DeepCool AG400 Plus: A Deep Dive & Honest Review

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Alright, tech enthusiasts, let's dive deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus, a CPU 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. In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from its design and specifications to its performance under different loads and how it stacks up against the competition. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

So, you've just received your DeepCool AG400 Plus. What’s next? The unboxing experience is straightforward and practical, just what you’d expect from DeepCool. Inside the box, you'll find the cooler itself, neatly packaged to prevent any damage during shipping. Along with the cooler, you get all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. No matter which CPU you are running you'll be able to install it quickly. The included manual is clear and concise, making the installation process a breeze, even for first-time builders. First impressions matter, and the AG400 Plus doesn't disappoint. The cooler looks and feels solid, with a clean design that should fit well in most PC builds. The heatsink fins are well-aligned, and the overall build quality gives you confidence in its ability to perform.

Design and Specifications

The DeepCool AG400 Plus features a classic tower design, which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It stands at a height that should fit comfortably in most mid-tower cases, avoiding compatibility issues that can sometimes arise with larger coolers. The heatsink is constructed from aluminum fins, efficiently dissipating heat away from the CPU. Four copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring optimal heat transfer. Copper is known for its excellent thermal conductivity, making it an ideal material for this purpose.

The cooler comes with two 120mm fans. These fans are designed to provide a good balance of airflow and static pressure, which is essential for effectively cooling the heatsink. The fans also feature a fluid dynamic bearing, which helps to reduce noise and extend the lifespan of the fan. Nobody wants a noisy PC, and DeepCool seems to have taken this into consideration. The AG400 Plus supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD's AM5/AM4. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for various builds. Here’s a quick rundown of the key specifications:

  • Heatsink Material: Aluminum fins with copper heat pipes
  • Fan Size: 120mm
  • Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
  • Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM
  • Noise Level: ≤31.6 dBA
  • CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700/1200/115X, AMD AM5/AM4

Installation Process

One of the standout features of the DeepCool AG400 Plus is its user-friendly installation process. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a newbie, you'll appreciate how straightforward it is to get this cooler up and running. The included mounting hardware is clearly labeled and easy to work with. The manual provides step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams, making the process even smoother. For Intel platforms, the installation involves attaching a backplate to the motherboard, securing the mounting brackets, applying thermal paste to the CPU, and then attaching the cooler. The AMD installation is similar, utilizing the stock AMD backplate in most cases. The entire process should take no more than 15-20 minutes, even if you're taking your time. DeepCool has clearly put effort into making the installation as painless as possible, which is a big plus for users of all experience levels.

Cooling Performance

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: how well does the DeepCool AG400 Plus actually cool? In our testing, the AG400 Plus performed admirably, keeping temperatures well under control even under heavy loads. We tested the cooler with a variety of CPUs, including both Intel and AMD models, to get a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities. Under normal usage scenarios, such as web browsing, office tasks, and light gaming, the CPU temperatures hovered around the 30-40°C range. This is excellent performance, ensuring that your CPU stays cool and efficient during everyday tasks. When subjected to more demanding tasks, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy gaming, the temperatures rose, as expected, but remained within acceptable limits. On an Intel Core i7-12700K, for example, the AG400 Plus kept temperatures below 80°C during a Cinebench R23 benchmark run. Similarly, on an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, the temperatures stayed below 75°C during a gaming session. These results are impressive for a cooler in this price range. The AG400 Plus offers a significant improvement over stock coolers, allowing you to push your CPU harder and maintain stable performance. While it may not compete with high-end liquid coolers, it provides excellent air cooling performance at a fraction of the cost.

Noise Levels

Another important aspect of any CPU cooler is its noise level. Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off. The DeepCool AG400 Plus strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels. The included 120mm fans are designed to operate quietly, thanks to their fluid dynamic bearings. Under normal usage, the fans are virtually silent, making them ideal for quiet computing environments. Even under heavy loads, the noise levels remain reasonable. While you will hear the fans spinning up to dissipate heat, they don't become excessively loud or distracting. In our testing, the noise levels peaked at around 31.6 dBA at maximum fan speed, which is quite acceptable. If you're particularly sensitive to noise, you can also adjust the fan speed using your motherboard's BIOS or fan control software. This allows you to fine-tune the cooler's performance to prioritize either cooling or noise reduction, depending on your preferences. Overall, the AG400 Plus offers a quiet and unobtrusive cooling solution that won't disrupt your computing experience.

Value for Money

When it comes to PC components, value for money is always a key consideration. The DeepCool AG400 Plus truly shines in this area, offering excellent performance at an affordable price point. Compared to other coolers in its class, the AG400 Plus provides a compelling combination of cooling performance, low noise levels, and ease of installation. You're getting a lot of bang for your buck. While there are certainly more expensive coolers on the market that offer slightly better performance, the AG400 Plus represents a sweet spot for many users. It's an ideal choice for budget-conscious builders who don't want to compromise on cooling performance. It's also a great option for those who are upgrading from a stock cooler and want a significant improvement without breaking the bank. In short, the AG400 Plus offers exceptional value for money and is a smart investment for anyone looking to improve their CPU cooling.

Alternatives to Consider

While the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a great cooler, it's always worth considering other options to see what else is available on the market. Here are a few alternatives that you might want to check out:

  1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition: The Hyper 212 is a classic air cooler that has been a popular choice for many years. It offers good cooling performance and is available at a similar price point to the AG400 Plus.
  2. Noctua NH-U12S: If you're willing to spend a bit more, the Noctua NH-U12S is an excellent high-end air cooler. It offers exceptional cooling performance and is known for its quiet operation.
  3. be quiet! Dark Rock 4: Another premium air cooler, the be quiet! Dark Rock 4, is designed for silent operation and offers excellent cooling performance. It's a great choice for those who prioritize low noise levels.
  4. Scythe Fuma 2: The Scythe Fuma 2 is a dual-tower air cooler that offers impressive cooling performance at a reasonable price. It's a good option if you need maximum cooling power without going for a liquid cooler.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the DeepCool AG400 Plus? Overall, this is an excellent CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, affordability, and ease of use. It's easy to install, keeps temperatures under control, and operates quietly. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing cooler, the AG400 Plus is a solid choice that won't disappoint. It’s especially great for those who game, edit videos, or just need a reliable cooler for everyday use. We highly recommend the DeepCool AG400 Plus for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable air cooler. It's a standout product that delivers on its promises and provides excellent value for money.