DeepCool AG400 Plus: Dual Fan Cooler Review
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus dual fan cooler. If you're on the hunt for an efficient and budget-friendly cooling solution for your CPU, you've probably stumbled upon this cooler. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and design to whether it's the right fit for your build. So, let's get started!
What's in the Box and Key Features
First things first, let's unbox this bad boy and see what we're working with. Inside the box, you'll find the AG400 Plus cooler itself, which comes with two 120mm fans. These fans are designed to push a lot of air while keeping the noise levels down – a crucial factor for many of us. You'll also get mounting hardware compatible with most modern Intel and AMD sockets. This is great because you won't have to worry about compatibility issues right off the bat. Installation is pretty straightforward, and DeepCool includes a manual that guides you through the process. Even if you're not a seasoned PC builder, you should be able to get this cooler installed without too much hassle.
Now, let's talk about the key features. The AG400 Plus boasts a dense aluminum fin-stack design, which maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation. This is essential for keeping your CPU cool under heavy loads. The cooler also features four direct-contact copper heat pipes, which efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. These heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU surface, ensuring optimal thermal conductivity. The combination of the fin-stack design and the direct-contact heat pipes makes the AG400 Plus a formidable cooler, especially considering its price point. The dual-fan configuration is another standout feature. By having two fans, the cooler can move more air across the fins, further enhancing its cooling capabilities. This is particularly beneficial if you're running a CPU that tends to get hot, or if you live in a warmer climate. The fans themselves are designed to be quiet, so you won't have to deal with excessive noise while you're gaming or working.
Performance and Cooling Efficiency
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – how well does this cooler actually perform? We put the DeepCool AG400 Plus through its paces with a variety of CPUs, ranging from mid-range to high-end models. The results were quite impressive, especially when compared to stock coolers and other budget-friendly options. Under normal usage, such as web browsing and light productivity tasks, the AG400 Plus kept the CPU temperatures nice and low. We're talking about temperatures in the 30-40°C range, which is excellent. Even during more demanding tasks, like video editing and gaming, the cooler managed to keep the temperatures under control. We saw temperatures hovering around 60-70°C, which is still within safe and acceptable limits. Of course, the exact temperatures will depend on your specific CPU, ambient temperature, and case airflow. But overall, the AG400 Plus performs admirably in a variety of scenarios. What's particularly noteworthy is its ability to maintain these temperatures without generating excessive noise. The fans are relatively quiet, even at higher speeds, which is a huge plus if you're sensitive to noise. In terms of cooling efficiency, the AG400 Plus definitely punches above its weight. It's a significant upgrade over stock coolers and can even compete with some higher-end coolers in certain situations. If you're looking to overclock your CPU, the AG400 Plus can provide enough cooling headroom to push your chip a bit further. However, if you're planning on extreme overclocking, you might want to consider a more robust cooling solution. But for moderate overclocking and everyday use, the AG400 Plus is more than capable.
Installation Process
Now, let’s walk through the installation process. Don't worry; it's not as daunting as it might seem! The DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making the installation relatively straightforward, even for beginners. First, you'll need to identify the correct mounting hardware for your CPU socket. The cooler comes with brackets and screws for both Intel and AMD platforms, so make sure you grab the right ones. The manual provides clear instructions on which components to use for your specific socket. Next, you'll need to attach the mounting brackets to the motherboard. This usually involves screwing the brackets into the existing holes around the CPU socket. Make sure the brackets are securely attached, as they will be supporting the weight of the cooler. After the brackets are in place, apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. The AG400 Plus doesn't come with thermal paste pre-applied, so you'll need to use your own. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. Now, carefully align the cooler with the mounting brackets and lower it onto the CPU. You'll need to apply even pressure to ensure that the cooler makes good contact with the CPU surface. Once the cooler is in place, secure it by tightening the screws on the mounting brackets. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this could damage the motherboard or CPU. The manual will specify the correct amount of torque to use. Finally, connect the fan cables to the appropriate headers on your motherboard. The fans usually have 4-pin PWM connectors, which allow the motherboard to control the fan speed automatically. And that's it! You've successfully installed the DeepCool AG400 Plus. Double-check all the connections and make sure everything is secure before powering on your PC.
Noise Levels
One of the most crucial aspects of any CPU cooler is its noise level. Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off! Fortunately, the DeepCool AG400 Plus excels in this area. DeepCool has designed the fans to be as quiet as possible, without sacrificing performance. The fans feature specially designed blades and bearings that minimize noise while maximizing airflow. Under normal usage, the AG400 Plus is virtually silent. You'll barely notice it's there, even if you have a quiet case. During more demanding tasks, the fans will spin up to higher speeds, but the noise levels remain relatively low. We measured the noise levels at around 30-35 dBA at maximum fan speed, which is quite respectable. Of course, the exact noise levels will depend on your case, ambient temperature, and fan settings. But overall, the AG400 Plus is a very quiet cooler, especially considering its performance. If you're sensitive to noise, you'll appreciate how quiet this cooler is. You can game, work, or stream without being distracted by excessive fan noise. DeepCool has struck a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels, making the AG400 Plus an excellent choice for noise-conscious users. In addition to the fan design, the cooler also features vibration dampening pads on the mounting brackets. These pads help to reduce vibrations and further minimize noise. It's these small details that make the AG400 Plus a well-engineered and refined cooler.
Aesthetics and Design
Let's talk about aesthetics! While performance is key, let's be real – we also want our PC components to look good. The DeepCool AG400 Plus sports a clean and understated design that should fit well in most builds. The cooler features a black and silver color scheme, which is neutral enough to blend in with any color palette. The aluminum fin-stack has a sleek and modern look, and the black fans add a touch of elegance. The cooler doesn't have any RGB lighting, which might be a deal-breaker for some. However, if you prefer a more minimalist look, you'll appreciate the AG400 Plus's simple design. The absence of RGB lighting also helps to keep the cost down, making it a more budget-friendly option. In terms of design, the AG400 Plus is well-built and sturdy. The components feel high-quality, and the cooler has a solid and robust construction. The direct-contact heat pipes are neatly arranged, and the fin-stack is evenly spaced. DeepCool has paid attention to the details, resulting in a cooler that looks and feels premium. The cooler's dimensions are also worth noting. The AG400 Plus is relatively compact, which means it should fit in most PC cases without any issues. However, if you have a very small case, you'll want to double-check the dimensions to make sure it will fit. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a visually appealing cooler that combines performance with aesthetics. Its clean and understated design will complement any build, and its solid construction ensures long-lasting durability.
Pros and Cons
Alright, let's break it down with a good old-fashioned pros and cons list.
Pros:
- Excellent cooling performance for the price
- Quiet operation
- Easy installation
- Compatible with most modern Intel and AMD sockets
- Clean and understated design
- Affordable
Cons:
- No RGB lighting
- Thermal paste not included
Final Verdict
So, what's the final word on the DeepCool AG400 Plus dual fan cooler? Overall, it's a fantastic cooler that offers excellent performance, quiet operation, and easy installation, all at an affordable price. If you're looking for a budget-friendly cooling solution that can keep your CPU temperatures under control, the AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. It's a significant upgrade over stock coolers and can even compete with some higher-end coolers in certain situations. While it doesn't have any RGB lighting, its clean and understated design will fit well in most builds. The AG400 Plus is perfect for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to keep their CPU cool without breaking the bank. Highly recommended!
