AK400 Vs AG400 Plus: Which CPU Cooler Wins?

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

So, you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, and you've narrowed it down to the AK400 and the AG400 Plus. Good choices! These coolers are both popular for their performance and affordability. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the best decision.

Introduction to AK400 and AG400 Plus

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's introduce these two contenders. The AK400 is a well-regarded air cooler known for its excellent balance of cooling performance, quiet operation, and reasonable price. It's a single-tower cooler that's compatible with a wide range of CPUs, making it a versatile option for many builds. It is also a compact CPU cooler from Deepcool. It features a dense heatsink, four copper heat pipes, and a 120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan. The AK400 is designed to provide efficient and quiet cooling for mainstream CPUs.

On the other hand, the AG400 Plus is essentially an enhanced version of the AK400. It maintains the same core design principles but adds a few key improvements, most notably an additional heat pipe and an upgraded fan. These enhancements aim to provide even better cooling performance, especially for more demanding CPUs or overclocking scenarios. The AG400 Plus comes with a higher thermal design power (TDP) rating than the AK400. This means it can handle processors that generate more heat. If you plan to overclock your CPU, the AG400 Plus is a better choice. Both coolers are compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4.

Design and Build Quality

AK400 Design

The AK400 boasts a sleek, minimalist design. Its all-black aesthetic makes it a great fit for almost any build. The cooler features a dense array of aluminum fins, efficiently dissipating heat away from the CPU. Four copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, further enhancing heat transfer. The included 120mm fan is designed for quiet operation while still providing sufficient airflow. The overall build quality feels solid, and the cooler is relatively easy to install, even for beginners. The dimensions are also compact, ensuring it fits in most PC cases without clearance issues.

AG400 Plus Design

The AG400 Plus largely mirrors the AK400 in terms of design, but with a few subtle yet significant differences. The most notable change is the addition of a fifth heat pipe. This extra heat pipe increases the cooler's surface area and enhances its ability to draw heat away from the CPU. The AG400 Plus also features an upgraded 120mm fan, which is designed to provide slightly better airflow and static pressure compared to the AK400's fan. While the overall aesthetic remains similar, the AG400 Plus has a slightly more aggressive look due to the enhanced fan design. Build quality is on par with the AK400, feeling sturdy and well-constructed. The installation process is also straightforward, with no major differences compared to the AK400.

Cooling Performance

AK400 Cooling Performance

The AK400 delivers impressive cooling performance for its price point. In most scenarios, it keeps CPU temperatures well within acceptable limits, even under sustained loads. It's particularly well-suited for users who don't plan to overclock their CPUs or who have CPUs with moderate thermal demands. In stress tests, the AK400 typically manages to keep temperatures below 75°C with mainstream CPUs, which is a respectable result. The cooler also performs admirably in gaming scenarios, maintaining stable temperatures and preventing thermal throttling. Its cooling efficiency is a major reason why it's become a popular choice among budget-conscious builders.

AG400 Plus Cooling Performance

The AG400 Plus, with its additional heat pipe and upgraded fan, predictably outperforms the AK400 in cooling tests. The difference isn't massive, but it's noticeable, especially under heavy loads or when overclocking. The extra heat pipe allows the AG400 Plus to dissipate heat more efficiently, resulting in lower CPU temperatures. The upgraded fan also contributes to improved cooling by providing better airflow. In stress tests, the AG400 Plus typically keeps temperatures a few degrees Celsius lower than the AK400, which can make a difference if you're pushing your CPU to its limits. This cooler is a solid choice for gamers and content creators. If you're running a high-end CPU or plan to overclock, the AG400 Plus is the better option.

Noise Levels

AK400 Noise Levels

One of the AK400's strong suits is its quiet operation. The included 120mm fan is designed to minimize noise, even at higher speeds. In typical usage scenarios, the AK400 is barely audible, making it a great choice for users who value a quiet computing experience. Even under heavy loads, the fan noise remains relatively low, especially compared to some other air coolers. The fan's fluid dynamic bearing contributes to its smooth and quiet operation, ensuring that it doesn't produce any annoying vibrations or whirring sounds. Overall, the AK400 is an excellent choice if you're sensitive to noise.

AG400 Plus Noise Levels

The AG400 Plus also prioritizes quiet operation, but its upgraded fan does produce slightly more noise than the AK400's fan. The difference is subtle, and most users likely won't find it bothersome, but it's worth noting. At low to medium fan speeds, the AG400 Plus is still very quiet, but at higher speeds, the fan noise becomes more noticeable. However, even at its maximum speed, the AG400 Plus's fan noise is still within acceptable limits and shouldn't be a major concern for most users. The fan's design is optimized to balance airflow and noise, ensuring that it provides adequate cooling without becoming too loud. If noise is a major concern, the AK400 might be a slightly better choice, but the AG400 Plus is still a relatively quiet cooler.

Price and Value

AK400 Price

The AK400 is known for its affordability, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious builders. It offers impressive cooling performance and quiet operation at a price that's hard to beat. For users who don't need extreme cooling performance or who are building a budget-friendly PC, the AK400 is a great option. It provides a significant upgrade over stock coolers without breaking the bank. Its combination of performance, features, and price makes it one of the most popular air coolers in its class.

AG400 Plus Price

The AG400 Plus typically costs a bit more than the AK400, reflecting its enhanced features and performance. While it's not a huge price difference, it's something to consider when making your decision. For users who need the extra cooling performance or who plan to overclock their CPUs, the AG400 Plus is well worth the additional cost. It offers a noticeable improvement in cooling compared to the AK400, which can make a difference if you're pushing your CPU to its limits. The AG400 Plus offers excellent value for its price, providing a great balance of performance, features, and affordability.

Installation

AK400 Installation

The AK400 is designed for easy installation, even for beginners. It comes with a user-friendly mounting system that supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4. The installation process is straightforward and doesn't require any special tools or expertise. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow, guiding you through each step of the installation process. The cooler's compact dimensions also make it easy to install in most PC cases without clearance issues.

AG400 Plus Installation

Just like the AK400, the AG400 Plus is also designed for easy installation. It uses the same mounting system as the AK400, so the installation process is virtually identical. The cooler is compatible with the same range of CPU sockets as the AK400, and the included instructions are clear and easy to follow. The AG400 Plus's compact dimensions also ensure that it fits in most PC cases without any problems. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a first-timer, you'll find the AG400 Plus easy to install.

Pros and Cons

AK400

Pros:

  • Affordable price.
  • Excellent cooling performance for its price range.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Easy installation.
  • Compact design.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for heavy overclocking.
  • Cooling performance may be insufficient for high-end CPUs under sustained loads.

AG400 Plus

Pros:

  • Improved cooling performance compared to the AK400.
  • Still relatively quiet.
  • Easy installation.
  • Good value for its price.

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than the AK400.
  • Fan noise is slightly higher than the AK400.

Conclusion

Alright, guys, let's wrap this up! Choosing between the AK400 and AG400 Plus really boils down to your specific needs and budget. If you're building a budget-friendly PC or don't plan to overclock, the AK400 is a fantastic choice. It offers excellent cooling performance and quiet operation at a price that's hard to ignore. On the other hand, if you're running a high-end CPU or plan to overclock, the AG400 Plus is the better option. It provides a noticeable improvement in cooling performance, which can make a difference if you're pushing your CPU to its limits.

Ultimately, both coolers are excellent choices. You will not be disappointed with any of these coolers. Consider the factors we've discussed, such as your budget, CPU type, and overclocking plans, to make the best decision for your needs. Happy building!