If you’re an expert or even casual system builder who does repairs/upgrades from time to time chances are you’ve heard of Deepcool. They are a very well-known component brand – especially in low to mid-range cooling solutions market making things like case & processor fans, AIO coolers, etc. A few years back it was discovered that they were doing business with Russian businesses that were blacklisted due to ties to the war in Ukraine. By doing business with those companies, Deepcool was officially banned from the USA and US businesses were no longer allowed to buy or sell their products.
DeepCool denies any wrongdoing and claim that they stopped doing business with the Russian companies once those companies were placed on US blacklists, but so far they (Deepcool) are still not allowed back into the country. So what does this mean for consumers? Well, Deepcool was a really strong contender in the lower-end market. In fact, they were becoming somewhat dominant there. Their GAMMAXX, AK620, and LS720 series were really popular products that clawed their way to the top of ‘value’ lists. Deepcool focused heavily on targetting the lower-end market in pricing and steadily worked to improve their quality. So much so that they displaced higher-priced competitors like Cooler Master, Arctic, NZXT, etc. on a lot of key product lines.
The ban brings those higher-priced competitors back into the mix again. It’s to be seen if they will bring their prices down to match what Deepcool was offering but so far we haven’t seen that happen. So the main effect of this ban on consumers (at least so far) has been higher pricing for similar products. For example:
The Deepcool LS720 retailed for as low as $90 back before the ban. This can be compared to the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III at $140 or the NZXT Kraken 360 which goes for about $180.
Beyond Deepcool ceasing all business operations in the US, the situation is causing concern for many users who need RMA / Warranty coverage as well as it’s uncertain how long Deepcool will continue to provide service on that front.
Deepcool Sanctions: Understanding the Impact and Alternatives
Reasons Behind the Ban
In late 2023, Deepcool, a popular Chinese manufacturer of PC components, was placed on the US sanctions list. This action stemmed from allegations that Deepcool sold products to Russian businesses involved in the conflict with Ukraine, thereby violating US sanctions against Russia.
Impact on Consumers and Retailers
This ban prevents Deepcool from operating in the US market. As a result, retailers cannot import or sell new Deepcool products within the United States. Consumers who already own Deepcool products can continue to use them, but warranty and support services might be affected due to the restrictions.
Deepcool’s Response
Deepcool has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the sales were made to a civilian company and were not intended for military use. They claim to have ceased all transactions with the Russian company once it was placed on the US blacklist. However, the sanctions remain in effect, pending further investigation.
Rumors Of A Name Change
There have been rumors of a possible name change to skirt around the sanctions but these may or may not be true based on how Amazon marketplace works. So far there is no proof that this company is tied to Deepcool either. What’s happening is a company or individual has created listings under the brand name “iHTP” to post several old Deepcool products on the market. Here’s an example when you search for Deepcool on Amazon:
and here’s an example of what you see when you search for iHTP:
It’s unknown whether iHTP is a brand tied to Deepcool or not, but from the images it’s clear that several of the listings show Deepcool logos on the products.
iHTP’s address is listed on Amazon as being based out of China:
Detailed Seller Information
Business Name: guangzhoupanshengdianzikejiyouxiangongsi
Business Address:
石牌西路8号
KB展望数码广场1803
广州
天河
广东
510630
CN
Which is the same country where Deepcool is based out of.
Alternatives to Deepcool
While the ban on Deepcool might disappoint some PC enthusiasts, there are numerous alternative brands offering similar products. Some popular options include:
| Brand | Product Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Noctua | CPU coolers, case fans | High performance, quiet operation, premium build quality |
| be quiet! | CPU coolers, case fans, power supplies | Silent operation, efficient cooling, German engineering |
| Cooler Master | CPU coolers, case fans, cases, power supplies | Wide range of products, innovative designs, customizable options |
| Corsair | CPU coolers, case fans, cases, power supplies, peripherals | High performance, RGB lighting, integrated software control |
| NZXT | CPU coolers, case fans, cases, motherboards | Sleek aesthetics, user-friendly software, RGB customization |
These brands offer a wide range of CPU coolers, case fans, and other PC components, providing ample alternatives to Deepcool.
Key Takeaways
- US sanctions might force DeepCool to stop operations in the country.
- DeepCool’s sales to Russia have triggered these sanctions.
- The PC cooling market in the US could be affected by this move.
Overview of Deepcool and Its Operations
Deepcool is a Chinese company specializing in PC cooling solutions like coolers, fans, and power supplies. It has a strong global presence, especially in the US market.
Deepcool’s Corporate Structure
Deepcool operates under the parent company, Beijing Deepcool Industries. The main headquarters is in Beijing, China. The company manages its international operations through various subsidiaries. These subsidiaries handle production, research, and sales.
For example, Deepcool supplies goods through Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Taskom and OOO Novyi Ai Ti Project. These subsidiaries follow the main company’s guidelines. The company’s structure supports its business activities worldwide. This setup helps it adapt to changing market demands efficiently.
Deepcool’s Product Range
Deepcool offers a range of PC cooling solutions. These include air coolers, liquid coolers, and fans. The company also sells PC cases and power supplies. Their products are known for reliability and performance.
Key Products:
- Air Coolers
- Liquid Coolers
- PC Cases
- Power Supplies
These products cater to both gamers and PC builders. The range focuses on high performance and affordability. This diverse lineup helps Deepcool meet various customer needs.
Market Presence and Sales Operations
Deepcool has a significant market presence globally, especially in the US. American retailers like Amazon and Newegg carry their products. These platforms enhance their reach and sales.
In the US, Deepcool provides after-sales support and warranties. This ensures customer satisfaction and builds trust. Their American sales operations are crucial, though recent sanctions may impact this presence.
Deepcool’s reliable products and strong support system have made it a popular choice in the tech community. Their presence in large markets shows their global influence.
