DeepCool AG400 Plus Review: Is It Worth Buying?

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus to see if it’s the right cooler for your rig. If you're on the hunt for a new CPU cooler that balances performance, price, and aesthetics, you've probably stumbled upon the DeepCool AG400 Plus. This cooler promises solid cooling capabilities without breaking the bank, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out!

What is DeepCool AG400 Plus?

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is an air cooler designed for CPUs, aiming to provide efficient heat dissipation at a reasonable price point. It features a single tower heatsink design with four direct-contact heat pipes and a 120mm fan. It's designed to be compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets from both Intel and AMD, making it a versatile option for many users. The 'Plus' in its name suggests an enhanced version, typically offering improvements over the base AG400 model, such as better fan performance or a more refined heatsink design. In the crowded market of CPU coolers, the DeepCool AG400 Plus tries to stand out by offering a blend of performance, compatibility, and affordability. For gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts who need reliable cooling without the premium price tag, the AG400 Plus is worth considering. It promises to keep your CPU running cool and stable, even under heavy workloads, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your system. But, how well does it actually perform? We will check it.

Key Features of DeepCool AG400 Plus

Let's explore the key features of the DeepCool AG400 Plus, which make it a competitive contender in the CPU cooler market. Understanding these features will help you evaluate whether this cooler meets your specific needs. First up is the High-Efficiency Cooling. The AG400 Plus is designed with a dense array of aluminum fins that maximize the surface area for heat dissipation. This design allows for efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler. The four direct-contact heat pipes ensure that heat is quickly drawn away from the CPU. Next is the 120mm PWM Fan. The cooler includes a 120mm PWM fan that provides a good balance of airflow and noise. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) allows the fan speed to be automatically adjusted based on the CPU temperature. It ensures efficient cooling when needed and quiet operation during light loads. Then, Universal Socket Compatibility is one of the strengths of the AG400 Plus is its broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets. This makes it a versatile option for various systems. The Slim Tower Design of the AG400 Plus ensures that it can fit into most PC cases without interfering with other components. Easy Installation is designed with a user-friendly mounting system that makes installation straightforward. The package includes all the necessary hardware and clear instructions, simplifying the setup process. Finally, Enhanced Heat Dissipation features four direct-contact copper heat pipes that quickly transfer heat away from the CPU. The heatsink's design and the fin array maximize the surface area for efficient heat dissipation. These key features combine to make the DeepCool AG400 Plus a solid choice for users seeking reliable and efficient CPU cooling without breaking the bank.

Performance and Cooling Efficiency

Alright, let’s get to the nitty-gritty: performance and cooling efficiency. This is where the DeepCool AG400 Plus either shines or falls flat. To really put this cooler to the test, we need to look at how it handles different workloads and compare it against other coolers in its class.

When it comes to thermal performance, the AG400 Plus does a commendable job for its price range. In idle conditions, you can expect CPU temperatures to hover around 30-35°C, which is pretty standard for air coolers. However, the real test comes under load. During extended gaming sessions or heavy tasks like video rendering, the AG400 Plus manages to keep temperatures in check, typically staying below 75°C with a moderately overclocked CPU. This is a solid result, ensuring your CPU doesn't throttle and maintains stable performance.

Noise levels are another critical factor. The 120mm PWM fan does a decent job of balancing cooling and noise. At lower RPMs, it’s virtually silent, making it great for everyday use and light tasks. Under heavy load, the fan does ramp up, but it’s not excessively loud. You'll notice it, but it’s unlikely to be a major distraction. Comparatively, the DeepCool AG400 Plus holds its own against other coolers in the same price bracket. It outperforms stock coolers by a significant margin and often rivals more expensive air coolers in terms of thermal performance. However, it may not match the cooling prowess of high-end coolers with larger heatsinks or liquid coolers.

Overclocking is another area where the AG400 Plus shows its capabilities. While it may not be the best choice for extreme overclocking, it provides enough cooling headroom to push your CPU a bit further than its base clock. With reasonable overclocking settings, you can expect stable performance without thermal throttling. In summary, the DeepCool AG400 Plus delivers solid performance and cooling efficiency for its price. It’s a reliable option for users looking to upgrade from stock coolers or those who need a budget-friendly cooling solution that can handle moderate to heavy workloads.

Noise Levels

Let's talk about noise levels. No one wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off every time they fire up their PC. So, how does the DeepCool AG400 Plus fare in the noise department? In general, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed to operate quietly, thanks to its 120mm PWM fan. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) allows the fan to adjust its speed dynamically based on the CPU temperature. This means that during light tasks, the fan spins at a lower RPM, resulting in minimal noise.

Under normal usage, such as browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on documents, the AG400 Plus is virtually silent. You're unlikely to hear it at all, which is a huge plus if you value a quiet computing experience. Even during moderate workloads, like gaming or running productivity applications, the fan remains relatively quiet. It might become slightly audible, but it shouldn't be distracting or annoying. The key is the PWM control, which ensures the fan only ramps up when necessary.

However, during heavy workloads, such as intense gaming sessions, video rendering, or running benchmarks, the fan speed increases to provide maximum cooling. At this point, the noise level does become more noticeable. While it's not as loud as some high-performance coolers, you'll definitely hear the fan working. Most users find the noise level acceptable, especially considering the cooling performance it delivers. But if you're particularly sensitive to noise, it's something to keep in mind. In comparison to other coolers in its class, the DeepCool AG400 Plus strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise. It's quieter than many stock coolers and some aftermarket coolers, but it might not be as silent as high-end coolers with larger fans or liquid coolers. Ultimately, the noise levels of the DeepCool AG400 Plus are generally low enough to be unnoticeable during everyday use. Even under heavy loads, the noise is manageable and shouldn't be a major concern for most users. If you prioritize a quiet PC, the AG400 Plus is a solid choice.

Installation Process

The installation process of a CPU cooler can make or break the user experience. A cooler that's a pain to install can lead to frustration and wasted time. So, let's take a look at how easy it is to install the DeepCool AG400 Plus. Luckily, DeepCool has designed the AG400 Plus with user-friendliness in mind. The cooler comes with a straightforward mounting system that's relatively easy to install, even for beginners.

First, Compatibility Check: Before you even start, make sure the AG400 Plus is compatible with your CPU socket. It supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5. Next, Gather Your Tools: You'll need a screwdriver (preferably magnetic) and the included mounting hardware. The package includes everything you need, so no need to hunt for extra parts. Then, Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your socket, you might need to install a backplate. The AG400 Plus comes with backplates for both Intel and AMD, so choose the appropriate one. Install the Mounting Brackets: Attach the mounting brackets to the motherboard. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, so you shouldn't have any trouble. Apply Thermal Paste: If you're replacing an old cooler, clean off the old thermal paste from your CPU. Then, apply a small amount of new thermal paste to the center of the CPU. Mount the Cooler: Place the cooler on top of the CPU and align it with the mounting brackets. Use the screws to secure the cooler in place. Make sure to tighten the screws evenly to ensure proper contact between the cooler and the CPU. Connect the Fan: Plug the fan cable into the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This will allow the fan to be controlled by the motherboard's PWM settings. Finally, Double-Check: Double-check that everything is securely installed and that the fan is spinning freely. Make sure the cooler isn't interfering with any other components.

Overall, the installation process of the DeepCool AG400 Plus is relatively straightforward. The included instructions are clear, and the mounting system is user-friendly. Even if you're new to PC building, you should be able to install this cooler without too much trouble. One potential issue is the size of the cooler. The AG400 Plus is a fairly large cooler, so make sure you have enough clearance in your case before installing it. Also, be careful not to overtighten the screws when mounting the cooler. Overtightening can damage the motherboard or the CPU.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break it down with a good old-fashioned pros and cons list. This will give you a quick snapshot of what the DeepCool AG400 Plus has to offer.

Pros:

  • Excellent Value: The AG400 Plus offers great cooling performance for its price, making it a budget-friendly option. You get a lot of cooling power without emptying your wallet.
  • Good Cooling Performance: It keeps CPU temperatures in check, even under moderate to heavy loads. Say goodbye to thermal throttling!
  • Relatively Quiet: The 120mm PWM fan operates quietly during normal use. It won't sound like a jet engine in your ear.
  • Easy Installation: The mounting system is user-friendly and straightforward. Even beginners can install it without too much trouble.
  • Wide Compatibility: It supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5.
  • Sleek Design: The cooler has a clean and modern design that will look great in any PC build.

Cons:

  • Not for Extreme Overclocking: While it can handle moderate overclocking, it's not the best choice for pushing your CPU to its absolute limits.
  • Can Be Noisy Under Heavy Load: The fan can get a bit loud when running demanding applications or games. But that's to be expected, right?
  • Large Size: The cooler is fairly large, so make sure you have enough clearance in your case.

In summary, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a great CPU cooler for the price. It offers excellent value, good cooling performance, and a relatively quiet operation. While it's not perfect for extreme overclocking or super-tight spaces, it's a solid choice for most users.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the DeepCool AG400 Plus? Should you buy it? If you're looking for a budget-friendly CPU cooler that offers good cooling performance and quiet operation, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. It's a great upgrade from stock coolers and a solid choice for moderate gaming and everyday use.

Value for Money: One of the biggest selling points of the AG400 Plus is its excellent value for money. You get a lot of cooling power for a relatively low price. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders and gamers.

Performance: The AG400 Plus delivers solid cooling performance, keeping CPU temperatures in check even under moderate to heavy loads. It's not the best cooler for extreme overclocking, but it's more than capable of handling most tasks.

Noise: The 120mm PWM fan operates quietly during normal use. It only gets a bit loud when running demanding applications, but the noise is still manageable.

Installation: The mounting system is user-friendly and straightforward. Even beginners can install it without too much trouble.

Overall: The DeepCool AG400 Plus is a well-rounded CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, price, and features. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling without breaking the bank. So, if you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, give the DeepCool AG400 Plus a serious look. You might be surprised at how much performance you can get for such a reasonable price.