DeepCool AG400 Plus: A Deep Dive Review

by Jhon Lennon 40 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus, a CPU air cooler that's been making waves in the PC building community. If you're on the hunt for a cooler that balances performance, affordability, and ease of installation, the AG400 Plus might just be what you're looking for. We'll break down everything from its design and features to its performance benchmarks and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What is DeepCool AG400 Plus?

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is a single-tower CPU air cooler designed to provide efficient cooling for a wide range of processors. It's part of DeepCool's AG series, known for offering solid performance at a reasonable price point. This cooler is particularly appealing to budget-conscious builders and gamers who want to keep their CPU temperatures in check without breaking the bank.

Key Features and Design

Let's talk about what makes the AG400 Plus stand out. First off, it features a dense aluminum fin stack optimized for heat dissipation. The fins are tightly packed to maximize surface area, allowing for more efficient heat transfer from the heat pipes. Speaking of heat pipes, the AG400 Plus comes with four direct-contact copper heat pipes. These heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS), ensuring rapid and effective heat transfer. The cooler also includes a 120mm PWM fan designed for quiet operation and efficient airflow. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) means the fan speed can be automatically adjusted based on the CPU temperature, providing a balance between cooling performance and noise levels. The fan blades are designed to optimize airflow while minimizing turbulence, which contributes to quieter operation. Visually, the AG400 Plus sports a clean and minimalist design. The blacked-out fin stack and fan give it a sleek and modern look that will fit well in most PC builds. It's not flashy, but it's certainly not an eyesore either. Installation is also a breeze, thanks to DeepCool's user-friendly mounting system. The cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700, LGA 1200, and LGA 115x, as well as AMD's AM5 and AM4. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for different PC builds.

Performance Benchmarks

Now, let's get to the juicy part: performance. The DeepCool AG400 Plus performs admirably for its price range. In various tests, it has shown the ability to keep temperatures well under control, even with moderately overclocked CPUs. Of course, the exact performance will depend on your specific CPU, ambient temperature, and case airflow. However, in general, you can expect to see temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s Celsius under heavy loads with a stock CPU. Even with a moderate overclock, temperatures should remain manageable, typically staying below 80 degrees Celsius. This makes the AG400 Plus a great option for gamers and content creators who need reliable cooling without spending a fortune. One thing to keep in mind is that the AG400 Plus is not designed for extreme overclocking. If you're planning to push your CPU to its absolute limits, you'll probably want to invest in a higher-end cooler. However, for everyday use and moderate overclocking, the AG400 Plus provides excellent performance for the price.

Installation Process

One of the best things about the DeepCool AG400 Plus is how easy it is to install. DeepCool has designed the mounting system to be as user-friendly as possible, even for beginners. The cooler comes with all the necessary hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: First, you'll need to prepare your motherboard. For Intel systems, you'll typically need to install a backplate behind the motherboard. For AMD systems, you can usually use the stock backplate that comes with the motherboard. Make sure to refer to the manual for specific instructions for your platform.
  2. Install Mounting Brackets: Next, install the appropriate mounting brackets onto the motherboard. These brackets will provide the base for attaching the cooler. The brackets are usually secured with screws or clips, depending on the design.
  3. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS). The thermal paste helps to improve heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler. Be careful not to use too much thermal paste, as this can actually reduce performance. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient.
  4. Attach the Cooler: Carefully place the cooler onto the CPU, aligning it with the mounting brackets. Then, secure the cooler using the provided screws or clips. Make sure the cooler is firmly attached and making good contact with the CPU.
  5. Connect the Fan: Finally, connect the fan to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This will allow the motherboard to control the fan speed based on the CPU temperature.

Tips for Easy Installation

  • Read the Manual: Always read the manual before you start. The manual contains important information about the installation process and can help you avoid mistakes.
  • Watch a Video: If you're not sure about something, watch a video tutorial. There are plenty of videos online that show you how to install the DeepCool AG400 Plus step by step.
  • Take Your Time: Don't rush the installation process. Take your time and make sure everything is done correctly. Rushing can lead to mistakes that can damage your components.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the DeepCool AG400 Plus has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a look at the pros and cons to help you decide if this cooler is right for you.

Pros

  • Excellent Value: One of the biggest advantages of the AG400 Plus is its excellent value. It offers great cooling performance for a very reasonable price.
  • Easy Installation: The user-friendly mounting system makes installation a breeze, even for beginners.
  • Wide Compatibility: The cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700, LGA 1200, and LGA 115x, as well as AMD's AM5 and AM4.
  • Quiet Operation: The 120mm PWM fan is designed for quiet operation, providing a balance between cooling performance and noise levels.
  • Sleek Design: The blacked-out fin stack and fan give it a clean and modern look that will fit well in most PC builds.

Cons

  • Not for Extreme Overclocking: The AG400 Plus is not designed for extreme overclocking. If you're planning to push your CPU to its absolute limits, you'll probably want to invest in a higher-end cooler.
  • Single Tower Design: The single-tower design may not be sufficient for very high-TDP CPUs or demanding workloads.
  • No RGB Lighting: If you're into RGB lighting, you'll be disappointed to know that the AG400 Plus does not have any RGB features. However, this also helps to keep the price down.

Alternatives to the DeepCool AG400 Plus

If the DeepCool AG400 Plus doesn't quite meet your needs, there are several other CPU air coolers to consider. Here are a few alternatives:

  • Cooler Master Hyper 212: The Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a classic CPU cooler that has been around for years. It offers excellent performance and value, and it's a great alternative to the AG400 Plus.
  • Noctua NH-U12S: The Noctua NH-U12S is a high-end CPU cooler that offers exceptional cooling performance and quiet operation. It's more expensive than the AG400 Plus, but it's worth the investment if you need the best possible cooling.
  • be quiet! Dark Rock 4: The be quiet! Dark Rock 4 is another high-end CPU cooler that offers excellent performance and quiet operation. It features a sleek black design and is a great choice for silent builds.
  • ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO: The ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO is a dual-fan CPU cooler that offers excellent cooling performance at a reasonable price. It's a great option if you need more cooling power than the AG400 Plus can provide.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the DeepCool AG400 Plus? Overall, it's an excellent CPU air cooler that offers great performance, value, and ease of installation. It's a great choice for budget-conscious builders and gamers who want to keep their CPU temperatures in check without breaking the bank. While it's not designed for extreme overclocking, it provides more than enough cooling power for everyday use and moderate overclocking. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. I hope this in-depth review helps you to make a decision. Happy building, guys!