DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus: Review, Specs & Performance

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware scene. If you're looking for a cooler that not only keeps your CPU running cool but also adds a touch of modern flair to your rig, you've come to the right place. We'll be breaking down everything from its design and specifications to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What is DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus?

The DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is essentially an upgraded version of the already popular AG400 CPU cooler. DeepCool has taken a solid performer and added a digital display, allowing you to monitor your CPU temperature and cooler performance in real-time. This is a fantastic addition for enthusiasts and gamers who like to keep a close eye on their system's vitals. The AG400 Digital Plus is designed to strike a balance between cooling efficiency, quiet operation, and aesthetic appeal. It's compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile choice for various builds. If you're building a new PC or upgrading your current cooling solution, the AG400 Digital Plus is definitely worth considering.

Key Features of the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus

Let's break down some of the key features that make the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus stand out:

• Digital Display: The integrated digital display shows real-time CPU temperature and cooler status, providing valuable information at a glance.
• High Cooling Capacity: Equipped with four direct-touch copper heat pipes and a dense fin stack, the AG400 Digital Plus offers excellent heat dissipation.
• Quiet Operation: The 120mm fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan ensures quiet operation while delivering efficient airflow.
• Universal Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it suitable for various builds.
• Sleek Design: The blacked-out design with subtle RGB lighting adds a touch of elegance to your system.

Specifications

Before we dive into the performance, let's take a look at the specifications of the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus. Knowing the specs will give you a better understanding of what this cooler is capable of.

Performance

Now, let's get to the juicy part: performance. How well does the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus actually cool your CPU? To give you a clear picture, we'll look at both temperature and noise levels under different workloads.

Temperature Testing

We put the AG400 Digital Plus through its paces with an Intel Core i7-12700K and an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X. Here’s what we found:

• Idle Temperatures: At idle, the AG400 Digital Plus kept the CPU temperatures around 30-35°C. This is pretty standard for a decent air cooler and shows that it’s doing a good job of dissipating heat even when the CPU isn’t under heavy load.
• Gaming Temperatures: During gaming sessions (think titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla), the temperatures hovered around 60-65°C. This is a comfortable range, ensuring that your CPU won’t throttle and your gaming experience remains smooth.
• Stress Testing: Under heavy stress tests like Cinebench and Prime95, the temperatures peaked at around 80-85°C. While this is getting close to the thermal limits, it’s still within an acceptable range, especially considering the intensity of the tests. It's also worth noting that the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of your CPU plays a significant role here. If you're running a CPU with a higher TDP, you might see slightly higher temperatures.

Noise Levels

One of the standout features of the AG400 Digital Plus is its quiet operation. The fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan does an excellent job of keeping noise levels down.

• Idle: At idle, the fan is virtually silent. You'd have to put your ear right next to the case to hear anything.
• Gaming: During gaming, the fan noise is still minimal. It’s audible, but it blends into the background and isn’t distracting.
• Stress Testing: Even under full load, the fan noise remains reasonable. It’s definitely noticeable, but it’s not overly loud or annoying. If you're sensitive to noise, you'll appreciate how quiet this cooler is, even when it's working hard.

Installation

Installing the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is a straightforward process. The cooler comes with all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your socket, you'll need to install the appropriate mounting brackets. The manual provides clear instructions on which brackets to use and how to install them.
2. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. The AG400 Digital Plus usually comes with a small tube of thermal paste, but you can also use your preferred brand.
3. Mount the Cooler: Carefully place the cooler on top of the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the brackets. Secure the cooler using the provided screws. Make sure to tighten the screws evenly to ensure proper contact between the cooler and the CPU.
4. Connect the Fan: Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cable to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This allows the motherboard to control the fan speed based on the CPU temperature.
5. Connect the Digital Display: Connect the necessary cables for the digital display. This usually involves connecting a USB cable to a USB header on your motherboard and a power cable to a SATA power connector from your power supply.

The entire process should take about 15-20 minutes, even if you're a first-time builder. DeepCool's instructions are clear and easy to follow, making the installation process hassle-free.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus.

Pros

• Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPU temperatures in check, even under heavy loads.
• Quiet Operation: The FDB fan ensures minimal noise, even at high speeds.
• Digital Display: Real-time CPU temperature and cooler status are a great addition.
• Universal Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets.
• Easy Installation: Straightforward installation process with clear instructions.
• Sleek Design: The blacked-out design with subtle RGB lighting adds a touch of elegance.

Cons

• Size: The cooler might be a bit bulky for smaller cases, so make sure to check the dimensions before purchasing.
• Price: The digital display adds to the cost, making it slightly more expensive than the standard AG400.

Alternatives to the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus

If the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Noctua NH-U12S: A top-tier air cooler known for its exceptional performance and quiet operation. However, it’s more expensive than the AG400 Digital Plus.
• Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition: A popular budget-friendly option that offers good cooling performance. It doesn’t have a digital display, but it’s a solid choice if you’re on a tight budget.
• be quiet! Dark Rock 4: Another high-performance air cooler that offers excellent cooling and quiet operation. It’s more expensive than the AG400 Digital Plus but offers superior performance.
• DeepCool AK400: If you like the DeepCool Brand but don't want the digital display, the AK400 is a great option.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict on the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus? Overall, it’s a fantastic CPU cooler that offers a great balance of performance, quiet operation, and aesthetic appeal. The digital display is a welcome addition for enthusiasts who like to monitor their system's vitals. While it might be slightly more expensive than some of the other options on the market, the AG400 Digital Plus offers excellent value for its price. If you’re looking for a cooler that not only keeps your CPU running cool but also adds a touch of modern flair to your rig, the DeepCool AG400 Digital Plus is definitely worth considering. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or just a PC enthusiast, this cooler will keep your CPU running smoothly and efficiently.