DeepCool AG400 Vs. AG400 PLUS: Cooler Showdown

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DeepCool AG400 vs. AG400 PLUS: Cooler Showdown

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of CPU coolers, specifically pitting two popular contenders from DeepCool against each other: the AG400 and the AG400 PLUS. If you're building a new PC or looking to upgrade your cooling solution, this comparison is for you. We'll break down the features, performance, and overall value of each cooler to help you make the best choice for your needs. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's get started!

DeepCool AG400: The OG Performer

The DeepCool AG400 is a single-tower air cooler that has quickly become a favorite among PC builders, and for good reason. It offers a fantastic balance of performance, affordability, and ease of installation. The AG400 boasts a sleek design with a minimalist aesthetic, making it a versatile choice that can complement any build. Its dimensions are optimized to provide excellent cooling performance without obstructing other components, especially the RAM slots, which is a common concern with larger coolers. The AG400's build quality feels solid, and it uses high-quality materials to ensure longevity and effective heat dissipation.

At the core of the AG400's cooling capabilities are its four direct-contact heat pipes. These heat pipes directly contact the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS), efficiently transferring heat away from the processor. This direct-contact design is a key feature that contributes to the cooler's impressive thermal performance. The heat pipes then carry the heat to the aluminum fin stack, where it is dissipated by a high-performance fan. DeepCool typically uses a 120mm fan for the AG400, which is carefully selected to provide an optimal balance between airflow and noise levels. The fan's design often incorporates features like fluid dynamic bearings (FDB) to ensure quiet operation and extended lifespan. Installation of the AG400 is generally straightforward, thanks to DeepCool's user-friendly mounting system. The brackets are usually designed to be compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD's AM5/AM4. This widespread compatibility makes the AG400 a versatile choice for a variety of builds, from budget-friendly systems to more powerful gaming rigs. The cooler's overall design is engineered to maximize airflow and heat dissipation, ensuring that your CPU stays cool even under heavy workloads. This performance is a major reason why the AG400 has gained such a strong reputation in the PC hardware community. Another thing that makes the AG400 so attractive is the price. This cooler provides excellent value, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious builders who don't want to compromise on cooling performance. It offers a significant upgrade over stock coolers, which can often struggle to keep up with the thermal demands of modern CPUs.

The AG400's performance is typically more than adequate for most users. It can handle most mainstream CPUs without any issues, keeping temperatures well within safe operating limits. Gamers and content creators will appreciate the cooler's ability to maintain stable performance during demanding tasks. The AG400's quiet operation is another significant advantage. The fan is designed to minimize noise, so you won't be distracted by a loud cooler while you're gaming or working. For those who value silence, the AG400 is an excellent choice. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 is a well-rounded cooler that offers an excellent combination of performance, affordability, and ease of use. It's a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling solution without breaking the bank.

DeepCool AG400 PLUS: Enhanced Cooling, More Features?

Now, let's turn our attention to the DeepCool AG400 PLUS. This cooler is an evolution of the original AG400, and it brings some significant upgrades to the table. The AG400 PLUS builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while adding some new features that can enhance both performance and aesthetics. One of the most notable differences is the inclusion of an extra fan. This means the AG400 PLUS has two fans, typically in a push-pull configuration, to further improve airflow and heat dissipation. The second fan can make a noticeable difference in cooling performance, especially under heavy loads. The design of the AG400 PLUS generally follows the same minimalist aesthetic as the original AG400, ensuring it fits well in most PC builds. It is designed to be compatible with a wide range of cases, and the added fan doesn't usually cause any compatibility issues with RAM or other components. The build quality of the AG400 PLUS remains high, with DeepCool using quality materials for the heat pipes, fin stack, and fans. The heat pipes are often direct-contact, like the original AG400, ensuring efficient heat transfer from the CPU.

The AG400 PLUS also has a more advanced fan design, and this can help to optimize airflow and minimize noise. The fans are often designed with features like optimized blade angles and fluid dynamic bearings for silent operation. The enhanced fan design and the second fan contribute to the improved thermal performance of the AG400 PLUS. The added fan in a push-pull configuration increases the amount of air that is pushed through the fin stack, which results in better heat dissipation. This makes the AG400 PLUS a better choice for high-end CPUs or for those who want to overclock their processors. Installation of the AG400 PLUS is similar to that of the original AG400, with user-friendly brackets designed for easy mounting. Compatibility with various CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD's AM5/AM4, is typically maintained. DeepCool strives to make the installation process easy and intuitive, even for novice PC builders. The overall design of the AG400 PLUS is focused on maximizing cooling efficiency. The fin stack is optimized to provide a large surface area for heat dissipation, and the enhanced fan configuration ensures that airflow is maximized.

In terms of performance, the AG400 PLUS provides a clear advantage over the original AG400, particularly under heavy loads. The dual-fan configuration and optimized fan design lead to lower CPU temperatures, especially when running demanding applications or games. Overclockers will find that the AG400 PLUS provides additional thermal headroom, allowing them to push their processors further. However, the performance gains come with a slight increase in noise. While DeepCool strives to minimize noise levels, the additional fan can be slightly louder than the single-fan configuration of the original AG400, especially at high speeds. The price of the AG400 PLUS is slightly higher than the original AG400, reflecting the added features and enhanced performance. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize cooling performance and are willing to pay a little extra for it. The AG400 PLUS offers a significant upgrade over the original AG400, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize cooling performance.

DeepCool AG400 vs. AG400 PLUS: Key Differences

So, what are the main differences between the DeepCool AG400 and the AG400 PLUS? Let's break it down:

  • Fans: The AG400 has one fan, while the AG400 PLUS has two.
  • Cooling Performance: The AG400 PLUS generally offers better cooling performance due to the dual-fan configuration.
  • Noise Levels: The AG400 PLUS may be slightly louder due to the additional fan.
  • Price: The AG400 PLUS is typically more expensive than the original AG400. The AG400 PLUS often comes with a slightly higher price tag, which makes sense considering the addition of a second fan and enhanced features. This means the AG400 PLUS provides better cooling and extra features at a slightly higher cost. This difference in price reflects the improved cooling performance and added features that the AG400 PLUS offers. This price difference is justified by the enhanced performance and additional features that the AG400 PLUS provides. This means the AG400 PLUS provides a better cooling performance than the AG400.

Which Cooler Should You Choose?

Choosing between the DeepCool AG400 and the AG400 PLUS depends on your specific needs and budget. Here's a quick guide:

  • Choose the AG400 if: You're on a budget and still want excellent cooling performance. You prioritize quiet operation. You're using a mainstream CPU and don't plan to overclock. The AG400 is an outstanding cooler for its price, providing solid cooling performance for most users. The AG400 is an excellent choice for those who are budget-conscious but still want effective cooling.
  • Choose the AG400 PLUS if: You want the best possible cooling performance within a reasonable budget. You plan to overclock your CPU. You want a bit of extra thermal headroom for demanding tasks or gaming. The AG400 PLUS is a great option if you need maximum cooling performance without breaking the bank. It's designed to give you extra thermal headroom, which is great for overclocking or heavy workloads. The AG400 PLUS is best suited for those who desire top-tier cooling performance.

Conclusion: Making the Right Call

Ultimately, both the DeepCool AG400 and the AG400 PLUS are excellent CPU coolers that offer great value for their price. The AG400 is a fantastic choice for those who want a reliable, quiet, and affordable cooling solution. The AG400 PLUS is the way to go if you want the best possible cooling performance, especially if you're planning to overclock or run demanding applications. Consider your budget, the thermal demands of your CPU, and your desired noise levels when making your decision. Whichever cooler you choose, you'll be getting a high-quality product from a reputable brand like DeepCool. Happy building!