DeepCool AG400 Plus Dual Fan: Powerful Cooling!

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus dual-fan cooler. If you're on the hunt for a reliable and efficient cooling solution for your CPU, this might just be the one you've been waiting for. We'll cover everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the DeepCool AG400 Plus Dual Fan

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed as an upgraded version of the popular AG400, enhanced with a second fan for improved cooling efficiency. This cooler is aimed at users who need more than the standard cooling solution but aren't ready to jump into high-end liquid cooling. It’s a sweet spot for gamers, content creators, and anyone pushing their CPUs with demanding tasks. The dual-fan setup is particularly beneficial in scenarios where sustained performance is crucial, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring your CPU runs smoothly under heavy loads.

DeepCool has built a solid reputation for producing reliable and affordable cooling solutions, and the AG400 Plus is no exception. It leverages a combination of dense heat sink fins and multiple heat pipes to dissipate heat effectively. The addition of the second fan not only increases airflow but also provides redundancy, ensuring that your CPU stays cool even if one fan happens to fail. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, making it a versatile option for different builds. Installation is straightforward, thanks to DeepCool's user-friendly mounting system, which makes it accessible even for those new to PC building. Overall, the AG400 Plus offers a compelling blend of performance, reliability, and ease of use, making it a strong contender in the air cooler market.

Key Features and Specifications

When it comes to the DeepCool AG400 Plus, understanding its features and specifications is crucial to appreciating its true potential. First off, the cooler boasts a dual-fan configuration, significantly enhancing airflow and heat dissipation. Each fan is a 120mm unit designed to operate quietly while delivering substantial cooling power. The fans feature a fluid dynamic bearing, which ensures longevity and reduces noise. They typically operate within a speed range of 500 to 2000 RPM, providing a balance between silent operation and maximum cooling performance. The airflow generated by these fans can reach up to 75.89 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), which is quite impressive for an air cooler in this category.

The heat sink itself is constructed from aluminum fins densely packed to maximize surface area for heat dissipation. Four copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, efficiently drawing heat away from the processor. These heat pipes are strategically arranged to distribute heat evenly across the fins, ensuring optimal cooling performance. The cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD’s AM5/AM4, making it compatible with most modern CPUs. The overall dimensions of the cooler are approximately 125mm x 102mm x 157mm, so it should fit in most mid-tower and full-tower cases without issue. The thermal paste included is of good quality, further aiding in efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler. These specifications collectively make the DeepCool AG400 Plus a formidable contender in the air cooling market, offering a blend of performance, compatibility, and ease of installation.

Installation Process

Alright, let's talk about getting the DeepCool AG400 Plus installed. The installation process is pretty straightforward, which is a huge plus for both beginners and experienced builders. DeepCool includes a user-friendly mounting system that supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD’s AM5/AM4. This versatility means you won’t have to worry too much about compatibility, no matter what kind of system you’re running.

First, you'll want to make sure you have all the necessary components laid out. The package includes the cooler, mounting brackets for Intel and AMD, screws, and thermal paste. Start by preparing your motherboard. For Intel, you'll typically need to install a backplate. Align the backplate with the holes on your motherboard and secure it with the provided standoffs. For AMD, you can usually use the stock backplate that comes with the motherboard. Next, apply a small amount of thermal paste to the top of your CPU. A pea-sized amount in the center is usually sufficient. Then, place the cooler on top of the CPU, aligning the mounting brackets with the standoffs on the motherboard. Secure the cooler by tightening the screws in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Finally, attach the fans to the heat sink using the fan clips provided. Connect the fan cables to the CPU fan header on your motherboard, and you’re good to go. The whole process should take about 15-20 minutes, even if you’re new to this. With clear instructions and well-designed components, DeepCool makes the installation process as painless as possible, ensuring you can get your system up and running quickly.

Cooling Performance

Now, let’s get to the juicy part: the cooling performance of the DeepCool AG400 Plus. This cooler is designed to handle CPUs with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of up to 200W, making it suitable for a wide range of processors, from mid-range to high-end. The dual-fan configuration significantly enhances its ability to dissipate heat, keeping your CPU running at optimal temperatures even under heavy loads. In various tests, the AG400 Plus consistently outperforms stock coolers and many other air coolers in its price range.

When paired with a mid-range CPU like an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, the AG400 Plus keeps temperatures well under control. Under normal usage scenarios, such as web browsing and light gaming, the CPU temperature typically hovers around 30-40°C. Even under sustained heavy loads, like during intense gaming sessions or video rendering, the temperature rarely exceeds 70°C. This is a significant improvement over stock coolers, which often struggle to keep temperatures below 80°C under similar conditions. When used with higher-end CPUs like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, the AG400 Plus still performs admirably. While the temperatures may be slightly higher, they remain within safe operating limits, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring stable performance. The dual fans do a great job of pushing air through the heat sink, effectively dissipating heat away from the CPU. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus offers excellent cooling performance for its price point, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a stock cooler or improve their system’s thermal management. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who wants a cooler and more reliable PC, the AG400 Plus won’t disappoint.

Noise Levels

Let's discuss the noise levels of the DeepCool AG400 Plus. Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off, right? Thankfully, DeepCool has put some thought into keeping this cooler relatively quiet. The dual 120mm fans are designed to operate with minimal noise, thanks to their fluid dynamic bearings. These bearings reduce friction, which in turn reduces noise and prolongs the lifespan of the fans.

Under normal operating conditions, the AG400 Plus is barely audible. When the CPU is idle or under light load, the fans spin at a lower speed, producing very little noise. You might not even notice they're there. Even under moderate loads, such as gaming or running productivity applications, the noise levels remain quite reasonable. The fans ramp up their speed to keep the CPU cool, but they don't become overly loud or distracting. In more demanding scenarios, such as heavy video rendering or running stress tests, the fans will spin at their maximum speed. Even at full speed, the noise levels are still acceptable. Of course, noise is subjective, but most users find the AG400 Plus to be quieter than many other air coolers on the market. DeepCool has struck a good balance between cooling performance and noise, making this cooler a great choice for those who value a quiet computing experience. Whether you're working in a quiet office environment or gaming late at night, the AG400 Plus won't disturb you or anyone around you. It’s a solid option for maintaining both performance and peace of mind.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 Plus so you can get a clear picture of what you're dealing with.

Pros:

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: The dual-fan design and efficient heat sink provide excellent cooling, keeping your CPU temperatures low even under heavy loads.
  • Quiet Operation: The fluid dynamic bearing fans operate quietly, ensuring a pleasant computing experience without excessive noise.
  • Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4, making it compatible with most modern CPUs.
  • Easy Installation: The user-friendly mounting system makes installation straightforward, even for beginners.
  • Affordable Price: Offers great value for its performance, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.

Cons:

  • Size: The cooler is relatively large, which may cause clearance issues in smaller cases. Make sure to check your case dimensions before purchasing.
  • Aesthetics: The design is fairly basic and may not appeal to those looking for a more visually striking cooler.
  • Fan Clips: The fan clips can be a bit fiddly to attach and detach, which can be annoying when cleaning or making adjustments.

Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a solid cooler with more pros than cons. Its excellent cooling performance, quiet operation, and ease of installation make it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling without breaking the bank. Just be sure to check your case dimensions to ensure it will fit properly.

Alternatives to Consider

If the DeepCool AG400 Plus isn't quite what you're looking for, or if you just want to explore other options, here are a few alternatives to consider. Each of these coolers offers a slightly different set of features and performance characteristics, so you can find one that best suits your needs.

  1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition: The Hyper 212 is a classic air cooler that has been a popular choice for many years. It offers good cooling performance at an affordable price and is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets. The Black Edition features a sleek black design and improved fan for quieter operation.
  2. Noctua NH-U12S: Noctua is known for producing high-quality, premium coolers, and the NH-U12S is no exception. It offers excellent cooling performance and operates very quietly. It's a bit more expensive than the AG400 Plus, but the extra investment may be worth it for those who prioritize silence and performance.
  3. be quiet! Dark Rock 4: The Dark Rock 4 is another high-end air cooler that offers exceptional cooling performance and near-silent operation. It features a unique design with wave-contoured fins and a silent fan, making it a great choice for those who want a cooler that looks as good as it performs.
  4. Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. B: The Scythe Mugen 5 is a popular choice for its excellent balance of performance, noise, and price. It features a large heat sink and a quiet fan, providing good cooling without breaking the bank. It's also relatively easy to install, making it a good option for beginners.

Each of these coolers has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Consider factors such as cooling performance, noise levels, compatibility, and ease of installation when making your decision.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the DeepCool AG400 Plus? Overall, this cooler is a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling without spending a fortune. It offers excellent cooling performance, keeping your CPU temperatures low even under heavy loads. The dual-fan design ensures efficient heat dissipation, and the quiet operation makes it a great choice for those who value a peaceful computing environment.

The AG400 Plus is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, making it a versatile option for different builds. The user-friendly mounting system makes installation straightforward, even for beginners. While the design may not be the most visually striking, the performance and value more than make up for it. If you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and affordable CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. It's a solid all-around performer that will keep your CPU running cool and quiet, whether you're gaming, creating content, or just browsing the web. Highly recommended!