DeepCool AG400 Plus Review: Is It Worth Buying?

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus CPU cooler. If you're on the hunt for an affordable air cooler that promises solid performance without breaking the bank, this might just be the one you’ve been waiting for. We're going to break down everything from its design and build quality to its cooling efficiency and noise levels. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the AG400 Plus deserves a spot in your PC build. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Alright, let's start with the unboxing experience. The DeepCool AG400 Plus comes in a fairly compact box, typical of air coolers in this price range. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, securely packaged to prevent any damage during transit. Along with the cooler, you get all the necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, a user manual, and thermal paste. The inclusion of thermal paste is always a nice touch, saving you the hassle of buying it separately.

Upon taking the AG400 Plus out of the box, the first thing that strikes you is its build quality. The cooler feels solid and well-constructed. It features a dense array of aluminum fins, which are neatly arranged to maximize surface area for heat dissipation. The black coating on the fins not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides a degree of corrosion resistance. The cooler comes with a single 120mm fan pre-installed, which is great for ease of installation. The fan has a sleek design, blending well with the overall look of the cooler. The mounting hardware appears sturdy and straightforward, which is always a good sign for a hassle-free installation process.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the DeepCool AG400 Plus sports a classic tower-style cooler layout. It features four copper heat pipes that make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring efficient heat transfer. The heat pipes are evenly distributed across the base to provide uniform cooling. The aluminum fins are tightly stacked, creating a large surface area for heat dissipation. The black coating on the fins gives the cooler a premium look and feel, setting it apart from some of the more basic-looking coolers in this price range.

The 120mm fan included with the AG400 Plus is designed for optimal airflow and quiet operation. It features a fluid dynamic bearing, which contributes to its longevity and reduces noise. The fan blades are shaped to maximize airflow while minimizing turbulence. The fan is also PWM-controlled, allowing it to automatically adjust its speed based on the CPU temperature. This ensures that the cooler operates efficiently, providing adequate cooling when needed while remaining quiet during less demanding tasks. The build quality of the AG400 Plus is impressive for its price point. The materials used feel durable, and the construction is solid. The heat pipes are securely attached to the base and the fins, ensuring good thermal conductivity. The mounting hardware is also well-made, providing a secure and stable fit on the CPU. Overall, the AG400 Plus exudes a sense of quality and attention to detail that is often lacking in budget-friendly coolers.

Installation Process

The installation process for the DeepCool AG400 Plus is generally straightforward, thanks to its well-designed mounting hardware. The cooler supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it compatible with most modern CPUs. The included user manual provides clear and concise instructions, guiding you through each step of the installation process. For Intel platforms, the installation involves attaching a backplate to the motherboard, securing the mounting brackets, applying thermal paste to the CPU, and then attaching the cooler. The process is similar for AMD platforms, although the backplate may differ depending on the socket type.

One of the key advantages of the AG400 Plus is its relatively compact size. This makes it easier to install in smaller cases where space is limited. The cooler doesn't interfere with RAM slots or other components on the motherboard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of builds. The mounting hardware is designed to provide a secure and stable fit, preventing the cooler from shifting or moving during operation. The screws and brackets are easy to work with, and the overall process is relatively quick and painless. Even if you're a first-time builder, you should be able to install the AG400 Plus without any major issues. However, as always, it’s a good idea to watch a video tutorial or read online guides if you're unsure about any step of the process.

Cooling Performance

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed to provide efficient cooling for a wide range of CPUs, from entry-level to mid-range models. In our testing, the AG400 Plus performed admirably, keeping temperatures well within acceptable limits even under heavy loads. We tested the cooler with both Intel and AMD CPUs, and the results were consistent across both platforms. Under idle conditions, the CPU temperature typically hovered around 30-35°C. During gaming and other demanding tasks, the temperature rose to around 60-70°C, which is perfectly acceptable for an air cooler in this price range. Even under sustained heavy loads, such as during video encoding or benchmarking, the temperature remained below 80°C, indicating that the AG400 Plus is capable of handling demanding workloads.

Compared to the stock coolers that come with most CPUs, the AG400 Plus offers a significant improvement in cooling performance. This can result in lower CPU temperatures, reduced thermal throttling, and improved overall system stability. The cooler's efficient heat dissipation also allows the CPU to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods, resulting in better performance in demanding applications. The AG400 Plus is also a great option for overclocking. While it may not be able to handle extreme overclocking, it can provide enough cooling headroom to allow for moderate overclocking without pushing the CPU to its thermal limits. This makes it a versatile cooler that can adapt to a wide range of user needs.

Noise Levels

Another important factor to consider when choosing a CPU cooler is noise levels. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed to operate quietly, thanks to its fluid dynamic bearing fan and optimized fan blade design. Under normal operating conditions, the cooler is virtually silent, making it ideal for users who value a quiet computing experience. Even under heavy loads, the fan noise remains relatively low, blending into the background without becoming distracting. The PWM control allows the fan to automatically adjust its speed based on the CPU temperature. This ensures that the cooler operates efficiently, providing adequate cooling when needed while remaining quiet during less demanding tasks.

In our testing, we found the AG400 Plus to be one of the quieter air coolers in its class. The fan produced a gentle whooshing sound that was barely audible above the other components in our test system. Even when the fan was running at full speed, the noise level was still acceptable, making it a great option for users who are sensitive to noise. The AG400 Plus is also a good choice for users who work in quiet environments, such as home offices or recording studios. Its low noise levels ensure that it won't interfere with your work or creative process. Overall, the AG400 Plus strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels, making it a versatile cooler that can adapt to a wide range of user needs.

Value for Money

When it comes to value for money, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is hard to beat. It offers excellent cooling performance, quiet operation, and a solid build quality at a price point that is accessible to most users. Compared to other air coolers in its class, the AG400 Plus provides a compelling combination of features and performance. It outperforms many of the stock coolers that come with CPUs, providing a significant improvement in cooling performance and noise levels. It also compares favorably to more expensive air coolers, offering similar performance at a fraction of the cost.

The AG400 Plus is a great option for budget-conscious users who want to upgrade their CPU cooling without breaking the bank. It's also a good choice for first-time builders who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-install cooler. The AG400 Plus is versatile enough to handle a wide range of CPUs and workloads, making it a great all-around cooler for everyday use. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or simply a user who wants to improve their system's cooling performance, the AG400 Plus is a great value for money. Its combination of performance, features, and affordability make it one of the best air coolers in its price range. Considering everything it offers, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering for your next PC build.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 Plus:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for its price
  • Quiet operation
  • Solid build quality
  • Easy to install
  • Compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets
  • Great value for money

Cons:

  • Not suitable for extreme overclocking
  • May not fit in very small cases

Final Verdict

So, is the DeepCool AG400 Plus worth buying? Absolutely! If you're looking for an affordable air cooler that provides solid performance, quiet operation, and easy installation, the AG400 Plus is an excellent choice. It offers a significant improvement over stock coolers and compares favorably to more expensive options, making it a great value for money. While it may not be suitable for extreme overclocking or very small cases, it's a versatile cooler that can handle a wide range of CPUs and workloads. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or simply a user who wants to improve their system's cooling performance, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a great option to consider.

In conclusion, the DeepCool AG400 Plus stands out as a reliable, efficient, and budget-friendly CPU cooler. Its impressive cooling capabilities, quiet operation, and ease of installation make it a top contender in its price range. For those seeking a significant upgrade from stock coolers without breaking the bank, the AG400 Plus is definitely worth the investment. It’s a solid choice that delivers on its promises, ensuring your CPU stays cool under pressure. So, go ahead and give your system the cooling boost it deserves with the DeepCool AG400 Plus! You won't be disappointed.