Deepcool AG400 Plus Dual Fan: Excellent Air Cooler?

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan air cooler. If you're on the hunt for an efficient and reliable cooling solution for your CPU, you've probably stumbled upon this one. Air coolers are essential components for any PC build, ensuring your processor doesn't overheat, which can lead to performance throttling and potential damage. Deepcool has been a trusted name in the cooling industry for years, and their AG400 Plus dual fan model aims to deliver excellent thermal performance without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this cooler, from its design and specifications to its performance and installation process. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a newbie, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you decide if the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan is the right choice for your system. We’ll explore its key features, compare it to other coolers in its class, and give you a clear picture of what to expect in real-world usage. So, let’s get started and see what makes this cooler stand out.

What’s in the Box and Key Features

When you purchase the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan, you’ll find a well-packaged box containing everything needed for installation. Inside, you'll typically find the heatsink, which is the main body of the cooler featuring the fins and heat pipes responsible for dissipating heat. Additionally, you'll get not one, but two 120mm cooling fans designed to push air through the heatsink efficiently. These fans are crucial for removing the heat away from the CPU. The box also includes mounting brackets compatible with a variety of CPU sockets, including the latest Intel and AMD platforms. You'll also find screws, thermal paste for optimal heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler, and an installation manual to guide you through the setup process. Some packages might also include extra fan clips, allowing you to add even more fans if desired.

The key features of the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan are quite impressive. First and foremost is its high cooling capacity, thanks to the dense fin stack and multiple heat pipes. Heat pipes are hollow tubes filled with a small amount of liquid that rapidly transfers heat away from the CPU. The dual-fan configuration enhances airflow, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. Another notable feature is its universal socket compatibility, making it suitable for a wide range of CPUs. The cooler is designed to be relatively quiet, even under heavy loads, thanks to the optimized fan blades and motor design. The installation process is straightforward, with clear instructions and user-friendly mounting hardware. Lastly, its sleek and modern design adds a touch of aesthetics to your PC build. Overall, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan offers a compelling combination of performance, compatibility, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling solution. The dual fan setup is particularly beneficial, providing enhanced cooling efficiency compared to single-fan coolers, which can be a significant advantage for overclocking or running demanding applications.

Installation Guide: Step-by-Step

Installing the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan might seem daunting at first, but with a step-by-step guide, it becomes a manageable task. First, start by preparing your motherboard. Ensure that the CPU is properly installed in its socket. Then, clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any old thermal paste residue. Next, apply a small, pea-sized amount of the included thermal paste to the center of the CPU. This thermal paste will help improve heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler. Now, take the appropriate mounting brackets for your CPU socket (Intel or AMD) and attach them to the motherboard around the CPU socket. Refer to the installation manual for specific instructions on which brackets to use and how to secure them.

Once the mounting brackets are in place, carefully align the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan heatsink with the brackets. Gently lower the heatsink onto the CPU, ensuring that it makes full contact with the thermal paste. Secure the heatsink to the mounting brackets using the provided screws. Tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this could damage the motherboard or CPU. Next, attach the two 120mm fans to the heatsink using the fan clips. Make sure the fans are oriented to push air through the heatsink fins. Connect the fan cables to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. If you have a second CPU fan header, connect the second fan to it. If not, you may need to use a fan splitter cable. Finally, double-check all connections to ensure everything is secure. Power on your PC and monitor the CPU temperature to ensure the cooler is working correctly. With these steps, you should have the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan successfully installed, providing efficient cooling for your CPU.

Performance and Thermals

When it comes to CPU coolers, performance and thermals are everything. The Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan aims to strike a balance between efficient cooling and quiet operation. Under normal usage conditions, such as web browsing, office tasks, and light gaming, the cooler keeps the CPU temperatures well within acceptable limits. You can expect temperatures to hover around 30-40°C, which is quite impressive. However, the real test comes when the CPU is under heavy load. During intense gaming sessions or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing and rendering, the CPU can generate a significant amount of heat. The Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan rises to the occasion, keeping temperatures in check and preventing thermal throttling.

In stress tests, such as running Prime95 or Cinebench, the CPU temperatures may reach higher levels, typically around 70-80°C. While this might seem high, it's still within the safe operating range for most CPUs. The dual-fan configuration plays a crucial role in maintaining these temperatures by providing enhanced airflow across the heatsink. The cooler's performance can also be influenced by ambient temperatures and the case airflow. A well-ventilated case can significantly improve the cooler's efficiency. Additionally, the quality of the thermal paste used can also impact the cooling performance. Overall, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan delivers solid thermal performance, making it a reliable choice for both casual users and enthusiasts. It effectively manages heat, even under demanding workloads, ensuring that your CPU operates smoothly and efficiently. Compared to stock coolers, the AG400 Plus offers a substantial improvement in cooling performance, allowing for stable operation and potentially enabling overclocking.

Noise Levels: Is It Quiet?

One of the key considerations when choosing a CPU cooler is the noise level. No one wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off every time they fire up their PC. The Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan aims to provide a balance between cooling performance and quiet operation. In idle or low-load conditions, the fans spin at a relatively low speed, resulting in minimal noise. You might not even notice they're running. This makes it ideal for users who value a quiet computing experience.

Under heavy load, the fans will ramp up their speed to dissipate heat more effectively. Even at their maximum speed, the fans remain relatively quiet compared to some other coolers on the market. Deepcool has optimized the fan blade design to minimize turbulence and noise. The fans also feature fluid dynamic bearings, which are known for their smooth and quiet operation. While the noise level is subjective and can vary depending on your case and other system components, most users will find the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan to be acceptably quiet. It's not completely silent, but it won't be a major distraction during gaming or other tasks. If you're particularly sensitive to noise, you can also use fan control software to adjust the fan speeds and create a custom fan curve that prioritizes silence over maximum cooling performance. Overall, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels, making it a suitable choice for those who want a quiet and efficient cooling solution.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Pros:

• Excellent Cooling Performance: The dual-fan configuration and efficient heatsink design provide excellent cooling performance, keeping CPU temperatures in check even under heavy loads.
• Quiet Operation: The optimized fan blades and fluid dynamic bearings ensure relatively quiet operation, even at higher fan speeds.
• Universal Compatibility: The cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, making it compatible with both Intel and AMD platforms.
• Easy Installation: The installation process is straightforward, with clear instructions and user-friendly mounting hardware.
• Affordable Price: The Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan offers great value for money, providing high performance at a competitive price point.
• Aesthetic Design: The sleek and modern design adds a touch of aesthetics to your PC build.

Cons:

• Size: The cooler's size may be a concern for users with limited space inside their PC case. Make sure to check the dimensions before purchasing.
• Fan Clips: Some users have reported that the fan clips can be a bit difficult to install and remove.
• Thermal Paste: The included thermal paste is decent, but you might want to consider using a higher-quality thermal paste for optimal performance.

Overall, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling solution. Its pros outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile investment for both casual users and enthusiasts.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan doesn't quite meet your needs, there are several alternatives to consider. One popular option is the Cooler Master Hyper 212. This cooler has been a long-time favorite among PC builders, known for its excellent performance and affordable price. It features a similar design to the AG400 Plus, with a single tower heatsink and a 120mm fan. Another alternative is the Noctua NH-U12S. Noctua is renowned for its high-quality coolers, and the NH-U12S is no exception. It offers exceptional cooling performance and incredibly quiet operation, but it comes at a higher price point.

For those looking for liquid cooling solutions, the Corsair H100i RGB Pro is a great option. This all-in-one liquid cooler features a 240mm radiator and two 120mm fans, providing excellent cooling performance. It also includes RGB lighting for added aesthetics. Another liquid cooler to consider is the NZXT Kraken X53. This cooler also features a 240mm radiator and offers excellent cooling performance. It comes with NZXT's CAM software, allowing you to monitor and control the cooler's settings. When choosing an alternative, consider your budget, cooling needs, and noise preferences. Each cooler has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to do your research and find the one that best suits your requirements. Whether you opt for another air cooler or a liquid cooler, make sure it's compatible with your CPU socket and fits within your PC case.

Final Verdict: Is the Deepcool AG400 Plus Dual Fan Worth It?

So, after taking a comprehensive look at the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan, the question remains: is it worth the investment? In short, the answer is a resounding yes. This cooler offers a compelling combination of performance, quiet operation, universal compatibility, and ease of installation, all at an affordable price point. Whether you're a casual user looking to upgrade from a stock cooler or an enthusiast seeking better cooling for overclocking, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan is a solid choice. Its dual-fan configuration provides excellent cooling performance, keeping CPU temperatures in check even under heavy loads. The optimized fan blades and fluid dynamic bearings ensure relatively quiet operation, making it suitable for those who value a quiet computing experience.

The cooler's universal compatibility means it will work with a wide range of CPU sockets, making it a versatile option for different PC builds. The straightforward installation process makes it easy to set up, even for beginners. While there are alternatives to consider, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan stands out as a well-rounded and reliable cooling solution. Its pros far outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their CPU cooling performance. If you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, the Deepcool AG400 Plus dual fan should definitely be on your list. It offers excellent value for money and delivers impressive performance, making it a top contender in its class. So go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!