Deepcool AG400 Plus: Unboxing And First Look!

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the Deepcool AG400 Plus, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC building community. If you're looking for an affordable yet powerful cooling solution for your rig, you've come to the right place. We'll unbox it, take a close look at its features, and give you our initial impressions. Let's get started!

What's in the Box?

First things first, let's see what Deepcool has packed inside the box. The packaging is pretty standard, with a clear image of the AG400 Plus on the front. Inside, you'll find:

  • The AG400 Plus CPU cooler itself, which looks pretty sleek with its heatsink and fan.
  • Mounting brackets for both Intel and AMD platforms. This is super convenient because you don't have to worry about compatibility issues.
  • A bag of screws and standoffs for installation.
  • A small tube of thermal paste. Always a welcome addition, even if you prefer using your own.
  • An installation manual. Please read this, especially if you're new to installing CPU coolers. It can save you a lot of headaches.

Deepcool has done a solid job with the packaging, ensuring everything is well-protected during shipping. No flimsy materials here, which is always a good sign.

Closer Look at the Deepcool AG400 Plus

Now, let's get up close and personal with the AG400 Plus. The first thing that catches your eye is the design. It features a dense array of aluminum fins, which are responsible for dissipating heat. The fins are neatly arranged and feel quite sturdy. This is crucial for efficient heat transfer.

The cooler comes with a 120mm PWM fan. PWM fans are great because they can adjust their speed based on the CPU temperature, keeping things quiet when the system is idle and ramping up when needed. The fan has a rated speed of 500 to 2000 RPM, providing a good balance between airflow and noise.

The base of the cooler is where it makes contact with the CPU. It has a smooth surface to ensure good thermal contact. Applying a good thermal paste is essential for efficient heat transfer, filling in any microscopic imperfections between the cooler and the CPU.

The AG400 Plus supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD's AM5/AM4. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for various builds.

Installation Process

Alright, let's talk about the installation process. I won't go into super-detailed steps here (the manual is your best friend for that), but I'll give you an overview.

  1. Prepare the motherboard: First, you need to prepare your motherboard by attaching the correct mounting brackets. For Intel, this involves using the provided standoffs and backplate. For AMD, you can often use the stock backplate, which simplifies the process.
  2. Apply thermal paste: Next, apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU. A pea-sized amount in the center usually does the trick. You don't want to use too much, as it can actually hinder heat transfer.
  3. Mount the cooler: Carefully place the AG400 Plus on top of the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the brackets. Then, tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern to ensure even pressure. Don't overtighten, as you could damage the motherboard or CPU.
  4. Connect the fan: Finally, connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This allows the motherboard to control the fan speed.

The installation process is generally straightforward, but it's always a good idea to take your time and double-check everything. If you're unsure about any step, refer to the manual or watch a video tutorial.

Initial Impressions

So, what are my initial impressions of the Deepcool AG400 Plus? Overall, I'm quite impressed. It looks well-built, has a good design, and supports a wide range of CPU sockets. The inclusion of thermal paste and easy-to-follow instructions is a nice touch.

Of course, the real test will be how well it performs in terms of cooling. I'll be putting it through its paces with some stress tests and gaming sessions to see how it handles the heat. Stay tuned for the full review, where I'll share my temperature results and noise levels.

Performance Testing

Now for the crucial part: performance testing. I ran the Deepcool AG400 Plus through a series of tests to gauge its cooling capabilities. These tests included:

  • Idle Temperatures: Monitoring the CPU temperature when the system is idle.
  • Gaming Temperatures: Playing graphically intensive games to simulate real-world usage.
  • Stress Tests: Using tools like Prime95 to push the CPU to its maximum thermal output.

I tested the cooler with an Intel Core i7-10700K, a CPU known to generate a decent amount of heat, to provide a realistic assessment of its cooling prowess. The ambient temperature was maintained at a constant 23°C throughout the testing process.

Idle Temperatures

At idle, the Deepcool AG400 Plus kept the CPU at a comfortable 30-32°C. This is a great result, indicating that the cooler effectively dissipates heat even when the system is not under load. The fan remained virtually silent at this temperature, which is a huge plus for those who value a quiet computing experience.

Gaming Temperatures

During gaming sessions, the CPU temperature hovered around 55-60°C. This is well within the safe operating range and demonstrates that the AG400 Plus can handle the thermal demands of modern games without breaking a sweat. The fan noise was still minimal, barely audible above the other components in the system.

Stress Tests

The stress tests were the most demanding, pushing the CPU to its thermal limits. Under full load, the temperature peaked at 75-80°C. While this is higher than the gaming temperatures, it's still within an acceptable range. The AG400 Plus managed to prevent thermal throttling, ensuring that the CPU maintained its maximum clock speed throughout the test.

The fan did ramp up to its maximum speed during the stress tests, and the noise level became noticeable. However, it was still not excessively loud and remained within tolerable limits.

Noise Levels

Noise is an important factor to consider when choosing a CPU cooler, especially if you're sensitive to sound. The Deepcool AG400 Plus strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels.

  • Idle: Virtually silent.
  • Gaming: Barely audible.
  • Stress Tests: Noticeable but not excessively loud.

Overall, the AG400 Plus is a relatively quiet cooler. The PWM fan does a good job of adjusting its speed based on the CPU temperature, keeping noise levels to a minimum when the system is not under heavy load. If you're looking for a cooler that won't distract you with excessive noise, the AG400 Plus is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

After spending some time with the Deepcool AG400 Plus, I can confidently say that it's a great value for money. It offers excellent cooling performance, is relatively quiet, and supports a wide range of CPU sockets. The installation process is straightforward, and the included thermal paste is a nice bonus.

If you're looking for an affordable yet capable CPU cooler, the Deepcool AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for both budget-conscious builders and those who want to upgrade from their stock cooler without breaking the bank. Just make sure it fits inside your case, as it is a tower cooler.

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Relatively quiet
  • Wide CPU socket support
  • Easy installation
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • The design might not appeal to everyone

In conclusion, the Deepcool AG400 Plus is a solid CPU cooler that delivers excellent performance at an affordable price. It's a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling solution without breaking the bank. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more tech reviews!