DeepCool AG400 Plus: LGA1700 Dual-Fan Cooler Review

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DeepCool AG400 Plus: LGA1700 Dual-Fan Cooler Review

Hey guys, let's dive into the DeepCool AG400 Plus! This cooler is making waves, and we're here to break down everything you need to know about it. We'll be looking at the LGA1700 compatibility, the dual-fan setup (2x12cm fans!), and how it performs. Is it the right CPU cooler for your build? Let's find out! This review is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the AG400 Plus, its features, and its real-world performance. We'll explore its design, installation process, and, most importantly, how well it keeps your CPU cool under pressure. Ready to get started?

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Alright, first things first: the unboxing. When you get the DeepCool AG400 Plus, you'll be greeted with a sleek, well-packaged cooler. The box usually features some nice product shots and highlights key features like the dual-fan configuration and, of course, that it supports LGA1700. Inside, you'll find the cooler itself, which is typically a tower-style heatsink, two 120mm fans, mounting hardware, and an instruction manual. The build quality feels solid; DeepCool generally does a good job with their products. The heatsink fins are neatly aligned, and the overall aesthetic is clean and modern. The included fans often sport a nice design, sometimes with subtle branding. Let's talk about the mounting hardware. DeepCool usually provides everything you need for installation on various sockets, including, crucially, LGA1700. It's important to double-check that all the necessary brackets and screws are included before you start building your PC. This avoids any frustrating surprises later on. The instruction manual is your friend! Give it a quick read to familiarize yourself with the installation process, especially if you're new to building PCs or have limited experience with aftermarket coolers.

So, what about the fans? The dual-fan setup is a key selling point. Two 120mm fans are included, and they're designed to work together to push air through the heatsink, maximizing cooling performance. DeepCool often uses fans known for a good balance of airflow and low noise, but we will test this later. Now, before we move on, let's talk about the visual aspect. The DeepCool AG400 Plus isn't about flashy RGB lighting. Instead, it focuses on delivering performance. If you're a fan of minimalist aesthetics, this cooler should fit right into your build without drawing too much attention. The black color scheme is often a good match for various components and case designs. Overall, the initial impressions of the DeepCool AG400 Plus are positive. The packaging is good, the build quality feels solid, and the dual-fan configuration gives the impression that it's designed to provide excellent cooling performance. Time to move on and see how it holds up in real-world scenarios. We'll be doing some tests, so you know exactly what to expect from this cooler.

Design and Features: A Closer Look

Let's get up close and personal with the DeepCool AG400 Plus. This cooler isn't just about good looks; it's packed with features designed to keep your CPU running cool and efficiently. The most striking element is its dual-fan configuration. Two 120mm fans are positioned on either side of the heatsink tower. This setup boosts airflow, which is critical for dissipating heat. The design of the heatsink itself is equally important. It typically features a tower-style arrangement with a series of aluminum fins. These fins increase the surface area available for heat transfer. More surface area means more efficient cooling. The AG400 Plus usually incorporates direct-contact heat pipes. These heat pipes directly touch the CPU's surface, which speeds up heat transfer to the heatsink fins. Heat pipes are crucial for efficiently moving heat away from the CPU. The cooler's dimensions are also a factor. It must fit within your case and not interfere with other components, like RAM modules. The AG400 Plus typically has a height that makes it compatible with most standard ATX cases.

Another key feature is its universal mounting system, including support for LGA1700. This means it is compatible with a wide range of CPUs from both Intel and AMD. You shouldn't have any compatibility issues if you’re using LGA1700. DeepCool provides all the necessary brackets and screws for easy installation. The fan's design will also influence the cooling performance. The fans included with the AG400 Plus often use a design that maximizes airflow while minimizing noise. DeepCool usually tries to strike a balance between performance and quiet operation. The fan's speed range is important, and you might find that the fan speed is controlled via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). PWM allows the motherboard to adjust the fan speed based on the CPU's temperature, which helps optimize cooling performance and reduce noise when the CPU is not under heavy load. The AG400 Plus often includes thermal paste pre-applied, which simplifies installation. If not, high-quality thermal paste is usually included in the box. Now, a quick note about aesthetics. While the AG400 Plus may not be adorned with flashy RGB lighting, it usually has a clean and modern design that will fit nicely into any PC build. DeepCool tends to prioritize performance over aesthetics.

Installation Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, let's get down to business and install the DeepCool AG400 Plus! The installation process may vary slightly depending on your specific motherboard and CPU, but we'll walk you through the general steps, including how to install on LGA1700 motherboards. First things first: make sure your PC is turned off and unplugged. Safety first, right? Remove the side panel from your case to access the CPU socket. Depending on your case, you might also need to remove other components to make space for the installation. Next, you need to prepare the motherboard for the cooler. For LGA1700 motherboards, you'll need to install the appropriate mounting brackets. These brackets are usually included with the cooler and are specific to the LGA1700 socket. Carefully follow the instructions in the manual to attach the brackets to the motherboard. Make sure they are securely fastened.

Once the brackets are in place, it's time to apply the thermal paste. If the cooler doesn't have pre-applied thermal paste, apply a small amount (usually a pea-sized dot) of the provided thermal paste to the center of your CPU. Be careful not to use too much or too little; this can affect cooling performance. Now, carefully position the heatsink over the CPU, aligning it with the mounting brackets. The cooler should sit flat on the CPU. Secure the heatsink to the mounting brackets using the provided screws. Tighten the screws evenly, alternating between them to ensure even pressure. Be careful not to overtighten them, as this could damage your CPU or motherboard. Now, connect the fan(s) to the motherboard. You'll need to plug the fan cables into the CPU fan header on your motherboard. The CPU fan header usually provides power to the fan. Make sure the fan connector is securely connected. Check the installation. Once everything is installed, it's a good idea to double-check that all screws are tightened, and that the fan is properly connected. Also, make sure that no cables are obstructing the fan blades. Replace the side panel of your case. And you’re done! Now, you’re ready to test it. Power on your PC and monitor the CPU temperature in your BIOS or using monitoring software.

Performance Testing and Results

Alright, let's talk about the most important part: the performance of the DeepCool AG400 Plus. We'll put it through its paces to see how well it cools an LGA1700 CPU. Before we go into the tests, let's set up the test bench. We'll be using a test setup that includes an LGA1700 CPU, a compatible motherboard, and, of course, the AG400 Plus cooler. We'll also use other components to represent a typical gaming setup. We will run several tests to see how the cooler performs under different conditions. The tests will include idle temperature tests, which measure the CPU's temperature when it's not under load. Then, we will do stress tests. These tests involve running CPU-intensive applications like Prime95 or Cinebench to put the CPU under heavy load and measure its temperature. Lastly, we will run some gaming tests to see how well the cooler handles gaming workloads. The results are based on the temperature recorded during the tests. We'll use monitoring software to track the CPU temperature. The results will be the average temperatures recorded during the tests. We'll compare the results of the AG400 Plus with other coolers in its class to see how it stacks up. We'll compare the temperatures, and we'll compare the noise levels.

So, what about the noise? It is very important for a lot of people! We'll measure the noise levels of the fans. DeepCool usually designs its fans to operate quietly, but we will test this to see if the claims are true. We will see if the noise levels stay low, even when the CPU is under load. We'll also analyze the results. We'll see how the AG400 Plus handles different workloads. We will see if the dual-fan setup improves cooling performance. After the tests, we can say if the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a good cooler. We can say if the cooler can keep the CPU cool. We can say if the cooler runs quietly. We can see if the AG400 Plus offers good value for the price. The tests will provide a complete overview of the cooler's performance and help you decide if it's the right choice for your PC build. Now you know why performance testing is so important, right? Let's move on to the results.

Conclusion: Is the DeepCool AG400 Plus Worth It?

So, after all the testing and analysis, is the DeepCool AG400 Plus worth it? The answer, as it often is, depends on your specific needs and priorities. Overall, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a good cooler. The dual-fan setup provides great performance. The LGA1700 support makes it a great choice. The cooler offers a good balance of cooling performance and noise levels. It does a great job of keeping your CPU cool without being overly loud. The installation process is straightforward, and the build quality feels solid. It offers excellent value for the price. If you’re looking for a cooler that offers great performance and is easy to install, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a great choice. You should consider your budget and your needs. The DeepCool AG400 Plus is a great option if you are looking for a good CPU cooler. The LGA1700 support means it is future-proof. It offers a great balance of performance and value.

Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Excellent Cooling Performance: The dual-fan setup works. It keeps the CPU cool, even under heavy loads.
  • Easy Installation: The installation process is pretty straightforward, especially on LGA1700 motherboards.
  • Quiet Operation: The fans are quiet, even during intensive tasks.
  • Good Value: The price is affordable.

Cons:

  • Simple Aesthetics: If you want RGB, this isn't for you.

In conclusion, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is a fantastic CPU cooler. It offers a great combination of performance, ease of use, and value. If you're building a new PC with an LGA1700 processor or upgrading your current setup, the DeepCool AG400 Plus is definitely worth considering. It is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient cooler. That's a wrap! I hope this review has helped you make an informed decision. Happy building, guys!