DeepCool LT720 vs LS720: What's the Difference for SA Builders?

Quick Answer

The DeepCool LT720 uses an updated Gen 5 pump with a larger 78mm pump head and infinity-mirror styling, while the LS720 runs the older Gen 4 pump with a smaller cap and ARGB ring. Both are 360mm AIOs rated for 280W+ TDP, but the LT720 cools roughly 2-3C lower under sustained Ryzen 7950X3D or i9-14900K loads.

Pump Generations and What They Actually Change

The biggest practical difference between the LT720 and LS720 is pump architecture. The LS720 carries DeepCool's fourth-generation triple-chamber pump, which was already excellent and beat most 360mm AIOs at its 2022 launch. The LT720 introduces a larger fifth-generation pump with a wider impeller and more aggressive flow rate, plus a redesigned cold plate that improves contact with chunky AM5 IHS chips like the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and 9950X3D.

For SA builders running flagship parts in 30C Joburg summers, the LT720 holds its edge under sustained Cinebench R23 multi-core loops. For 14600K or 7800X3D users, the LS720's headroom is more than enough. Real-world delta-T differences sit around 2-3C, which translates to roughly 100-150MHz more sustained boost on chips that hit thermal limits.

Aesthetics: Infinity Mirror vs ARGB Ring

The LT720 ships with a 78mm infinity-mirror pump cap that looks stunning behind tempered glass. The effect is subtle in daylight and becomes the centerpiece in a dark NZXT H7 or Lian Li O11 build. The LS720 uses a smaller ARGB ring around the pump, which is cleaner but less of a showstopper. Both AIOs include three 120mm FK fans that hit 2250 RPM with reasonable acoustic curves.

If RGB sync matters in your build, both work with Asus Aura, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, and ASRock Polychrome via standard 5V 3-pin ARGB headers. The pump caps on both can rotate to keep branding upright in horizontal or vertical mounts.

Price, Warranty, and Availability in SA

Price-to-performance is where the LS720 shines. With the LT720 typically priced R400-R700 higher in the SA market, the older generation often makes more sense for builders watching their rand spend. Both come with DeepCool's 5-year warranty handled through evetech.co.za, and both ship countrywide including Cape Town, Durban, Polokwane, and Port Elizabeth with standard 1-3 day delivery.

For NSFAS-funded builds with a Ryzen 7 7700 or 7800X3D, the LS720 delivers identical real-world gaming temps for less rand. For top-end Ryzen 9 or i9 chips with overclocking ambitions, the LT720 is worth the bump. Both are CPU-only AIOs, so don't expect to mount one in front of a 4090 expecting GPU cooling magic.

Installation Tips for SA Builders

Both AIOs use DeepCool's universal mounting bracket supporting LGA1700, LGA1851, AM4, and AM5. Apply a single pea-sized blob of MX-6 or Kryonaut Extreme thermal paste, never a spread, on the IHS. Mount the radiator in the front intake position for cooler GPU temps, or top exhaust if your case lacks front clearance. Cable-route the pump and fan headers through your case grommets to avoid clutter near the GPU airflow path.

Noise, Acoustic Tuning, and Long-Term Reliability

Both AIOs run quiet at idle (around 26-28 dBA) and ramp up under load. The LT720 reaches 38-40 dBA at 100% fan speed, while the LS720 sits 1-2 dBA higher due to less refined fan tuning. Set a custom PWM curve in the BIOS, ramping fans only above 65C CPU temp, and you'll barely hear either one during normal gaming sessions. Long-term reliability on both pumps is rated above 50,000 hours MTBF, comfortably covering 5-7 years of daily SA use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the LT720 fit in standard ATX cases sold in SA?

Yes. Any case rated for a 360mm AIO front or top mount will accept the LT720, including NZXT H7 Flow, Corsair 4000D, Lian Li Lancool 216, and Phanteks Eclipse G360A. Confirm radiator clearance on top mounts when paired with tall DDR5 sticks.

Is the LS720 still worth buying in 2026?

Absolutely, especially for Ryzen 7 7700, 7800X3D, or i5-14600K builds. The Gen 4 pump is mature, reliable, and only loses 2-3C to the LT720 under flagship loads. For most SA gamers, the saving outweighs the cooling gap.

Can I switch the fans on either AIO?

Yes. Both ship with 4-pin PWM headers, so you can swap to Noctua NF-A12x25 or Arctic P12 Max fans without issue. Daisy-chain them into your motherboard's CPU_FAN and CPU_OPT headers using a splitter.