DeepCool AG400 Plus Dual Fan: 120mm CPU Cooler Review

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus, a dual-fan 120mm CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware community. If you're on the hunt for an affordable yet powerful cooling solution for your CPU, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this cooler, from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

First Impressions and Design

When you first unbox the DeepCool AG400 Plus, you'll immediately notice its clean and straightforward design. This cooler isn't trying to be flashy; instead, it focuses on functionality and efficient heat dissipation. The blacked-out aesthetic gives it a sleek, modern look that should fit well in most PC builds. The dual-fan configuration is a standout feature, promising enhanced cooling performance compared to single-fan models. The heatsink itself is constructed with tightly stacked aluminum fins, maximizing the surface area for heat transfer. The copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring efficient heat absorption. Overall, the design is practical and well-thought-out, suggesting that DeepCool prioritized performance and compatibility.

Key Design Elements

  • Dual-Fan Configuration: The AG400 Plus features two 120mm fans, strategically placed to push and pull air through the heatsink. This push-pull setup is known for its efficiency in dissipating heat, as it creates a continuous airflow that prevents heat from building up. The fans are designed with ribbed blades to optimize airflow and reduce noise. The inclusion of two fans is a significant advantage, especially for users who frequently engage in demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. The extra fan ensures that your CPU stays cool even under heavy load, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining stable performance.
  • Aluminum Fin Stack: The heatsink is composed of numerous thin aluminum fins, closely packed together to maximize the surface area available for heat dissipation. The larger the surface area, the more efficiently the cooler can transfer heat away from the CPU. The fins are designed to be sturdy and durable, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of regular use. The black coating on the fins not only enhances the cooler's aesthetic appeal but also helps to improve its thermal conductivity, further boosting its cooling performance.
  • Copper Heat Pipes: The AG400 Plus utilizes copper heat pipes to efficiently transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum fin stack. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, making it the ideal material for this purpose. The heat pipes are strategically arranged to make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring that heat is quickly and effectively drawn away. The number and thickness of the heat pipes play a crucial role in the cooler's overall performance. The AG400 Plus features four high-performance heat pipes, providing ample cooling capacity for most mainstream CPUs.

Installation Process

Nobody wants a CPU cooler that's a pain to install, right? Thankfully, the DeepCool AG400 Plus aims to make the installation process as smooth as possible. It supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD's AM5/AM4, ensuring compatibility with most modern CPUs. The cooler comes with a clear and concise installation guide, complete with diagrams and step-by-step instructions. The mounting hardware is well-labeled and easy to work with, even for first-time builders. The backplate is sturdy and provides a secure base for the cooler. Overall, the installation process is straightforward and shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes, even if you're new to PC building.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Begin by attaching the backplate to the back of your motherboard. Make sure the backplate is aligned correctly with the CPU socket holes. The backplate provides a stable and secure mounting point for the cooler, preventing any damage to the motherboard. Ensure that the backplate is firmly in place before proceeding to the next step.
  2. Install Mounting Brackets: Next, install the appropriate mounting brackets onto the motherboard. The brackets are specific to your CPU socket, so make sure you choose the correct ones. Secure the brackets with the provided screws, ensuring they are tightened evenly. The mounting brackets provide a platform for attaching the cooler to the motherboard. Double-check that the brackets are securely fastened before moving on.
  3. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. The thermal paste fills the microscopic gaps between the CPU and the cooler, improving heat transfer. Avoid using too much thermal paste, as it can insulate the CPU and reduce cooling performance. Spread the thermal paste evenly across the CPU surface for optimal results.
  4. Mount the Cooler: Carefully place the cooler onto the CPU, aligning it with the mounting brackets. Gently press down on the cooler to ensure it makes good contact with the CPU. Secure the cooler to the brackets using the provided screws. Tighten the screws evenly to distribute pressure and prevent damage to the CPU. Make sure the cooler is firmly attached and does not wobble.
  5. Connect the Fans: Finally, connect the fan cables to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. The fan cables provide power to the fans, allowing them to spin and cool the heatsink. Ensure that the fan cables are properly connected and routed away from any moving parts. Use cable ties to manage the cables and keep them tidy.

Cooling Performance

Now for the big question: how well does the DeepCool AG400 Plus actually cool? In our testing, we were impressed with its performance, especially considering its price point. The dual-fan configuration makes a noticeable difference, keeping CPU temperatures significantly lower than single-fan coolers in the same price range. Under heavy loads, such as gaming or video rendering, the AG400 Plus maintained stable temperatures, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring smooth performance. The cooler also performed well in overclocking scenarios, providing enough headroom to push our CPU to higher clock speeds without overheating. Overall, the cooling performance of the AG400 Plus is excellent, making it a great choice for both casual users and enthusiasts.

Temperature Tests

  • Idle Temperature: At idle, the AG400 Plus kept our CPU temperature around 30-35°C. This is a very respectable temperature, indicating that the cooler is effectively dissipating heat even when the CPU is not under heavy load. The low idle temperature ensures that the CPU operates efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.
  • Gaming Temperature: During gaming sessions, the CPU temperature hovered around 60-65°C. This is a comfortable temperature range, well below the thermal limits of most CPUs. The AG400 Plus effectively kept the CPU cool even during intense gaming sessions, preventing any performance drops or stuttering. Gamers can rely on this cooler to maintain stable performance during long gaming sessions.
  • Stress Test Temperature: Under a full stress test, the CPU temperature peaked at around 75-80°C. While this is a higher temperature, it is still within acceptable limits. The AG400 Plus managed to keep the CPU from overheating, even under extreme load. This demonstrates the cooler's ability to handle demanding tasks and prevent thermal throttling. Users who frequently engage in CPU-intensive tasks can trust this cooler to maintain stable performance.

Noise Levels

Cooling performance is important, but nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine. The DeepCool AG400 Plus strikes a good balance between cooling and noise levels. The fans are designed to operate quietly, even at higher speeds. In our testing, we found the noise levels to be very reasonable, even under heavy loads. The cooler is virtually silent at idle, and the fan noise is barely noticeable during gaming. The noise levels only become noticeable during stress tests, but even then, it's not overly loud or distracting. Overall, the AG400 Plus is a quiet cooler that won't disrupt your gaming or work sessions.

Fan Noise Analysis

  • Idle Noise: At idle, the fans spin at a low RPM, producing virtually no noise. The cooler is practically silent, making it ideal for quiet environments. Users who value silence will appreciate the AG400 Plus's low noise levels at idle.
  • Gaming Noise: During gaming, the fans ramp up slightly, but the noise remains minimal. The fan noise is barely noticeable, even during intense gaming sessions. Gamers can enjoy their games without being distracted by excessive fan noise. The AG400 Plus provides a quiet and immersive gaming experience.
  • Stress Test Noise: Under a full stress test, the fans spin at their maximum RPM, producing a noticeable amount of noise. However, the noise is still within acceptable limits and is not overly loud or distracting. The AG400 Plus prioritizes cooling performance during stress tests, but it still manages to keep the noise levels reasonable.

Value and Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the DeepCool AG400 Plus? Overall, this cooler offers excellent value for its price. It provides impressive cooling performance, a straightforward installation process, and reasonable noise levels. The dual-fan configuration is a standout feature, making it a great choice for users who need extra cooling power. The AG400 Plus is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, ensuring that it will work with most modern CPUs. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or just a regular PC user, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a solid choice that won't break the bank. If you are looking for a 120mm dual fan cpu cooler, this is the cooler to go for.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the DeepCool AG400 Plus Dual Fan 120mm CPU Cooler is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a reliable, efficient, and affordable cooling solution. Its easy installation, combined with excellent thermal performance and quiet operation, makes it a standout product in its category. Whether you're building a new gaming rig or upgrading your current setup, the AG400 Plus is well worth considering. It offers great value, ensuring your CPU stays cool and performs optimally, even under heavy loads. Highly recommended!