Todays review will explore the performance the 360mm and 240mm version of the latest Mystique series AIOs from DeepCool. The standout feature of this line is a 2.8" glossy LCD screen which can display system usage statistics or a media file of your choice, but that's not all! They also include upgraded pumps and fans compared to previous DeepCool products.

DeepCool is one of my favorite cooling brands, and have consistently been improving the performance and value of their products. I've been impressed with a number of their products, including the very unique Assassin IV WH which I previously reviewed.

Pros

• Strong thermal performance
• Fancy LCD screen
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Pre-release review sample had coil whine
• $179.99 MSRP for 360mm version

Features of DeepCool's Mystique 240 and 360

Fancy 2.8" Display

The most prominent feature of the Mystique 360 is the included 2.8" display which is powered by an upgraded version of DeepCool's software. Using the DeepCool software, one is able to customize the display to show different performance metrics or even display a animated image or movie file.

You'll need to download DeepCool's software to customize the display or upload a video file, otherwise it will only show a simple background with DeepCool's branding. The software is fairly simple and to the point, I've included a few screenshots the customization areas below.

Full RAM compatibility*

Like most other AIOs on the market, the Mystique 360 doesn't interfere or overhang DIMM slots - making it compatible with RAM of any height!

You might notice the *star in the description - Full RAM compatibility is only possible if you install the CPU block in the default 6 O'clock orientation. If you install the CPU block in a 3 O'clock orientation you won't be able to use all of the DIMM slots - the tubing pushes against the RAM stick and can cause problems.

Cable Management Velcro Straps

Included with the unit are 2x cable management velcro straps for keeping the tubing of the AIO nice and tidy.

Pre-applied DeepCool DM9 Thermal Paste, Large copper base

DeepCool includes its high end DM9 thermal paste pre-applied to the large copper CPU contact plate of the cooler

Pre-installed Fans

Most manufacturers don't secure the fans to the radiator of the device, leaving it up to the user to install. DeepCool pre-installed the fans of the Mystique 360, saving time and making installation for the end user simpler.

Rotatable braided tubing

The tubing of the AIO is braided and the connections to the CPU block are rotatable for ease of installation and routing.

Latest generation in-house design pump, anti-leak technology

The Mystique 360 includes DeepCool's latest liquid pump technology, which features slightly higher thermal performance and efficiency improvements compared to the pump included with the LS/LT series of AIOs. As with all DeepCool AIOs, anti-leak technology is incorporated into the design to prevent damage to other components should somehow the AIO become damaged.

Packaging and included contents

The cooler is protected during shipment by molded cardboard, plastic coverings, and a foam top covering. Included with the cooler is:

• 360mm radiator with fans pre-installed and CPU block with 2.8" display
• Mounting for Intel and AMD platforms
• 2x Velcro Cable Management Straps
• 1x PWM extension cord
• User Manual

Test Platform Configuration and Testing Methodology

I've tested with Intel's i7-13700K to show how this cooler performs. The system system is tested with a full strength workload, two reduced wattage loads, and at noise normalized settings.

Observant readers may notice that the noise graphs start at 35 instead of zero. This is because my sound meter cannot measure sound levels lower than 35 dBA. This makes it the "zero" for testing purposes. For those concerned that this might distort results - there's no worry. If anything, the graphs above will minimize the differences in noise levels because dBA measurements are logarithmic.

Intel i7-13700K Cooling and Acoustic Results

Maximum Cooling Power

Most coolers reach TJ Max, the maximum temperature of the CPU of 100 degrees Celsius, when power limits are removed with Intel's i7-13700K. However, the strongest AIOs are able to keep this CPU under its peak temperature, even in stressful conditions. The 360mm version of DeepCool's Mystique AIO passed this test, but it did very well matching the performance of top tier coolers from Thermalright, TeamGroup, and MSI.

The 240mm version didn't pass the test because the CPU reached its maximum temperature and throttled to a very minor extent. The 240mm version I tested was a pre-release version that also suffered from pump whine, so it is possible that the retail versions will perform better. Even so it cooled an average of 237W during testing, making it one of the best results which technically didn't pass this test.

Maximum Noise Levels

Performance is only one part of the picture, noise levels are equally important. At 47.7dBA for the 240mm version and 50 dBA for the 360mm versions, these coolers can get a bit loud - at the very edge of my personal comfort level. I'd advise implementing a fan curve to avoid these louder results, as the cooler performs very well even when limited to low noise levels - as the next set of noise normalized results will show.

Noise Normalized Performance

For noise normalized testing, I've set the fans to a low 38.2 dBA. This is a slightly audible noise level, but won't bother most users. This test best shows the generation improvements from DeepCool's previous generation AIOs, with the Mystique 360 able to handle 7W more than the LT720 did in the same scenario.

175W Results

While maximum performance is important, most of the time you won't be pushing the CPU to its limits. It's good to see how a cooler performs in more typical situations, and most users won't use more than 175W in common usage.

DeepCool's Mystique AIOs performed very well thermally with a 175W load. At 50C over ambient, the 360mm version tied for the 2nd best results shown in this benchmark. The 240mm version ran only 2C warmer, tied with EKWB's Nucleus AIO.

But that's only part of the picture - how noisy does it run in a situation like this?

Noise levels are moderate for DeepCool's Mystique AIOs with a 175W load, with the Mystique 360 having noise levels similar to most of the other AIOs shown here. The 240mm performed a little better, at only 41.4 dBA. It should be noted, however, that both noise levels are a regression compared to the previously tested LT720 - this comes down to the fans included.

125W Results

125W is the lowest level of power I test, and it's similar to what users will consume with this CPU in demanding games. While I've tested and show thermal results, they're really not a concern because even Intel's stock cooler will keep the CPU cool enough in a workload like this. That said, both models of DeepCool's Mystique lineup performed well at 38 and 39 degrees over a 23C ambient temperature.

With a 175W load, the noise levels of the Mystique series was a bit higher than the previous generation AIOs from DeepCool. However, with a lower wattage workload the Mystique series shows a significant improvement compared to previous generation DeepCool AIOs which reached 39.6 dBA with a 125W load.

Noise levels, more than anything else, matter in a lighter load like this. With a measurement recorded of only 37.3 dBA, DeepCool's Mystique 360 ran quieter than the sound of my system fans - which raise the noise floor to 37.3 dBA. This is a very good result, and means that in common situations the AIO runs very quietly.

Unfortunately, the Mystique 240 didn't perform as well because it suffered from pump whine. However, this was a pre-release review sample and this problem should not be present in retail units.

Conclusion

DeepCool's Mystique AIOs provide strong thermal performance and a unique aesthetic with their customizable 2.8" display. If you're interested in this AIO, it is currently available at NewEgg for $179.99 USD for the 360mm version and $149.99 USD for the 240mm version. 

If you're wanting similar thermal performance but are looking for a more value-friendly model, DeepCool's LS720S Zero Dark is currently available on Amazon for only $99.99 USD

7

Wccftech Rating

Good performance paired with a fancy LCD screen

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