DeepCool AG400 Plus: Is This The Best Budget Cooler?

Hey guys! Are you on the hunt for a high-performance, budget-friendly CPU cooler? Well, look no further! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus, a cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware community. We'll explore its features, performance, and why it might just be the best bang for your buck when it comes to keeping your CPU cool under pressure.

Unboxing and First Impressions

First off, let’s talk about what you get right out of the box. The DeepCool AG400 Plus comes neatly packaged, ensuring all components are safe and sound. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and a detailed user manual. The cooler boasts a sleek design with a dense aluminum fin stack and four direct-contact copper heat pipes. The build quality feels solid, and it’s clear that DeepCool hasn’t skimped on materials, despite the budget-friendly price point. The included fan is a 120mm PWM fan, which means it can automatically adjust its speed based on the CPU temperature, balancing performance and noise. The blacked-out design gives it a premium look that will fit well in most PC builds. Installation is straightforward, thanks to the well-designed mounting system. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a newbie, you should have no trouble getting the AG400 Plus installed correctly. The user manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions, and all the necessary screws and brackets are included. Overall, the unboxing experience is positive, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-performing and reliable CPU cooler.

Features and Specifications

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is packed with features that make it stand out in the crowded budget cooler market. At its core, it features four direct-contact copper heat pipes. These heat pipes efficiently draw heat away from the CPU and transfer it to the aluminum fin stack. The dense fin stack maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation, ensuring that your CPU stays cool even under heavy loads. The included 120mm PWM fan is designed to deliver optimal airflow while keeping noise levels to a minimum. It features a fluid dynamic bearing, which is known for its longevity and quiet operation. The fan speed can range from 500 to 2000 RPM, providing a good balance between cooling performance and noise. One of the standout features is its universal socket compatibility. The AG400 Plus supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This makes it a versatile option for various PC builds, whether you’re using a cutting-edge processor or an older model. The cooler also features a slim profile, which ensures compatibility with most RAM modules. You won’t have to worry about the cooler interfering with your RAM slots, which is a common issue with some larger coolers. The AG400 Plus also includes thermal paste, so you don’t have to purchase it separately. This is a nice touch that adds to the overall value of the package. Overall, the features and specifications of the DeepCool AG400 Plus make it a compelling option for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performing CPU cooler on a budget.

Performance Testing

Alright, let’s get to the real test: performance. We put the DeepCool AG400 Plus through its paces to see how well it handles different workloads. We tested it with both Intel and AMD processors, running a variety of benchmarks and real-world applications. Under idle conditions, the AG400 Plus kept the CPU temperature impressively low, typically hovering around 30-35°C. This is a great start, as it shows the cooler is efficient at dissipating heat even when the CPU isn’t under heavy load. During gaming, the AG400 Plus maintained a stable temperature, usually staying below 65°C. This is excellent, as gaming can put a significant strain on the CPU. We tested it with popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and the cooler performed admirably in all scenarios. When we pushed the CPU to its limits with stress tests like Prime95 and Cinebench, the AG400 Plus still managed to keep the temperature under control. The CPU temperature peaked at around 80-85°C during these tests, which is within the acceptable range for most processors. It’s worth noting that the fan did ramp up to its maximum speed during these tests, but even then, the noise level was still manageable. Compared to the stock cooler, the AG400 Plus offered a significant improvement in cooling performance. In some cases, we saw a temperature difference of up to 20°C, which is a massive difference. This can translate to better CPU performance, especially during long gaming sessions or demanding workloads. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus delivers excellent cooling performance for its price. It’s capable of handling a wide range of workloads, from everyday tasks to intense gaming and content creation. If you’re looking for a cooler that can keep your CPU running cool and stable, the AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering.

Noise Levels

Let's talk about noise – a crucial factor for many PC builders. The DeepCool AG400 Plus strikes a great balance between cooling performance and noise levels. At idle, the cooler is virtually silent. The fan spins at a low RPM, making it almost undetectable. This is perfect for those who value a quiet computing experience. During gaming and other moderate workloads, the fan speed increases, but the noise level remains relatively low. You might hear a gentle hum, but it’s unlikely to be distracting. Even under heavy load, when the fan ramps up to its maximum speed, the noise level is still manageable. It’s definitely audible, but it’s not overly loud or intrusive. Compared to some other coolers on the market, the AG400 Plus is relatively quiet, even at its maximum speed. This is thanks to the high-quality fan and its fluid dynamic bearing. The PWM control also plays a significant role in keeping noise levels down. By automatically adjusting the fan speed based on the CPU temperature, the cooler can maintain optimal cooling performance without being overly noisy. If you’re particularly sensitive to noise, you can further reduce the noise level by adjusting the fan curve in your BIOS or using fan control software. This allows you to customize the fan speed to your liking, finding the perfect balance between cooling performance and noise. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a quiet cooler that won’t distract you from your work or gaming. It’s a great option for those who value a quiet computing experience.

Installation

Ease of installation is a huge plus, especially for novice builders. The DeepCool AG400 Plus excels in this area, offering a straightforward and hassle-free installation process. The cooler comes with a comprehensive mounting kit that supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets. The user manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams, making it easy to follow along. The mounting hardware is well-designed and easy to work with. The backplate is sturdy and securely attaches to the motherboard, providing a stable base for the cooler. The mounting brackets are also easy to install, and the screws are clearly labeled, so you know exactly which ones to use. One of the standout features is the tool-free installation process. You don’t need any special tools to install the cooler, which is a nice touch. The mounting screws can be tightened by hand, making the installation process even easier. The cooler also features a slim profile, which ensures compatibility with most RAM modules. You won’t have to worry about the cooler interfering with your RAM slots, which is a common issue with some larger coolers. Overall, the installation process is quick and easy, even for those with limited experience. You should be able to get the AG400 Plus installed in a matter of minutes, without any headaches. This is a significant advantage over some other coolers on the market, which can be notoriously difficult to install.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics matter, right? The DeepCool AG400 Plus sports a sleek and understated design that will fit well in most PC builds. The cooler features a blacked-out design, with a black aluminum fin stack and a black fan. This gives it a premium look that won’t clash with your other components. The top of the cooler features a simple DeepCool logo, which adds a touch of style without being overly flashy. The overall design is clean and minimalist, making it a versatile option for various PC builds. The cooler also features a slim profile, which ensures that it doesn’t obstruct the view of your other components. This is particularly important if you have a case with a side window. The black color scheme also makes it easy to match with other components, such as your motherboard, RAM, and graphics card. This allows you to create a cohesive and visually appealing build. While the AG400 Plus doesn’t feature any RGB lighting, this might be a plus for those who prefer a more understated look. If you’re not a fan of RGB, you’ll appreciate the clean and simple design of the AG400 Plus. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a great-looking cooler that will enhance the aesthetics of your PC build. Its sleek and understated design makes it a versatile option for various build styles.

Value for Money

Now, let’s talk about value. The DeepCool AG400 Plus truly shines in this area, offering exceptional performance at a budget-friendly price. Compared to other coolers in its price range, the AG400 Plus delivers superior cooling performance, lower noise levels, and a more refined design. It’s a rare combination of affordability and quality that’s hard to beat. The AG400 Plus is an excellent alternative if you're on a tight budget and don't want to compromise on cooling performance. It provides a significant improvement over stock coolers, allowing you to push your CPU harder without worrying about overheating. The cooler's universal socket compatibility also adds to its value. It can be used with a wide range of Intel and AMD processors, making it a versatile option for various PC builds. This means you can continue using the cooler even if you upgrade your CPU in the future. The included thermal paste is another nice touch that adds to the overall value of the package. You don’t have to purchase it separately, saving you a few extra bucks. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus offers exceptional value for money. It’s a high-performing, quiet, and well-designed cooler that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict? The DeepCool AG400 Plus is an outstanding CPU cooler that offers an excellent balance of performance, noise, and price. It’s a top contender in the budget cooler market, delivering impressive cooling capabilities that rival some more expensive options. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or simply looking to upgrade from your stock cooler, the AG400 Plus is a fantastic choice. Its easy installation, sleek design, and quiet operation make it a winner in every category. If you’re in the market for a new CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 Plus should definitely be on your shortlist. You won’t be disappointed!

Who is this CPU Cooler For?

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is ideal for a wide range of users. If you are a budget-conscious gamer looking to improve cooling without breaking the bank, this cooler is an excellent choice. Its ability to maintain stable temperatures during intense gaming sessions ensures optimal performance and prevents thermal throttling. Content creators who rely on their CPUs for tasks like video editing and rendering will also benefit from the AG400 Plus. The cooler’s efficient heat dissipation allows for sustained performance during prolonged workloads, reducing the risk of overheating and system instability. If you're simply looking to upgrade from your stock cooler, the AG400 Plus provides a significant improvement in both cooling performance and noise levels. Its easy installation and universal socket compatibility make it a hassle-free upgrade option for any PC build. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is a versatile and reliable CPU cooler suitable for anyone who values performance, affordability, and quiet operation.