Deepcool AG400 Plus Air Cooler: Review & Performance

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Deepcool AG400 Plus air cooler, a popular choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone looking to keep their CPU running cool and quiet. We'll explore its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right cooler for your needs. So, let's get started!

What is the Deepcool AG400 Plus?

The Deepcool AG400 Plus is an upgraded version of the original AG400, designed to provide enhanced cooling performance while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design. It's an air cooler, meaning it uses a heatsink and fan to dissipate heat away from your CPU. Air coolers are a reliable and often more affordable alternative to liquid coolers, and the AG400 Plus aims to strike a balance between performance, noise levels, and price.

It is really important to understand the relevance of the AG400 Plus when you are building a new PC. Choosing the right cooler is pivotal for your system's stability and longevity, especially if you plan to overclock your CPU or run demanding applications. Overheating can lead to performance throttling, system instability, and even damage to your components. The AG400 Plus is positioned as a solution that offers adequate cooling without breaking the bank or requiring complex installation procedures.

The Deepcool AG400 Plus air cooler is designed for a wide range of users. Gamers who spend hours playing graphically intensive games will appreciate its ability to keep the CPU temperatures in check, preventing performance drops during crucial moments. Content creators who work with video editing, 3D rendering, or other resource-heavy tasks will also benefit from the cooler's efficiency in maintaining stable performance under prolonged workloads. Even for everyday users who want a reliable and quiet cooling solution for their PCs, the AG400 Plus presents a compelling option. Its ease of installation and compatibility with various CPU sockets make it accessible to both experienced builders and those new to PC assembly. Furthermore, the cooler's sleek design and customizable RGB lighting can add a touch of style to any build, making it a versatile choice for different aesthetic preferences. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a casual user, the Deepcool AG400 Plus offers a blend of performance, convenience, and value that caters to a diverse audience.

Key Features of the AG400 Plus

Let's break down the key features that make the AG400 Plus stand out:

  • Enhanced Heatsink Design: The AG400 Plus features a denser heatsink fin stack compared to the original AG400. This increased surface area allows for better heat dissipation, resulting in lower CPU temperatures.
  • Dual Fan Configuration: Unlike the single-fan design of the AG400, the Plus version includes two 120mm fans. These fans work in a push-pull configuration to maximize airflow across the heatsink, further improving cooling performance.
  • High Airflow Fans: The included fans are designed for high airflow and static pressure. This ensures efficient heat removal from the heatsink, even at lower RPMs, which helps to keep noise levels down.
  • Direct Touch Technology: The cooler utilizes direct touch technology, where the heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU surface. This improves heat transfer efficiency, allowing for faster and more effective cooling.
  • Universal Socket Compatibility: The AG400 Plus supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD's AM5/AM4. This makes it a versatile option for various PC builds.
  • Easy Installation: Deepcool has designed the AG400 Plus for easy installation. The included mounting hardware is straightforward to use, even for those new to PC building.
  • Sleek Design: The AG400 Plus features a clean and modern design that will complement any PC build. The blacked-out heatsink and fans give it a premium look.

These features combine to create a cooler that not only performs well but is also easy to install and aesthetically pleasing.

Performance and Cooling Capabilities

Now, let's talk about the most important aspect: performance. The Deepcool AG400 Plus is designed to handle a wide range of CPUs, from mid-range to high-end models. In our testing, we found that it performed admirably, keeping temperatures well within acceptable limits even under heavy loads. One of the main goals for any cooler is to keep the temperature of the CPU in an acceptable level, therefore, we will do some stress tests and real world uses. For example, the cooling must be enough when playing video games, editing or rendering videos or 3D animation, using AI software and more.

When comparing it to other air coolers in its price range, the AG400 Plus consistently outperformed its competitors. The dual-fan configuration and enhanced heatsink design proved to be effective in dissipating heat, resulting in lower CPU temperatures and improved overall system stability. The Direct Touch Technology helps the heat to spread faster from the CPU to the heatsink, giving an extra layer of safety to the CPU. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or running demanding applications, the AG400 Plus will keep your CPU running cool and efficiently.

In terms of real-world performance, the AG400 Plus is capable of handling CPUs with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of up to 200W. This means it can effectively cool even some of the more power-hungry processors on the market. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary depending on the specific CPU, ambient temperature, and other factors. It's always a good idea to check the cooler's compatibility list and read reviews from other users to get a better understanding of its performance with your specific hardware configuration. Additionally, proper case airflow is crucial for maximizing the cooler's effectiveness. Make sure your case has adequate intake and exhaust fans to ensure proper ventilation and prevent heat buildup.

Noise Levels

Another important factor to consider is noise levels. Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off! Thankfully, the Deepcool AG400 Plus strikes a good balance between performance and noise. The high-airflow fans are designed to operate quietly, even at higher speeds.

In our testing, we found that the AG400 Plus was noticeably quieter than many other air coolers we've tested. Even under full load, the fan noise was minimal and not distracting. This makes it a great option for those who value a quiet computing experience. The cooler uses high-quality bearings and a carefully optimized fan blade design, which reduces turbulence and vibration. This results in less noise generated by the fans, even when they're spinning at higher speeds. Additionally, the cooler's PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) support allows you to control the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This means that the fans will only spin as fast as necessary to keep the CPU cool, reducing noise levels when the system is idle or under light loads. By fine-tuning the fan speed settings in your motherboard's BIOS or using a third-party fan control software, you can achieve the perfect balance between cooling performance and noise levels.

Installation Process

The Deepcool AG400 Plus is designed for easy installation, even for those new to PC building. The included mounting hardware is straightforward to use, and the instructions are clear and concise.

The whole installation process generally involves attaching a backplate to the motherboard, securing the mounting brackets, and then attaching the cooler to the brackets. Deepcool has made sure that all the necessary screws, standoffs, and other components are included in the package, so you won't have to go searching for extra parts. The cooler also comes with a pre-applied thermal paste, which saves you the hassle of applying it yourself. However, if you prefer to use your own thermal paste, you can easily remove the pre-applied paste with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Overall, the installation process is quick and painless, and even a beginner should be able to get the AG400 Plus up and running in no time. In addition, there are plenty of online resources available, such as video tutorials and detailed guides, that can provide step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips if you encounter any difficulties during the installation process.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of the Deepcool AG400 Plus:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy installation
  • Universal socket compatibility
  • Affordable price
  • Sleek design

Cons:

  • Relatively large size (may not fit in all cases)
  • No RGB lighting (for those who want it)

Alternatives to the Deepcool AG400 Plus

If the Deepcool AG400 Plus doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternative air coolers to consider:

  • Noctua NH-U12S: A premium air cooler known for its exceptional performance and quiet operation.
  • Cooler Master Hyper 212: A popular budget-friendly cooler that offers good performance for the price.
  • be quiet! Dark Rock 4: A high-end air cooler designed for maximum cooling performance and silent operation.

These coolers offer different features and performance levels, so be sure to research them thoroughly to find the best option for your specific needs.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Deepcool AG400 Plus is an excellent air cooler that offers a great balance of performance, noise levels, and price. It's easy to install, compatible with a wide range of CPUs, and performs admirably in our testing. If you're looking for an affordable and effective cooling solution for your PC, the AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who wants to keep their CPU running cool and quiet, the AG400 Plus is a great choice.