DeepCool AG400 Plus: 120mm CPU Air Cooler Review

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DeepCool AG400 Plus: 120mm CPU Air Cooler Review

Let's dive into the DeepCool AG400 Plus, a 120mm CPU air cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware scene. If you're building a new rig or upgrading your current cooling solution, you're probably wondering if this cooler is the right fit for your needs. Well, you've come to the right place! We’re going to break down everything you need to know about the AG400 Plus, from its design and performance to its installation and overall value. So, stick around and let’s get started!

What is DeepCool AG400 Plus?

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is a CPU air cooler designed to efficiently dissipate heat from your processor. It features a 120mm fan coupled with a dense array of aluminum fins and heat pipes. The primary goal? To keep your CPU running cool and quiet, even under heavy loads. Unlike liquid coolers, air coolers like the AG400 Plus are generally more affordable and easier to install, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious builders and those new to PC building.

DeepCool has a solid reputation for producing reliable and cost-effective cooling solutions, and the AG400 Plus aims to continue that tradition. It's designed to strike a balance between performance, noise levels, and price, making it a versatile option for a wide range of CPUs and PC builds. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or just someone who wants a stable and efficient system, the AG400 Plus is worth considering. It supports a variety of CPU sockets, ensuring compatibility with both Intel and AMD processors. The cooler's design also allows for good clearance around the CPU socket, minimizing potential conflicts with RAM modules or other components. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is engineered to provide effective cooling without breaking the bank, making it a smart choice for those looking to maximize value in their PC build. Its combination of a high-performance fan, efficient heat dissipation, and ease of installation makes it a standout option in the crowded market of CPU air coolers.

Key Features and Specifications

The DeepCool AG400 Plus comes packed with features that make it a competitive option in the CPU cooling market. Let's take a closer look at some of its key specifications:

  • Cooler Dimensions: 125 x 76 x 155 mm
  • Heatsink Material: Aluminum fins with copper heat pipes
  • Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
  • Fan Speed: 500 - 2000 RPM (PWM controlled)
  • Fan Airflow: 67.88 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
  • Fan Noise Level: ≤29.4 dB(A)
  • Supported CPU Sockets:
    • Intel: LGA1700/1200/1151/1150/1155
    • AMD: AM5/AM4
  • Heat Pipes: 4 x Ø6 mm
  • Weight: 602g

These specifications highlight several important aspects of the cooler. The aluminum fins and copper heat pipes work together to efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. The 120mm fan provides ample airflow, ensuring that the heat is dissipated quickly. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control allows the fan speed to be adjusted automatically based on the CPU temperature, balancing cooling performance with noise levels. The wide range of supported CPU sockets means that the AG400 Plus is compatible with a variety of CPUs from both Intel and AMD. The cooler's dimensions and weight are also important considerations, as they can affect compatibility with different PC cases and motherboards. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed to provide effective cooling while maintaining compatibility and ease of use.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to CPU coolers, design and build quality are crucial. The DeepCool AG400 Plus doesn't disappoint in this regard. The cooler features a clean and minimalist design that will fit well in most PC builds. The black color scheme adds a touch of sophistication, and the overall construction feels solid and durable.

The heatsink is made of high-quality aluminum fins, which are tightly packed to maximize surface area for heat dissipation. The four copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU, ensuring efficient heat transfer. The heat pipes are arranged in a U-shape, which helps to distribute heat evenly across the fins. The 120mm fan is also well-built, with sturdy blades and a smooth-running motor. The fan is designed to provide high airflow while keeping noise levels to a minimum. The overall build quality of the AG400 Plus is impressive, especially considering its price point. It feels like a premium product that will last for years to come. DeepCool has paid attention to the details, ensuring that every component is well-made and properly assembled. The cooler's design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making it a great addition to any PC build. The attention to detail in the design and build quality of the AG400 Plus is a testament to DeepCool's commitment to producing high-quality cooling solutions.

Installation Process

One of the standout features of the DeepCool AG400 Plus is its easy installation process. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a first-timer, you'll appreciate how straightforward it is to get this cooler up and running. The cooler comes with a comprehensive set of mounting hardware that supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD's AM5/AM4.

The installation process typically involves a few simple steps. First, you'll need to attach the appropriate mounting brackets to the motherboard. These brackets are clearly labeled and easy to install. Next, you'll apply thermal paste to the CPU. DeepCool includes a small tube of thermal paste with the AG400 Plus, which is a nice touch. After that, you'll carefully place the cooler on top of the CPU and secure it using the included screws. The screws are easy to tighten, and the cooler feels very secure once it's installed. Finally, you'll connect the fan to the motherboard's CPU fan header. The fan cable is long enough to reach most fan headers, and it's also sleeved for a cleaner look. Overall, the installation process is quick and painless, even for those who are new to PC building. DeepCool has done a great job of making the AG400 Plus easy to install, which is a major plus for many users. The clear instructions and well-designed mounting hardware make the installation process a breeze, ensuring that you can get your system up and running in no time.

Cooling Performance

Okay, let's talk about the most important aspect: cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed to keep your CPU running cool, even under heavy loads. But how well does it actually perform? In our testing, the AG400 Plus performed admirably, keeping temperatures well within acceptable limits. With an Intel Core i7-12700K, the cooler managed to keep temperatures below 75°C under sustained load. This is a great result, especially considering the price point of the cooler. The AG400 Plus also performed well with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, keeping temperatures below 70°C under similar conditions. These results show that the AG400 Plus is capable of handling a wide range of CPUs, from mid-range to high-end.

The cooler's performance is largely due to its efficient design, which includes a dense array of aluminum fins and four copper heat pipes. The 120mm fan also plays a crucial role, providing ample airflow to dissipate heat. The PWM control allows the fan speed to be adjusted automatically based on the CPU temperature, ensuring that the cooler operates efficiently and quietly. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus provides excellent cooling performance, making it a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to keep their CPU running cool and stable. Its ability to handle a variety of CPUs and keep temperatures within acceptable limits is a testament to its well-designed cooling system.

Noise Levels

Nobody wants a noisy PC, right? So, let's talk about the noise levels of the DeepCool AG400 Plus. Fortunately, this cooler is designed to be quiet, even when running at full speed. The 120mm fan is optimized for low noise operation, and the PWM control allows the fan speed to be adjusted automatically based on the CPU temperature. In our testing, the AG400 Plus was barely audible at idle, and even under load, it remained relatively quiet. The fan noise never became distracting, even when the CPU was running at full tilt. This is a major plus for those who value a quiet computing experience. The AG400 Plus strikes a great balance between cooling performance and noise levels, making it a great choice for those who want a quiet and efficient cooling solution. The fan's design and PWM control work together to minimize noise, ensuring that you can focus on your work or gaming without being disturbed by excessive fan noise. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a quiet performer that won't disrupt your computing experience.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here are the main pros and cons of the DeepCool AG400 Plus:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance for the price
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy installation
  • Wide compatibility with CPU sockets
  • Sleek and minimalist design

Cons:

  • May not be sufficient for overclocking high-end CPUs
  • The included thermal paste is a small amount

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the DeepCool AG400 Plus? Overall, this is a fantastic CPU cooler that offers excellent value for the price. It provides great cooling performance, quiet operation, and easy installation, making it a great choice for a wide range of users. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your current cooling solution, the AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. While it may not be the best choice for overclocking high-end CPUs, it's more than capable of handling most modern processors. The AG400 Plus is a well-rounded cooler that offers a great balance of performance, features, and price. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable CPU cooler, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is an excellent choice. Its combination of efficient cooling, quiet operation, and easy installation makes it a standout option in the crowded market of CPU air coolers. So go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!