DeepCool AG400 Plus: Review, Specs, And Performance

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DeepCool AG400 Plus: Review, Specs, and Performance

Hey, tech enthusiasts! Today, 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 an efficient, quiet, and budget-friendly cooling solution, you've landed in the right place. We’ll explore everything from its design and specifications to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What is the DeepCool AG400 Plus?

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is an air cooler designed to keep your CPU running cool without breaking the bank. Air coolers, like the AG400 Plus, work by dissipating heat away from the CPU using a heatsink and one or more fans. This model is particularly appealing because it offers a solid balance of performance, noise levels, and affordability. It's an excellent choice for both new PC builds and upgrades, especially if you're aiming for a setup that can handle moderate to high workloads without sounding like a jet engine.

Key Features and Design

The DeepCool AG400 Plus stands out with its thoughtful design and impressive feature set. Let's break down what makes it a compelling option for your cooling needs. The cooler features a dense array of aluminum fins, meticulously designed to maximize the surface area for heat dissipation. This is crucial because the larger the surface area, the more efficiently heat can be transferred away from the CPU. The fins are arranged in a way that promotes optimal airflow, allowing the fans to push air through the heatsink effectively.

One of the standout elements is its dual-fan configuration. Equipped with two 120mm fans, the AG400 Plus ensures continuous and efficient cooling. These fans are engineered to deliver a strong airflow while maintaining low noise levels, providing a balance between performance and quiet operation. The fans also come with long-life fluid dynamic bearings (FDB), which are known for their durability and reduced noise compared to traditional bearing types. The FDB ensures that the fans run smoothly for years, maintaining consistent performance without the annoying whirring or grinding sounds that cheaper fans often produce. This attention to detail in the fan design contributes significantly to the cooler's overall value and reliability.

The AG400 Plus is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The installation process is straightforward, thanks to the included mounting hardware that supports a wide range of CPU sockets from both Intel and AMD. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for different build configurations, whether you’re using an older platform or the latest generation processors. The cooler also incorporates a slim tower design, which ensures it doesn't interfere with other components inside the case, such as RAM modules. This is particularly important for builds with limited space or those using high-profile memory kits. The clearance around the CPU socket is well-thought-out, making the AG400 Plus a practical choice for a variety of systems.

Visually, the AG400 Plus sports a clean and understated look. The black finish on the heatsink and fans gives it a modern and sleek appearance that blends well with most PC builds. While it doesn’t feature flashy RGB lighting, its minimalist design is appreciated by many users who prefer a more subtle aesthetic. Overall, the design of the AG400 Plus prioritizes functionality and ease of use, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for reliable and efficient CPU cooling.

DeepCool AG400 Plus Specifications

To truly appreciate what the DeepCool AG400 Plus brings to the table, let's dive into its technical specifications. Knowing these details will help you understand its capabilities and whether it aligns with your specific needs.

  • Heatsink Material: Aluminum fins with copper heat pipes. The aluminum fins provide a large surface area for heat dissipation, while the copper heat pipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU.
  • Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm. These standard-sized fans ensure broad compatibility with most PC cases and provide a good balance between airflow and noise.
  • Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM (PWM). The Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) feature allows the fan speed to be automatically adjusted based on the CPU temperature, optimizing cooling performance and noise levels. At lower temperatures, the fans can spin slowly to minimize noise, while at higher temperatures, they ramp up to provide maximum cooling.
  • Fan Airflow: 75.89 CFM (max). This measures the volume of air the fan can move per minute. A higher CFM indicates better cooling performance.
  • Fan Noise Level: ≤29.4 dB(A). This is relatively quiet, ensuring that your PC won't sound like a wind tunnel even under heavy load.
  • Fan Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB). FDBs are known for their durability, quiet operation, and long lifespan compared to traditional bearings.
  • TDP Support: Up to 220W. Thermal Design Power (TDP) indicates the maximum amount of heat the cooler can dissipate. A TDP of 220W means the AG400 Plus can handle high-performance CPUs without throttling.
  • Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4. This wide range of compatibility makes the AG400 Plus a versatile choice for various CPU platforms.
  • Dimensions: 125 x 110 x 157 mm. The compact size ensures it fits in most PC cases without interfering with other components.

Performance Benchmarks

Alright, let's get to the juicy part: how well does the DeepCool AG400 Plus actually perform? To give you a clear picture, we need to look at some performance benchmarks under different conditions.

Temperature Testing

In temperature tests, the AG400 Plus shows impressive results for its price range. When tested with a mid-range CPU like an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5, the cooler typically keeps temperatures well under control. Under normal workloads, such as web browsing and office tasks, the CPU temperatures usually hover around 30-40°C. During gaming sessions, temperatures might rise to 50-65°C, which is still well within safe limits. Even under heavy stress tests, where the CPU is pushed to its maximum capacity, the AG400 Plus manages to keep temperatures below 80°C, preventing any thermal throttling.

Noise Levels

One of the standout features of the AG400 Plus is its low noise levels. Thanks to the fluid dynamic bearings (FDB) in the fans and the optimized fan design, the cooler operates quietly even under load. During normal use, the noise is barely noticeable, making it an excellent choice for users who value a quiet computing environment. Even during heavy gaming or stress tests, the noise levels remain reasonable, rarely exceeding 30 dB(A). This means you can focus on your game or work without being distracted by a noisy cooler.

Overclocking Potential

If you're into overclocking, the AG400 Plus can handle moderate overclocking with ease. While it might not be the best choice for extreme overclocking, it provides enough cooling capacity to push your CPU a bit further without causing stability issues. With a mild overclock, the AG400 Plus can maintain stable temperatures, allowing you to get extra performance out of your CPU. However, it's essential to monitor temperatures closely and ensure they remain within safe limits.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to other coolers in its price range, the AG400 Plus holds its own. It often outperforms stock coolers and even some higher-priced aftermarket coolers. Its dual-fan design and efficient heat dissipation make it a strong contender in the budget-friendly category. While more expensive coolers might offer slightly better performance, the AG400 Plus provides an excellent balance of performance, noise levels, and affordability.

Pros and Cons

To make your decision easier, let's break down the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 Plus.

Pros

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPU temperatures low under various workloads.
  • Low Noise Levels: Operates quietly, even under heavy load.
  • Affordable Price: Offers great value for its performance.
  • Easy Installation: Straightforward installation process with wide socket compatibility.
  • Dual-Fan Configuration: Enhances cooling efficiency.
  • Sleek Design: Black finish that blends well with most PC builds.

Cons

  • No RGB Lighting: May not appeal to users who want vibrant lighting effects.
  • Not Ideal for Extreme Overclocking: Limited overclocking potential compared to high-end coolers.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the DeepCool AG400 Plus? Overall, it's an excellent CPU cooler that offers a fantastic balance of performance, noise levels, and affordability. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing cooling solution, the AG400 Plus is a solid choice. Its efficient cooling, quiet operation, and easy installation make it suitable for a wide range of users. While it may not be the flashiest or most powerful cooler on the market, it provides exceptional value for its price.

If you're looking for a reliable and budget-friendly CPU cooler that can keep your CPU running cool without sounding like a jet engine, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to DeepCool's commitment to providing high-quality products at affordable prices. So go ahead, give your CPU the cooling it deserves without emptying your wallet!