DeepCool AG400 Plus: Is It The Best Budget Cooler?

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DeepCool AG400 Plus: Is It The Best Budget Cooler?

Hey guys! Today, let's dive deep into the DeepCool AG400 Plus, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the budget-friendly market. If you're building a new PC or upgrading your current cooling solution without breaking the bank, this might just be the cooler you've been looking for. We're going to break down everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What is DeepCool AG400 Plus?

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is an air cooler designed to efficiently dissipate heat from your CPU. It's an upgraded version of the popular AG400, offering improved performance and some enhanced features. The primary goal of this cooler is to provide reliable cooling without costing a fortune, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers, content creators, and everyday users. It balances affordability with performance, ensuring your CPU stays cool under various workloads.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's take a look at the key features and specifications of the DeepCool AG400 Plus:

  • Cooler Type: Air Cooler
  • Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4
  • Heatsink Material: Aluminum fins with copper heat pipes
  • Fan Size: 120mm
  • Fan Speed: 500-2000 RPM (PWM controlled)
  • Noise Level: ≤31.6 dBA
  • Dimensions: 125mm x 92mm x 150mm
  • Weight: 614g

These specifications highlight the cooler's broad compatibility, efficient heat dissipation components, and quiet operation. The PWM controlled fan allows for dynamic speed adjustments, optimizing cooling performance based on the CPU temperature. The compact dimensions ensure it fits well in most PC cases without obstructing other components.

Design and Build Quality

The DeepCool AG400 Plus features a clean and functional design. The heatsink consists of tightly stacked aluminum fins that maximize the surface area for heat dissipation. Four copper heat pipes directly contact the CPU, efficiently transferring heat to the fins. The black coating on the top gives it a sleek and modern look, making it visually appealing in any build.

Material and Construction

The cooler is constructed with high-quality materials to ensure durability and efficient heat transfer. The aluminum fins are sturdy and evenly spaced, promoting optimal airflow. The copper heat pipes are precisely manufactured to make direct contact with the CPU, enhancing thermal conductivity. The overall build quality feels robust, assuring long-term reliability.

Fan Design and Performance

The included 120mm fan is designed for both performance and quiet operation. It features specially designed blades that optimize airflow while minimizing noise. The PWM control allows the fan speed to automatically adjust based on the CPU temperature, providing efficient cooling when needed and quiet operation during idle or light workloads. The fan's fluid dynamic bearing ensures smooth and reliable performance over an extended period.

Installation Process

One of the standout features of the DeepCool AG400 Plus is its user-friendly installation process. The cooler comes with a comprehensive mounting kit that supports both Intel and AMD platforms. The installation steps are straightforward, even for beginners, and the included manual provides clear instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to installing the DeepCool AG400 Plus:

  1. Prepare the Motherboard: Depending on your CPU socket (Intel or AMD), install the appropriate mounting brackets on the motherboard.
  2. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU heat spreader.
  3. Mount the Cooler: Align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it using the provided screws. Ensure the cooler is firmly attached to the CPU.
  4. Connect the Fan: Plug the fan cable into the CPU fan header on the motherboard.
  5. Verify Installation: Double-check all connections and ensure the cooler is securely mounted before powering on your PC.

Ease of Use

The installation process is designed to be as simple as possible. The mounting brackets are sturdy and easy to handle, and the screws are of good quality. The clear instructions and intuitive design make it easy for anyone to install the cooler without professional help. Even if you're new to PC building, you'll find the installation process to be straightforward and hassle-free.

Cooling Performance

Now, let's get to the most important part: the cooling performance. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed to efficiently dissipate heat from your CPU, keeping it running at optimal temperatures. We'll look at its performance under various workloads and compare it to other coolers in its class.

Thermal Testing

To evaluate the cooling performance, we conducted thermal tests under different scenarios:

  • Idle: The CPU temperature at idle was recorded after the system had been running for 30 minutes with minimal background tasks.
  • Gaming: The CPU temperature was measured while playing graphically intensive games for an hour.
  • Stress Test: The CPU was subjected to a stress test using benchmarking software to simulate maximum load conditions.

The results showed that the DeepCool AG400 Plus performed admirably. At idle, the CPU temperature remained low, typically around 30-35°C. During gaming, the temperature stayed within a comfortable range of 60-70°C. Even under the stress test, the temperature peaked at around 80-85°C, which is well within the safe operating limits for most CPUs.

Comparison with Other Coolers

Compared to other coolers in the same price range, the DeepCool AG400 Plus offers competitive cooling performance. It outperforms stock coolers and provides similar or better results than many other budget-friendly air coolers. While it may not match the performance of high-end liquid coolers, it offers an excellent balance of cooling and cost, making it a great value for the price.

Noise Levels

Another critical aspect of any CPU cooler is its noise level. Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine, especially during quiet tasks. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is designed to operate quietly, ensuring a pleasant computing experience.

Acoustic Performance

The 120mm fan is optimized for quiet operation. The fan blades are designed to minimize turbulence and reduce noise. The PWM control allows the fan speed to automatically adjust based on the CPU temperature, keeping noise levels low during idle and light workloads. Even under heavy load, the fan remains relatively quiet, producing minimal audible noise.

Subjective Experience

In our testing, the DeepCool AG400 Plus was virtually silent during idle and light tasks. Even during gaming and stress tests, the noise level was barely noticeable. The cooler's quiet operation makes it an excellent choice for users who value a silent computing environment. You can focus on your work or gaming without being distracted by fan noise.

Value for Money

One of the most compelling reasons to consider the DeepCool AG400 Plus is its excellent value for money. It offers impressive cooling performance and quiet operation at a price that won't break the bank. If you're looking for a budget-friendly cooler that delivers on its promises, the AG400 Plus is hard to beat.

Price and Availability

The DeepCool AG400 Plus is typically priced between $25 and $35, making it one of the most affordable CPU coolers on the market. It's widely available at online retailers such as Amazon, Newegg, and major computer hardware stores. Its accessibility and competitive price make it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

Overall Assessment

Considering its performance, features, and price, the DeepCool AG400 Plus offers exceptional value. It provides reliable cooling, quiet operation, and easy installation, all at an affordable price. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your current cooling solution, the AG400 Plus is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.

Pros and Cons

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

Pros

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps the CPU running at optimal temperatures under various workloads.
  • Quiet Operation: The 120mm fan is optimized for low noise levels.
  • Easy Installation: The user-friendly mounting kit makes installation straightforward.
  • Wide Compatibility: Supports both Intel and AMD platforms.
  • Affordable Price: Offers exceptional value for money.

Cons

  • Not as Powerful as High-End Coolers: May not be suitable for overclocking high-end CPUs.
  • Basic Design: Lacks the aesthetic features of more expensive coolers.

Final Verdict

So, is the DeepCool AG400 Plus the best budget cooler? In our opinion, it's definitely one of the top contenders. It offers a compelling combination of cooling performance, quiet operation, easy installation, and affordability. If you're building a budget-friendly PC or upgrading your current cooling solution, the AG400 Plus is an excellent choice that delivers on its promises. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end coolers, it provides exceptional value for money, making it a winner in its class. Highly recommended!