Deepcool AG400 Plus: Dual Fan 120mm CPU Cooler
Are you guys looking to keep your CPU running cool and quiet? Then you've got to hear about the Deepcool AG400 Plus, a seriously impressive dual-fan 120mm CPU cooler that's making waves in the PC building community. This cooler is designed to provide efficient heat dissipation, ensuring your processor stays at optimal temperatures even during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads. It combines a high-density fin stack, multiple heat pipes, and two powerful 120mm fans to deliver exceptional cooling performance without breaking the bank. Let's dive into what makes the Deepcool AG400 Plus a standout choice for your next build.
Unboxing and First Impressions
First off, the unboxing experience is pretty straightforward. The Deepcool AG400 Plus comes well-packaged, ensuring all components arrive safely. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, the two 120mm fans, mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, and a clear, concise installation guide. The cooler has a solid, premium feel to it. The heatsink is robust, and the fans look like they mean business. Holding it in your hands, you immediately get the sense that this cooler is built to last and perform. The black coating on the heatsink and the fan frames give it a sleek, modern aesthetic that will look great in any build.
Key Features and Specifications
Let's get into the nitty-gritty details. The Deepcool AG400 Plus boasts a dense aluminum fin stack optimized for heat dissipation. This design maximizes the surface area, allowing for more efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler. The cooler also features four direct-contact copper heat pipes, which efficiently draw heat away from the CPU and distribute it across the fin stack. The dual 120mm fans are where this cooler really shines. These fans are designed for high airflow and static pressure, ensuring that air moves efficiently through the heatsink to dissipate heat. They also operate at low noise levels, so you won't have to worry about a noisy PC. The AG400 Plus supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it compatible with most modern CPUs. Here’s a quick rundown of the key specs:
- Heatsink Material: Aluminum fin stack with copper heat pipes
- Heat Pipes: 4 x 6mm
- Fan Dimensions: 120mm x 120mm x 25mm
- Fan Speed: 500 - 2000 RPM (PWM controlled)
- Fan Airflow: Up to 75.89 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
- Fan Noise Level: ≤29.4 dB(A)
- Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155, AMD AM5/AM4
Installation Process
Installing the Deepcool AG400 Plus is surprisingly easy, even for those who are new to PC building. The included installation guide is clear and provides step-by-step instructions. The mounting hardware is well-designed and easy to work with. Whether you're on an Intel or AMD platform, the process is straightforward. First, you'll need to attach the appropriate mounting brackets to your motherboard. Then, apply thermal paste to your CPU. Next, align the cooler with the mounting brackets and secure it in place. Finally, attach the fans to the heatsink using the included clips. The whole process should take no more than 15-20 minutes. One of the standout features of the installation process is the tool-free design for the fan clips. This makes it incredibly easy to attach and detach the fans, which is especially useful if you need to clean the cooler or replace a fan. The mounting mechanism is also very secure, ensuring that the cooler stays firmly in place and maintains good contact with the CPU.
Cooling Performance
Okay, let's get to the most important part: how well does the Deepcool AG400 Plus actually cool? In short, it performs admirably. During stress tests with an Intel Core i7-12700K, the AG400 Plus kept temperatures well under control, even at maximum load. Under normal gaming conditions, the CPU temperatures remained even lower, ensuring stable performance and preventing any thermal throttling. Compared to the stock cooler, the AG400 Plus offers a significant improvement in cooling performance. The dual-fan configuration provides excellent airflow, effectively dissipating heat and keeping your CPU running cool. Even when overclocking, the AG400 Plus manages to keep temperatures within safe limits, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who want to push their systems to the limit. The cooler's performance is particularly impressive considering its price point. It offers cooling performance that rivals more expensive coolers, making it an excellent value for money.
Noise Levels
Another key factor to consider when choosing a CPU cooler is noise level. The Deepcool AG400 Plus excels in this area as well. The 120mm fans are designed to operate quietly, even at higher speeds. During normal use, the cooler is virtually silent, making it ideal for those who value a quiet computing experience. Even during stress tests, the noise level remains acceptable. The fans ramp up in speed to maintain optimal cooling, but they never become overly loud or distracting. The noise level is significantly lower than that of the stock cooler, which can often become quite noisy under load. The AG400 Plus uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to control the fan speeds, allowing the cooler to automatically adjust the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This ensures that the cooler operates efficiently and quietly, only ramping up the fan speed when necessary. The combination of efficient cooling and low noise levels makes the Deepcool AG400 Plus a standout choice for those who want a cooler that performs well without being a nuisance.
Aesthetics and Design
In terms of aesthetics, the Deepcool AG400 Plus sports a clean and modern design that will complement any build. The black finish on the heatsink and fan frames gives it a sleek, understated look. The cooler is not overly flashy, which is a plus for those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. The dual-fan configuration adds a touch of visual appeal without being too ostentatious. The cooler's design is also functional. The fin stack is optimized for airflow, and the heat pipes are strategically placed to maximize heat transfer. The fan clips are easy to use and allow for quick fan removal and installation. The overall design of the AG400 Plus reflects Deepcool's commitment to both performance and aesthetics. It's a cooler that looks good and performs even better.
Pros and Cons
To sum it up, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of the Deepcool AG400 Plus:
Pros:
- Excellent Cooling Performance: Keeps CPU temperatures low, even under heavy load.
- Low Noise Levels: Operates quietly, even at higher speeds.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for money.
- Sleek Design: Clean and modern aesthetic.
Cons:
- Size: The dual-fan configuration may be a bit large for some smaller cases.
- Fan Clips: While easy to use, the fan clips can be a bit fiddly at times.
Final Verdict
All in all, the Deepcool AG400 Plus is a fantastic CPU cooler that offers excellent cooling performance, low noise levels, and easy installation at an affordable price. It's a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to keep their CPU running cool and stable. If you're in the market for a new CPU cooler, the Deepcool AG400 Plus should definitely be on your list. You won't be disappointed!