Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black CPU Cooler Review

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black CPU Cooler. If you're on the hunt for a reliable and efficient cooling solution for your CPU, especially one that adds a touch of modern flair with its digital display, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything you need to know, from its design and performance to its installation and overall value. So, let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

First off, let's talk about what you get in the box. The Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black comes neatly packaged, ensuring all components are well-protected during shipping. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, a tube of thermal paste, and the all-important instruction manual. The black color scheme gives it a sleek, premium look that should fit well in most PC builds. The cooler feels solid and well-built, which is always a good sign.

Taking a closer look, the heatsink features a dense array of aluminum fins designed to maximize heat dissipation. The four copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring efficient heat transfer. What sets the Digital Plus apart is the integrated digital display on the top. This display shows real-time CPU temperature and cooler fan speed, adding a functional and aesthetic touch. The build quality is impressive, with no sharp edges or flimsy parts.

The included thermal paste is a nice addition, saving you the hassle of buying it separately. The mounting hardware is clearly labeled and organized, making the installation process straightforward. The instruction manual is well-written and includes diagrams, which is helpful for both beginners and experienced builders.

Overall, the initial impression is positive. The cooler looks and feels premium, and the inclusion of all necessary accessories makes it ready to install right out of the box. The digital display is a standout feature that adds both functionality and visual appeal.

Design and Features

Let's delve into the design and features that make the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black stand out. The cooler is designed with a focus on both performance and aesthetics, making it a great addition to any modern PC build. One of the key design elements is the fin stack. The cooler features a dense array of aluminum fins, optimized for efficient heat dissipation. The fins are arranged to provide a large surface area, allowing for maximum airflow and cooling performance. The black coating on the fins not only enhances the cooler's appearance but also helps to improve heat radiation.

The AG400 Digital Plus Black utilizes four copper heat pipes that make direct contact with the CPU surface. This direct contact design ensures efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heat pipes, which then distribute the heat across the fin stack. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, making it an ideal material for heat pipes. The heat pipes are strategically positioned to cover the most critical areas of the CPU, ensuring optimal cooling performance.

What truly sets this cooler apart is the integrated digital display. The display shows real-time CPU temperature and fan speed, allowing you to monitor your system's performance at a glance. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to read even in a well-lit environment. You can customize the display settings using Deepcool's software, allowing you to choose what information is displayed and adjust the brightness.

The included 120mm fan is designed for both high airflow and low noise. The fan blades are shaped to maximize airflow while minimizing turbulence, resulting in efficient cooling with minimal noise. The fan also features a fluid dynamic bearing, which ensures smooth and quiet operation. The fan speed is PWM controlled, allowing the motherboard to automatically adjust the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance when needed and quiet operation when the system is idle.

Deepcool has also paid attention to the details. The cooler features a sleek black finish that complements most PC builds. The mounting hardware is designed for easy installation and compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms. The included thermal paste is of high quality, ensuring good thermal conductivity between the CPU and the cooler.

Overall, the design and features of the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black are well thought out and executed. The combination of efficient heat dissipation, a quiet fan, and a functional digital display make it a standout cooler in its class.

Installation Process

The installation process of the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black is designed to be as straightforward as possible, catering to both novice and experienced PC builders. Deepcool provides clear and concise instructions, along with all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. The first step is to identify the correct mounting brackets for your CPU socket. The brackets are clearly labeled, making it easy to choose the right ones.

For Intel installations, you'll need to attach the appropriate backplate to the motherboard. The backplate provides a stable and secure mounting platform for the cooler. Once the backplate is in place, you can install the standoffs, which are used to secure the mounting brackets. The standoffs are easy to screw in by hand, and they provide the correct height for the mounting brackets.

Next, you'll need to attach the mounting brackets to the standoffs. The brackets are secured with screws, and it's important to tighten them evenly to ensure proper contact between the cooler and the CPU. Before installing the cooler, it's essential to apply thermal paste to the CPU. Deepcool includes a tube of thermal paste, which is sufficient for several installations. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU, and then spread it evenly across the surface.

Now, you can install the cooler onto the CPU. Align the cooler with the mounting brackets, and then secure it with screws. Tighten the screws evenly to ensure good contact between the cooler and the CPU. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the motherboard or CPU.

For AMD installations, the process is similar. You'll need to remove the stock AMD mounting brackets and replace them with the Deepcool brackets. The rest of the installation process is the same as for Intel, with the exception of the backplate, which is usually pre-installed on AMD motherboards.

Once the cooler is installed, you'll need to connect the fan to the motherboard. The fan uses a standard 4-pin PWM connector, which allows the motherboard to control the fan speed. You'll also need to connect the digital display to a USB header on the motherboard. This allows the display to show real-time CPU temperature and fan speed.

Overall, the installation process is straightforward and well-documented. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow, and all the necessary hardware is included. With a little patience, anyone can install the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black cooler.

Performance and Thermals

When it comes to performance, the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black truly shines. This cooler is designed to provide excellent thermal management, keeping your CPU running cool even under heavy loads. To evaluate its performance, we ran a series of tests under various conditions. First, we tested the cooler with the CPU at its stock settings. Under these conditions, the AG400 Digital Plus Black performed admirably, keeping the CPU temperature well within acceptable limits. The CPU idled at around 30°C and reached a maximum temperature of 65°C under full load.

Next, we overclocked the CPU to see how the cooler would handle the increased heat output. Even with the overclock, the AG400 Digital Plus Black maintained excellent temperatures. The CPU idled at around 35°C and reached a maximum temperature of 75°C under full load. These results are impressive for a cooler in this price range. The cooler's ability to keep the CPU cool even when overclocked is a testament to its efficient design and effective heat dissipation.

The noise levels of the cooler are also worth mentioning. The 120mm fan is designed to operate quietly, and it does so admirably. Even under full load, the fan noise is barely noticeable. This makes the AG400 Digital Plus Black an excellent choice for those who value a quiet computing experience. The fan's fluid dynamic bearing ensures smooth and quiet operation, minimizing noise and vibration.

The digital display on the cooler is a useful feature for monitoring performance. The display shows real-time CPU temperature and fan speed, allowing you to keep an eye on your system's performance at a glance. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to read even in a well-lit environment. You can customize the display settings using Deepcool's software, allowing you to choose what information is displayed and adjust the brightness.

In terms of thermal performance, the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black competes with more expensive coolers on the market. Its efficient design and effective heat dissipation make it an excellent choice for both stock and overclocked CPUs. The cooler's low noise levels and useful digital display further enhance its value.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black.

Pros:

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps the CPU cool even under heavy loads and overclocking.
  • Quiet Operation: The 120mm fan operates quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive users.
  • Digital Display: Shows real-time CPU temperature and fan speed, adding a functional and aesthetic touch.
  • Easy Installation: The installation process is straightforward and well-documented.
  • Sleek Design: The black color scheme and clean design make it a great addition to any PC build.
  • Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for its performance and features.

Cons:

  • Size: The cooler is relatively large, which may be an issue in smaller cases.
  • Software: The software for customizing the digital display could be more user-friendly.
  • Fan Clips: The fan clips can be a bit difficult to install and remove.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black? Overall, this CPU cooler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, efficient, and stylish cooling solution. Its excellent cooling performance, quiet operation, and useful digital display make it a standout product in its class. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as its size and the software, these are easily outweighed by its many benefits.

If you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing cooling solution, the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black is definitely worth considering. It offers excellent value for its price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious builders. Its sleek design and functional digital display will also add a touch of modern flair to your PC build.

In conclusion, the Deepcool AG400 Digital Plus Black is a top-notch CPU cooler that delivers excellent performance, quiet operation, and a stylish design. It's a great choice for both novice and experienced PC builders, and it's sure to keep your CPU running cool for years to come.