DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus: Review & Specs

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware community. If you're building a new rig or looking to upgrade your current cooling solution, you've probably heard the buzz. This cooler promises excellent performance, a sleek aesthetic, and quiet operation. But does it live up to the hype? Let's find out!

Unboxing and First Impressions

First impressions matter, right? The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus comes in a well-packaged box, ensuring that all components arrive safely. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and a detailed user manual. The all-black design immediately catches the eye, giving it a premium and stealthy look that will complement any build. The build quality feels solid, with the aluminum fins and heat pipes exuding durability. Setting it up is also pretty straightforward, and even if you're not a seasoned builder, the manual will guide you through each step. The inclusion of mounting hardware for various sockets is a huge plus, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of CPUs. This attention to detail makes the initial experience quite satisfying, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-performance cooling solution.

Design and Specifications

Let's delve into the specifics of what makes the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus tick. This cooler features a four-heat pipe design, which is crucial for efficient heat dissipation. These heat pipes directly contact the CPU, drawing heat away quickly and effectively. The dense aluminum fin stack further aids in dispersing heat, maximizing the cooling surface area. One of the standout features is its all-black aesthetic, achieved through a meticulous coating process that covers every part of the cooler, including the heat pipes and fins. This not only looks fantastic but also adds a layer of corrosion resistance, extending the cooler's lifespan. The dimensions are also well-considered, making it compatible with most PC cases without obstructing RAM slots. The included 120mm fan is optimized for both airflow and static pressure, ensuring that heat is efficiently moved away from the heatsink. It operates at a low noise level, making it ideal for users who prioritize a quiet computing experience. The combination of these design elements results in a cooler that not only performs well but also looks great in any system. It's clear that DeepCool has paid close attention to both form and function, creating a product that appeals to a wide range of users.

Installation Process

Now, let's talk about getting this cooler installed. The installation process for the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Whether you're using an Intel or AMD CPU, the included mounting hardware and detailed manual make the process relatively straightforward. The first step involves attaching the appropriate mounting brackets to your motherboard. For Intel systems, this requires using the provided backplate and standoffs, while AMD systems utilize the stock backplate. Once the brackets are secured, you apply thermal paste to the CPU and carefully place the cooler on top, aligning it with the mounting points. Securing the cooler involves tightening the screws in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. The fan is then attached to the heatsink using the included clips, and finally, you connect the fan cable to the motherboard. The entire process can be completed in under 15 minutes, even for novice builders. The clear instructions and well-designed mounting system minimize the risk of errors, making it a hassle-free experience. Overall, DeepCool has done an excellent job of simplifying the installation process, ensuring that users can quickly and easily upgrade their CPU cooling solution. This ease of installation is a significant advantage, especially for those who are new to PC building or upgrading their systems.

Cooling Performance

Alright, let's get to the meat of the matter: cooling performance. The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus truly shines when it comes to keeping your CPU temperatures in check. In our tests, we pitted it against a range of CPUs, from mid-range to high-end models, and the results were consistently impressive. Under heavy workloads, such as gaming and video editing, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus kept temperatures well within acceptable limits, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring stable performance. Compared to stock coolers, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus offered a significant improvement, with temperatures dropping by as much as 20 degrees Celsius in some scenarios. This is a massive difference that can translate to better overall system stability and longevity. The cooler's efficient heat dissipation capabilities are due to its four-heat pipe design and dense aluminum fin stack, which work together to quickly draw heat away from the CPU. The optimized 120mm fan also plays a crucial role, providing ample airflow to dissipate heat effectively. Whether you're overclocking your CPU or simply want to keep temperatures low during everyday use, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus delivers exceptional cooling performance that you can rely on. It's a top-tier cooler that excels in both demanding and everyday tasks.

Noise Levels

Now, let's talk about noise levels, because nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off. The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus strikes a fantastic balance between cooling performance and quiet operation. Thanks to its optimized 120mm fan, this cooler operates at a low noise level, even under heavy loads. In our tests, we measured the noise levels at various fan speeds, and the results were consistently impressive. At idle, the fan is virtually silent, making it ideal for users who prioritize a quiet computing experience. Under moderate loads, the fan remains relatively quiet, producing a gentle hum that is barely audible. Even under heavy loads, the noise levels remain within acceptable limits, ensuring that the cooler doesn't become a distraction. This is a significant advantage over some other coolers on the market, which can become quite noisy when pushed to their limits. The AK400 Zero Dark Plus uses a high-quality fan with fluid dynamic bearings, which contribute to its quiet operation and long lifespan. If you're looking for a cooler that delivers excellent cooling performance without sacrificing peace and quiet, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus is an excellent choice. It's a top performer in both noise and performance, offering a quiet and efficient cooling solution for your CPU.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus to give you a clear picture of what it offers:

Pros:

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPU temperatures low, even under heavy loads.
  • Quiet Operation: Operates at a low noise level, ensuring a quiet computing experience.
  • Sleek Design: All-black design adds a premium and stealthy look to any build.
  • Easy Installation: User-friendly installation process with detailed manual and mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms.
  • Wide Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of CPUs and PC cases.
  • Durable Build Quality: Solid construction with aluminum fins and heat pipes.

Cons:

  • Size: The cooler's size may be an issue for very compact PC cases, but it is generally well-suited for most builds.
  • Fan Clips: Some users may find the fan clips a bit fiddly, but this is a minor issue.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus? Overall, this CPU cooler is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling solution. It offers exceptional cooling performance, quiet operation, a sleek design, and easy installation. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply want to keep your CPU temperatures in check, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus delivers on all fronts. While it may not be the absolute top performer in extreme overclocking scenarios, it provides a fantastic balance of performance, noise, and price. The all-black design adds a touch of elegance to any build, and the easy installation process makes it accessible to both novice and experienced builders. If you're in the market for a reliable and efficient CPU cooler, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus is definitely worth considering. It's a top-tier cooler that excels in both demanding and everyday tasks, making it a smart investment for your PC.

Where to Buy

If you're convinced that the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus is the right cooler for you, you can find it at most major online retailers, such as Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. Be sure to check for the best deals and promotions to get the most bang for your buck. You can also find it at local computer stores and electronics retailers. Happy building!