Deepcool AG400 PLUS: Dual Fan LGA1700 Cooler Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Deepcool AG400 PLUS, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC enthusiast community. If you're rocking an Intel LGA1700 socket CPU and are on the hunt for a cooling solution that balances performance, quiet operation, and affordability, then this might just be the cooler you've been searching for. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its key features and design to its performance benchmarks and overall value. So, let's get started!

First Impressions and Key Features

Right off the bat, the Deepcool AG400 PLUS makes a solid first impression. It's a dual-tower cooler, which means it has two fin stacks for dissipating heat, and it comes equipped with two 120mm fans. This dual-fan configuration is a significant step up from single-fan coolers, promising enhanced cooling capabilities, especially for those of you pushing your CPUs to their limits with overclocking or demanding workloads. The cooler is designed specifically to support Intel's LGA1700 socket, which is used by the latest 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal contact with the CPU for efficient heat transfer. One of the standout features of the AG400 PLUS is its dense fin stack design. The fins are tightly packed together, maximizing the surface area available for heat dissipation. This, combined with the dual-fan setup, allows the cooler to effectively draw heat away from the CPU and keep temperatures in check. The fans themselves are also worth noting. They are 120mm in size, which is a sweet spot for both airflow and noise levels. They're designed to provide a good balance between pushing a lot of air through the cooler and operating quietly, so you can focus on your work or gaming without being distracted by fan noise. The Deepcool AG400 PLUS also boasts a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. It has a clean, black finish that will look great in most PC builds. There are no flashy RGB lights or overly aggressive designs here, which is a plus for those who prefer a more understated look. However, if you're someone who loves RGB, you might find this cooler a bit plain. But let's be honest, performance and cooling efficiency are the most important factors, and the AG400 PLUS seems to deliver on that front. Deepcool has also incorporated some user-friendly features into the AG400 PLUS, such as a tool-free mounting system. This makes installation a breeze, even for those who are new to PC building. The cooler comes with all the necessary hardware and clear instructions, so you can get it up and running in no time. Overall, the Deepcool AG400 PLUS appears to be a well-designed cooler with a focus on performance and ease of use. It's packed with features that should appeal to a wide range of users, from gamers and content creators to anyone who wants to keep their CPU running cool and quiet.

Installation Process: A Breeze or a Battle?

Now, let's talk about the installation process of the Deepcool AG400 PLUS. As I mentioned earlier, Deepcool has implemented a tool-free mounting system, which is a huge plus for both experienced builders and newcomers. Nobody wants to spend hours wrestling with tiny screws and complicated brackets, right? The installation process is generally straightforward, but let's break it down step by step to give you a clear picture. First, you'll need to prepare your motherboard. The AG400 PLUS is designed specifically for the LGA1700 socket, so make sure your motherboard is compatible. The cooler comes with a backplate that needs to be installed behind the motherboard. This backplate provides a secure and stable base for the cooler and helps to distribute the pressure evenly across the CPU socket. Once the backplate is in place, you'll need to attach the mounting brackets to the motherboard. These brackets are what the cooler will actually attach to. The process is pretty simple, involving just a few screws. The instructions that come with the cooler are clear and easy to follow, so you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out which screws go where. Next up is applying thermal paste to your CPU. This is a crucial step, as the thermal paste helps to fill the microscopic gaps between the CPU and the cooler, ensuring optimal heat transfer. The AG400 PLUS doesn't come with thermal paste pre-applied, so you'll need to use your own. A small pea-sized amount in the center of the CPU is usually sufficient. Now comes the main event: attaching the cooler to the mounting brackets. The AG400 PLUS uses a simple clip mechanism that makes this part of the process a breeze. You just need to align the cooler with the brackets and clip it into place. It's a secure and straightforward system that doesn't require a lot of force or fiddling. Finally, you'll need to connect the fans to the motherboard. The fans have standard 4-pin PWM connectors, which allow you to control their speed and noise levels. Just plug them into the appropriate fan headers on your motherboard, and you're good to go. Overall, the installation process of the Deepcool AG400 PLUS is remarkably easy. The tool-free mounting system and clear instructions make it a hassle-free experience, even for those who are new to PC building. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, the cooler is quite large, so you'll need to make sure you have enough clearance in your case. Check the dimensions of the cooler and compare them to the available space in your case before you buy it. Second, the clip mechanism, while easy to use, can be a bit tricky to unclip if you ever need to remove the cooler. You might need to use a bit of force, but be careful not to damage the motherboard or CPU. But these are minor issues in what is otherwise a very user-friendly installation process. Deepcool has done a great job of making the AG400 PLUS easy to install, which is a big plus in my book.

Performance Benchmarks: Does it Keep its Cool?

Alright, let's get to the juicy part: performance! How well does the Deepcool AG400 PLUS actually perform when it comes to keeping your CPU cool? That's the question we're all itching to answer. To put the AG400 PLUS through its paces, we need to run some tests and see how it handles the heat under different workloads. We're talking about stress tests that push the CPU to its absolute limits, as well as real-world scenarios like gaming and video editing. These tests will give us a comprehensive picture of the cooler's capabilities. When it comes to stress testing, we're looking for the maximum temperature the CPU reaches under sustained load. This is a worst-case scenario, but it's important to know how the cooler performs when pushed to the edge. We'll use software like Prime95 or AIDA64 to simulate heavy workloads and monitor the CPU temperature using tools like HWMonitor. For gaming, we'll run some demanding titles and see how the CPU temperature fluctuates during gameplay. Gaming workloads are typically less consistent than stress tests, with temperatures spiking and dropping as the game demands more or less processing power. This will give us a good idea of how the cooler performs in a real-world gaming scenario. Video editing is another demanding task that can put a lot of stress on the CPU. We'll run some video encoding tests and monitor the CPU temperature to see how the AG400 PLUS handles this type of workload. Video editing often involves sustained high CPU usage, so it's a good test of the cooler's long-term cooling capabilities. So, what kind of results can we expect from the Deepcool AG400 PLUS? Well, based on various reviews and benchmarks, it's safe to say that this cooler performs admirably for its price point. It's not going to compete with high-end liquid coolers, but it offers excellent cooling performance for air cooling. In stress tests, the AG400 PLUS should be able to keep most CPUs running well within their thermal limits, even when overclocked. You might see temperatures in the 80s or low 90s (degrees Celsius) with a high-end CPU under extreme load, but that's still within the safe operating range. In gaming, you can expect even lower temperatures, typically in the 60s or 70s. This means your CPU will have plenty of thermal headroom, allowing it to boost its clock speeds and deliver optimal performance. Video editing temperatures will likely fall somewhere in between stress tests and gaming, depending on the intensity of the workload. The AG400 PLUS should be able to handle most video editing tasks without any issues, keeping your CPU cool and stable. One thing to keep in mind is that cooling performance can vary depending on several factors, such as the ambient temperature, the case airflow, and the thermal paste used. So, your results might be slightly different from what you see in online reviews. But overall, the Deepcool AG400 PLUS is a capable cooler that delivers impressive performance for its price. It's a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their CPU cooling without breaking the bank.

Noise Levels: Silent Assassin or Loud Lumberjack?

Okay, so we know the Deepcool AG400 PLUS can keep your CPU cool, but what about noise? Nobody wants a cooler that sounds like a jet engine taking off every time they fire up their PC, right? Noise levels are a crucial factor to consider when choosing a CPU cooler, especially if you value a quiet computing experience. Let's dive into how the AG400 PLUS performs in this area. The noise generated by a CPU cooler typically comes from the fans. The faster the fans spin, the more air they move, but also the more noise they produce. So, the key is to find a balance between cooling performance and noise levels. A good cooler will be able to keep the CPU cool without making too much noise. The AG400 PLUS comes equipped with two 120mm fans, which are designed to provide a good balance between airflow and noise. These fans feature a specially designed blade shape that helps to reduce turbulence and noise. They also use fluid dynamic bearings, which are known for their smooth and quiet operation. So, in theory, the AG400 PLUS should be a relatively quiet cooler. But what about in practice? Well, based on various reviews and tests, the AG400 PLUS lives up to its promise of quiet operation. At idle or low workloads, the fans spin at a relatively low speed, and the cooler is virtually silent. You'll hardly notice it's there. Even under heavy load, the fans don't get excessively loud. They might ramp up a bit, but the noise level is still quite manageable. It's unlikely to be a distraction, even if you're sensitive to noise. Of course, noise perception is subjective. What one person considers quiet, another might find loud. But in general, the AG400 PLUS is considered to be a quiet cooler, especially for its performance level. One of the reasons the AG400 PLUS is so quiet is its PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fan control. PWM allows the motherboard to automatically adjust the fan speed based on the CPU temperature. This means the fans will only spin as fast as they need to, keeping noise levels to a minimum. You can also manually adjust the fan speed in your BIOS or using software if you want to fine-tune the noise levels to your liking. If you're particularly concerned about noise, you can also consider using a fan controller or a low-noise adapter. These accessories can further reduce the fan speed and noise levels, but they might also slightly impact cooling performance. Overall, the Deepcool AG400 PLUS is a quiet cooler that should satisfy most users. It's not completely silent, but it's quiet enough to be used in a noise-sensitive environment. If you value a quiet computing experience, the AG400 PLUS is definitely worth considering.

Value for Money: Is it Worth the Investment?

Alright, let's talk about the bottom line: value for money. The Deepcool AG400 PLUS seems like a solid cooler, but is it worth the investment? That's the question we need to answer. Price is always a crucial factor when choosing PC components. We all want to get the best performance for our money, and CPU coolers are no exception. The AG400 PLUS is positioned in the mid-range price segment, which means it's not the cheapest cooler on the market, but it's also not the most expensive. It sits in a sweet spot where it offers a good balance of performance, features, and price. To determine if the AG400 PLUS is a good value, we need to consider its performance relative to its price. We've already established that it's a capable cooler that can handle most CPUs, even when overclocked. It also operates quietly and is easy to install. So, on the performance front, it ticks all the boxes. But how does it compare to other coolers in the same price range? That's where things get interesting. There are several other air coolers in the mid-range price segment, and some of them offer similar performance to the AG400 PLUS. However, the AG400 PLUS has a few advantages that make it stand out. One advantage is its dual-fan design. The two 120mm fans provide excellent airflow, which helps to keep the CPU cool. Some other coolers in this price range only have a single fan, which might not be sufficient for high-end CPUs or overclocking. Another advantage is its quiet operation. The AG400 PLUS is remarkably quiet, even under heavy load. This is a big plus for those who value a quiet computing experience. The tool-free installation system is also a nice touch. It makes the installation process a breeze, even for beginners. But the biggest advantage of the AG400 PLUS is its price-to-performance ratio. It offers excellent cooling performance for its price, making it a great value for money. You're getting a lot of cooler for your money with the AG400 PLUS. Of course, value is subjective. What one person considers a good value, another might not. It depends on your budget, your needs, and your priorities. But in general, the Deepcool AG400 PLUS is considered to be a great value for money. It's a capable cooler that offers excellent performance, quiet operation, and ease of installation, all at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a mid-range air cooler that won't break the bank, the AG400 PLUS is definitely worth considering.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Deepcool AG400 PLUS?

So, we've reached the end of our deep dive into the Deepcool AG400 PLUS. We've covered its features, installation, performance, noise levels, and value for money. Now, it's time for the final verdict: should you buy this cooler? In my opinion, the Deepcool AG400 PLUS is an excellent CPU cooler that offers a lot for its price. It's a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling without spending a fortune. Let's recap the key strengths of the AG400 PLUS. First and foremost, it delivers impressive cooling performance. The dual-fan design and dense fin stack effectively dissipate heat, keeping your CPU cool even under heavy loads. This makes it a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who pushes their CPU to the limit. Second, the AG400 PLUS is remarkably quiet. The 120mm fans operate quietly, even at higher speeds, ensuring a pleasant computing experience. If you value a quiet PC, this cooler won't disappoint. Third, the AG400 PLUS is incredibly easy to install. The tool-free mounting system makes the installation process a breeze, even for beginners. You'll have it up and running in no time. Fourth, the AG400 PLUS offers excellent value for money. It provides a great balance of performance, features, and price, making it a smart investment. But is there anything to dislike about the AG400 PLUS? Well, if I had to nitpick, I'd say that the design is a bit plain. It lacks the flashy RGB lighting that some other coolers offer. But that's a minor issue, and it's a matter of personal preference. Some people actually prefer a more understated look. Another potential drawback is its size. The AG400 PLUS is a fairly large cooler, so you'll need to make sure you have enough clearance in your case. But as long as you check the dimensions beforehand, this shouldn't be a problem. So, who is the Deepcool AG400 PLUS for? I would recommend this cooler to anyone who is looking for a mid-range air cooler that offers excellent performance, quiet operation, and ease of installation. It's a great choice for gamers, content creators, overclockers, and anyone who wants to keep their CPU running cool and stable. If you're upgrading from a stock cooler, the AG400 PLUS will be a significant improvement. It will keep your CPU cooler, quieter, and allow you to push it harder without worrying about overheating. Overall, the Deepcool AG400 PLUS is a fantastic CPU cooler that I highly recommend. It's a well-rounded product that delivers on its promises. If you're in the market for a new cooler, be sure to give this one a close look.