DeepCool AG400 Vs. AG400 Plus: Cooler Showdown

Hey guys, let's dive into a head-to-head showdown between two of DeepCool's popular CPU coolers: the AG400 and the AG400 Plus! Choosing the right cooler for your PC is super important, as it impacts your system's performance and longevity. Both of these coolers aim to provide excellent cooling performance at an affordable price, but there are some key differences that might make one a better fit for your specific needs than the other. We'll break down the specs, performance, and overall value of each cooler to help you make an informed decision. So, whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your current setup, get ready to find out which DeepCool cooler reigns supreme!

DeepCool AG400: The Classic Performer

Let's start with the OG, the DeepCool AG400. This cooler has made a name for itself as a solid performer for the price. It's a single-tower cooler, meaning it has a single heatsink with a fan attached. This design is pretty standard for the mid-range CPU cooler market, and it offers a good balance between cooling capacity and size.

The AG400 boasts four direct-contact heat pipes. These heat pipes directly touch the CPU's heat spreader, which is the part that sits on top of your CPU. This direct contact allows for efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink. The heatsink itself is made of aluminum fins, which are designed to dissipate the heat into the surrounding air. A single 120mm fan is attached to the heatsink, and this fan is responsible for pushing the hot air away from the fins. The fan typically operates with a wide RPM range, allowing for a balance between cooling performance and noise levels. The AG400 is known for its relatively quiet operation, even under load. In terms of compatibility, the AG400 is designed to work with a wide range of CPU sockets from both Intel and AMD. This makes it a versatile choice for many different builds. Installation is generally straightforward, with DeepCool providing easy-to-follow instructions. You shouldn't need a degree in engineering to get it set up, which is always a plus! DeepCool often includes all the necessary mounting hardware, making the process smooth. The overall design of the AG400 is simple and clean. It's not the flashiest cooler out there, but it gets the job done without drawing too much attention. This is great if you prefer a more understated look for your PC. The AG400 focuses on performance, reliability, and ease of use, making it a great option for gamers, content creators, and everyday users who need reliable cooling without breaking the bank. The build quality feels solid, and you can tell it's designed to last. The AG400 is a fantastic option if you're looking for a reliable, no-frills cooler that offers excellent value for the money.

Key Features of the AG400:

• Four Direct Contact Heat Pipes: Maximizes heat transfer from the CPU.
• 120mm PWM Fan: Offers a good balance of cooling and noise.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports a variety of Intel and AMD sockets.
• Easy Installation: Designed for a hassle-free setup.
• Affordable Price: Provides excellent value for the performance.

DeepCool AG400 Plus: Taking Cooling a Step Further

Alright, let's move on to the DeepCool AG400 Plus. So, what's the 'Plus' all about? Well, the main difference is the addition of a second fan! That's right, the AG400 Plus comes equipped with two 120mm fans, effectively doubling the airflow capacity of the original AG400. This upgrade is designed to improve cooling performance, especially under heavy workloads like gaming or video editing.

The basic design philosophy of the AG400 Plus is similar to the original AG400: a single-tower heatsink with four direct-contact heat pipes. These heat pipes perform the same crucial function of transferring heat away from the CPU. However, the addition of the second fan is the real game-changer here. With two fans working in tandem, the AG400 Plus can push more air through the heatsink, resulting in lower CPU temperatures. This can translate to higher clock speeds (if your CPU allows) and more stable performance during demanding tasks. The fans on the AG400 Plus are typically PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controlled, just like the original AG400. This means the fan speed can be dynamically adjusted based on the CPU temperature. You won't have to worry about the fan going crazy or being noisy when your CPU isn't doing anything heavy. The AG400 Plus is still very easy to install, with the same broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets as the AG400. DeepCool provides all the necessary hardware and clear instructions. You shouldn't have any problem getting it installed, even if you are not a seasoned PC builder. The visual design is similar to the original AG400, but with the added presence of the second fan. Some models might feature a slightly different fan design or even RGB lighting to add a bit of flair. The AG400 Plus offers enhanced cooling performance, making it a better choice for users who demand the absolute best from their CPU. This could include gamers who want to squeeze every last frame out of their system, or content creators who run resource-intensive applications. If you're looking for a cooler that can handle serious heat, the AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering.

Key Features of the AG400 Plus:

• Dual 120mm PWM Fans: Provides significantly enhanced cooling performance.
• Four Direct Contact Heat Pipes: Efficient heat transfer.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports a variety of Intel and AMD sockets.
• Easy Installation: Hassle-free setup.
• Improved Cooling Performance: Ideal for demanding applications.

AG400 vs. AG400 Plus: Head-to-Head Comparison

Okay, time for the ultimate showdown! Let's directly compare the AG400 and AG400 Plus to see how they stack up against each other. We'll look at the key aspects like cooling performance, noise levels, price, and overall value. This will help you decide which cooler is the best fit for your needs.

Cooling Performance: This is the most critical factor, so let's start here. The AG400 Plus, with its dual-fan configuration, generally outperforms the AG400 in terms of cooling. This means it can keep your CPU at lower temperatures, especially under heavy loads. If you are a hardcore gamer, you might see a noticeable difference in your CPU's temperature with the AG400 Plus. If you do a lot of video editing, or other tasks that stress your CPU, the AG400 Plus is the better choice for preventing thermal throttling and maintaining stable performance. The AG400 is still a good cooler, and it will keep most CPUs within safe operating temperatures. However, for maximum cooling efficiency, the AG400 Plus has the edge.

Noise Levels: The AG400 is known for being quiet, but the AG400 Plus, with its two fans, could potentially be louder. The good news is that both coolers use PWM fans, so the noise levels should be manageable. The fans will spin up when your CPU gets hot and slow down when the CPU cools. Under lighter loads, both coolers should be relatively silent. Under heavy loads, the AG400 Plus's fans might become more audible, but it shouldn't be too distracting. The noise level can also depend on other factors, such as the case fans and the overall airflow of your system.

Price: The AG400 is typically less expensive than the AG400 Plus. The price difference reflects the fact that the AG400 Plus has an extra fan. If you are on a tight budget, the AG400 still offers excellent value for the money. If you are willing to spend a bit more to get the best possible cooling, the AG400 Plus is worth the extra cost.

Installation: Both coolers are designed for easy installation, so you won't have to worry about complicated procedures. DeepCool provides clear instructions and all the necessary mounting hardware.

Aesthetics: The AG400 is simple and clean in its appearance, while the AG400 Plus might have a slightly more modern look. Some models of the AG400 Plus even feature RGB lighting. If you care about aesthetics, then the AG400 Plus has a slight edge here.

Value: Both coolers offer excellent value for the price. The AG400 provides a great balance of performance, noise, and affordability. The AG400 Plus offers better cooling performance and is better suited for heavy workloads. If you need the best possible cooling, and don't mind spending a bit more, the AG400 Plus is the better value.

Which Cooler Should You Choose?

So, which cooler is the right one for you? Let's break it down based on your needs. The DeepCool AG400 is a fantastic choice if:

• You're on a budget and want a reliable cooler.
• You're not planning to overclock your CPU.
• You're looking for a quiet cooler.
• Your PC build doesn't involve extremely power-hungry CPUs.

On the other hand, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is the better option if:

• You want the best possible cooling performance.
• You plan to overclock your CPU.
• You frequently run demanding applications like video editing or gaming.
• You're willing to spend a little more for enhanced cooling.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Both coolers offer excellent value for the price, but the AG400 Plus provides a significant boost in cooling performance, making it the better choice for power users and anyone who wants to ensure their CPU stays cool under pressure. No matter which cooler you choose, you can't go wrong with DeepCool! They consistently deliver great products at affordable prices.

I hope this comparison helped you make an informed decision! Happy building!