-level air cooling while maintaining a refined, minimalist appearance. It is especially appealing for creators and professionals who want performance without the aggressive look of traditional gaming hardware.
Assassin VC Elite – Enthusiast-Grade Air Cooling
The Assassin VC Elite sits above the AK series as DeepCool’s flagship air cooler. Designed for enthusiasts and overclockers, it focuses purely on raw cooling performance rather than digital displays or RGB effects.
With its large dual-tower design and premium fans, the Assassin VC Elite offers:
- Exceptional thermal headroom
- Stable performance under sustained high loads
- Cooling performance that rivals some liquid AIO solutions
This cooler is best suited for users running high-power CPUs who prioritzes performance and reliability over aesthetics.
Noise Levels & User Experience
Across the lineup, DeepCool does an excellent job balancing cooling and acoustics. Entry-level models remain quiet under typical workloads, while higher-end coolers manage noise effectively even when cooling demanding CPUs.
The Digital and Digital NYX displays add real usability, especially for users who prefer at-a-glance system monitoring without software overlays. Installation is generally straightforward, though digital models require a USB header for full functionality.
Compatibility & Clearance Considerations
Before choosing a model, users should consider:
- Case clearance, especially for dual-tower models like the AK620, AK700, and Assassin VC Elite
- RAM height, although most AK coolers are designed with reasonable clearance
- USB header availability for digital display models
Final Verdict
DeepCool’s air cooler lineup is one of the most comprehensive on the market today. Whether you are building a compact daily-use PC or a high-end enthusiast system, there is a clear option within the AK and Assassin families.
Recommended Picks:
- Entry-Level Digital Cooler: AK400 Digital SE
- Value All-Rounder: AK500S Digital SE / AK500 G2
- High-Performance Digital Cooler: AK620 G2 Digital NYX
- AK-Series Flagship: AK700 Digital NYX
- Enthusiast Level Air Cooler: Assassin VC Elite
Overall, DeepCool successfully blends performance, aesthetics, and innovation, making these coolers excellent choices for modern PC builds across all performance tiers.