A Closer Look

The Deepcool AS500 has a relatively dense fin stack comprised of 56 aluminium fins. To keep those fins properly spaced, Deepcool folded them down the middle on both sides. Not only does it keep the fins spaced adequately, but it also adds a bit of extra rigidity.


The heatsink array, along with its five ⌀6 mm heatpipes, is rated as capable of handling up to 220 watts, which is quite impressive, even more so considering the Assassin III was only rated at 280 watts.


To improve the cooler's visual design, Deepcool added a black top plate with ARGB LEDs hidden underneath. By going this route, the cooler has the added flair of controllable LED illumination that is not so over the top as to be annoying. The five U-shaped heatpipes are spaced for more even heat distribution, and nickel-plated like the base and fins. Speaking of the base, it is not a mirror finish and has visible machining marks; however, as is the norm over the past few years, the base is at least smooth to the touch, meaning you can't feel the machining marks.


The TF140S PWM fan bundled with the cooler is optimized for a quiet operation with its more limited 500–1200 RPM range. Even with the slightly lower than normal maximum RPM, the fan is rated to deliver a maximum of 70.81 CFM of airflow. It also utilizes a fluid dynamic bearing (FDB).