If you’ve been searching for a DeepCool CPU cooler recently, you’ve probably noticed something strange – they’re completely unavailable from US retailers.
DeepCool products were banned from the US market in early 2024 due to sanctions violations related to selling products to Russian companies.
I spent considerable time researching this situation and finding the best alternatives that match DeepCool’s excellent price-to-performance ratio.
This guide explains exactly what happened to DeepCool and, more importantly, shows you which coolers from Thermalright, ID-Cooling, and Arctic offer similar or better performance at comparable prices.
What Happened to DeepCool CPU Coolers?
DeepCool (operating as Shenzhen Deepcool Industries Co.) was added to the US Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list in May 2024.
The sanctions stem from DeepCool allegedly providing goods to Russian companies that were already under US sanctions, violating export control regulations.
This means all DeepCool products, including their popular AK620, GAMMAXX series, and other coolers, cannot legally be sold or imported into the United States.
⏰ Important: While you might find DeepCool products from third-party sellers or international sites, purchasing them could violate US sanctions. Additionally, warranty support and replacement parts are unavailable.
DeepCool’s Legacy in CPU Cooling
Before the ban, DeepCool had established itself as a dominant force in budget CPU cooling.
The AK620 became legendary for offering Noctua NH-D15 level performance at half the price – around $40-50 compared to Noctua’s $100+.
Their GAMMAXX series provided excellent entry-level cooling for $15-25, making quality cooling accessible to budget builders.
What Made DeepCool Special
DeepCool’s success came from aggressive pricing combined with solid engineering.
The AK620 featured a dual-tower design with six heat pipes and two 120mm fans, specifications typically found in coolers costing twice as much.
GamersNexus testing showed the AK620 matching premium coolers in thermal performance while maintaining reasonable noise levels.
Their budget GAMMAXX 400 series offered four heat pipes and decent 130W TDP capacity for under $25, perfect for mid-range builds.
Market Impact of DeepCool’s Removal
The ban left a significant gap in the $20-50 cooler market where DeepCool had been most competitive.
Retailers scrambled to fill shelf space, and competitors quickly moved to capture DeepCool’s market share.
Prices in the budget segment increased slightly as competition decreased, though new entrants are starting to restore balance.
Understanding the DeepCool Ban
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added DeepCool to the SDN list on May 23, 2024.
This designation prohibits US persons and companies from conducting any transactions with DeepCool or its subsidiaries.
The sanctions specifically cite DeepCool’s business dealings with already-sanctioned Russian entities following the Ukraine conflict.
Timeline of Events
February 2024: Initial reports of DeepCool products disappearing from major US retailers like Amazon and Newegg.
May 23, 2024: Official addition to the SDN list with immediate effect.
June 2024: All remaining DeepCool inventory removed from US retail channels.
Current Status: DeepCool products remain available in many international markets but are permanently banned from US sales.
What This Means for Consumers
If you already own a DeepCool cooler, you can continue using it without legal concerns.
However, warranty claims, replacement parts, and customer support are no longer available in the US.
Purchasing DeepCool products from international sellers or gray market sources could potentially violate sanctions and offers no consumer protection.
⚠️ Legal Note: While individual consumers are unlikely to face prosecution for owning existing DeepCool products, businesses and retailers must comply fully with OFAC regulations or face significant penalties.
Best DeepCool Alternatives in 2025
Fortunately, several manufacturers offer excellent alternatives that match or exceed DeepCool’s price-performance ratio.
I’ve categorized these recommendations based on which DeepCool model you were considering.
Best Alternative to DeepCool AK620: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE has become the go-to replacement for the AK620.
At $35-40, it’s actually cheaper than the AK620 was, while delivering similar or better cooling performance.
GamersNexus testing shows it matching high-end coolers at 250W heat loads while maintaining reasonable noise levels.
The dual-tower design with six heat pipes mirrors the AK620’s construction, and the included fans perform excellently.
Best Budget Alternative: ID-Cooling SE-214-XT
For those who wanted a GAMMAXX 400 series cooler, the ID-Cooling SE-214-XT fills that gap perfectly.
Priced around $20-25, it offers four heat pipes and 150W TDP capacity with a single 120mm fan.
The mounting system supports all modern sockets including LGA1700 and AM5, and installation is straightforward.
Performance testing shows it handling mid-range CPUs like the Ryzen 5 7600 or Core i5-13400 without thermal throttling.
Premium Alternative: Arctic Freezer 36
If you’re willing to spend slightly more for superior performance, the Arctic Freezer 36 excels.
At $45-55, it costs more than DeepCool’s offerings but delivers exceptional cooling and near-silent operation.
The offset mounting system provides better RAM clearance than most tower coolers, and the P-fans are among the quietest available.
Arctic’s 6-year warranty and excellent customer support add value that DeepCool couldn’t match even before the ban.
RGB Alternative: Thermalright Frozen Prism
DeepCool’s RGB coolers like the GAMMAXX L240 V2 were popular for aesthetics.
The Thermalright Frozen Prism 240 offers similar RGB effects with better cooling performance at competitive prices.
The ARGB implementation works with all major motherboard software, and the pump design is notably quiet.
| DeepCool Model | Best Alternative | Price Range | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK620 | Thermalright PA120 SE | $35-40 | Better price, similar performance |
| GAMMAXX 400 | ID-Cooling SE-214-XT | $20-25 | Available, good mounting |
| AK400 | Arctic Freezer 36 | $45-55 | Superior cooling, 6-year warranty |
| GAMMAXX L240 | Thermalright Frozen Prism | $60-70 | Better RGB, quiet pump |
Value Comparison Analysis
The alternatives I’ve recommended generally match DeepCool’s aggressive pricing while being readily available.
Thermalright has essentially taken DeepCool’s market position, offering exceptional value in the $30-50 range.
ID-Cooling provides solid budget options under $30, though their higher-end models don’t quite match Thermalright’s value.
Arctic costs more but delivers premium features like extended warranties and superior fan technology.
How to Choose a CPU Cooler Without DeepCool?
Selecting the right cooler requires understanding your specific needs and CPU requirements.
Modern CPUs generate varying heat levels – a Ryzen 5 7600 needs far less cooling than a Core i9-14900K.
Understanding TDP and Cooling Requirements
Check your CPU’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating to determine minimum cooling requirements.
Add 20-30% headroom for boost clocks and summer temperatures – a 65W TDP CPU benefits from a 90W+ capable cooler.
High-end CPUs like the i9-14900K can pull 250W+ under load, requiring premium air or liquid cooling.
Air vs. Liquid Cooling Considerations
Air coolers offer better reliability and value, with no pump failures or leak risks.
Liquid coolers provide better peak performance and aesthetics but cost more and require eventual replacement.
For most users, a quality air cooler like the Thermalright PA120 SE handles everything up to enthusiast CPUs.
Socket Compatibility and Installation
Verify cooler compatibility with your specific socket – LGA1700, AM5, and older platforms have different mounting requirements.
Some coolers include multiple mounting kits, while others require separate purchases for certain sockets.
Consider RAM clearance, especially with dual-tower designs that can interfere with tall memory modules.
Case compatibility matters too – measure your case’s CPU cooler clearance before purchasing large tower coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy DeepCool coolers from international sellers?
While technically possible, purchasing DeepCool products violates US sanctions and provides no warranty protection or customer support. It’s better to choose readily available alternatives.
Will DeepCool ever return to the US market?
Return is unlikely unless sanctions are lifted, which would require significant changes in international relations and DeepCool’s business practices. Plan for permanent unavailability.
Is my existing DeepCool cooler illegal to use?
No, using an already-purchased DeepCool cooler is perfectly legal. The sanctions only prohibit new transactions, not continued use of existing products.
Which brand best replaces DeepCool for budget cooling?
Thermalright has emerged as the primary DeepCool replacement, offering similar aggressive pricing and performance. ID-Cooling provides good sub-$30 options as well.
Are the alternatives as good as DeepCool coolers were?
Yes, brands like Thermalright and Arctic offer equal or better performance at similar prices. The market has adapted quickly to fill the gap DeepCool left.
Moving Forward Without DeepCool
While DeepCool’s removal from the US market initially disrupted budget cooling options, excellent alternatives have quickly emerged.
Thermalright’s Peerless Assassin 120 SE actually improves upon the AK620’s value proposition, while ID-Cooling and Arctic provide strong options across price ranges.
For those interested in other PC cooling solutions, check out our guide on best CPU thermal pads for alternative thermal interface options.
The competitive CPU cooling market continues evolving, and consumers ultimately benefit from the innovation and aggressive pricing that remains.