AG400 Plus Vs AK400 Zero Dark Plus: Which Cooler Wins?
Choosing the right CPU cooler is crucial for maintaining optimal system performance and preventing thermal throttling, especially if you're into gaming or other resource-intensive tasks. The AG400 Plus and AK400 Zero Dark Plus are two popular options in the market, each boasting impressive cooling capabilities. In this article, we’ll dive deep into a detailed comparison of these coolers, examining their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision. Let's get started, guys!
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to CPU coolers, the design and build quality significantly influence their performance and longevity. The AG400 Plus and AK400 Zero Dark Plus both showcase robust construction, but there are key differences that set them apart. Let's explore these differences in detail.
AG400 Plus
The AG400 Plus features a tower-style design with four copper heat pipes that directly contact the CPU surface. This Direct Contact Technology ensures efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heat pipes, enhancing cooling performance. The cooler is equipped with a 120mm PWM fan that provides a good balance of airflow and noise levels. The fan includes a fluid dynamic bearing, which contributes to quieter operation and a longer lifespan.
The fin stack of the AG400 Plus is made of aluminum, designed to maximize the surface area for heat dissipation. The fins are tightly packed, allowing for efficient heat transfer from the heat pipes to the surrounding air. The cooler also includes universal mounting brackets, making it compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. This versatility simplifies the installation process and ensures that the cooler can be used with different CPU configurations.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the AG400 Plus has a clean and simple design. The black and silver color scheme gives it a sleek look that can fit well in most PC builds. While it doesn't have RGB lighting, its understated appearance can be a plus for users who prefer a more minimalist setup. The build quality feels solid, with no noticeable flex or weak points. The overall design focuses on functionality and performance, making it a reliable choice for cooling your CPU.
AK400 Zero Dark Plus
The AK400 Zero Dark Plus also employs a tower-style design but with some notable improvements. It features four high-performance copper heat pipes with a special coating that enhances heat conductivity. The heat pipes are designed to make direct contact with the CPU, similar to the AG400 Plus, ensuring efficient heat transfer. However, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus boasts a more refined heat pipe arrangement that optimizes heat dissipation.
This cooler comes with two 120mm PWM fans, configured in a push-pull setup. This dual-fan configuration significantly increases airflow, resulting in better cooling performance, especially under heavy loads. The fans are designed with noise reduction in mind, featuring specially engineered blades and bearings that minimize turbulence and vibration. Like the AG400 Plus, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus uses a fluid dynamic bearing for quieter operation and extended lifespan.
The fin stack on the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is also made of aluminum, but the fin density and arrangement are optimized for maximum heat dissipation. The fins are designed to create more surface area and improve airflow, enhancing the cooler's overall efficiency. Additionally, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus includes a robust mounting system that supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including the latest Intel and AMD platforms. The installation process is straightforward, with clear instructions and all necessary hardware included.
Aesthetically, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus stands out with its all-black design. The black coating on the heat pipes and fin stack gives it a premium and stealthy look, making it a great fit for black-themed PC builds. The absence of RGB lighting maintains a clean and professional appearance. The build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy construction that inspires confidence. The AK400 Zero Dark Plus combines aesthetics with high-performance cooling, making it an excellent choice for users who value both.
Cooling Performance
The primary function of any CPU cooler is to efficiently dissipate heat and maintain stable temperatures, especially under heavy workloads. The AG400 Plus and AK400 Zero Dark Plus both offer commendable cooling performance, but understanding their nuances can help you choose the right one for your needs. Let's delve into a detailed comparison of their cooling capabilities.
AG400 Plus
The AG400 Plus is designed to provide adequate cooling for mainstream CPUs. Its four copper heat pipes and 120mm PWM fan work in tandem to effectively transfer heat away from the CPU. In typical everyday tasks such as browsing, office work, and light gaming, the AG400 Plus keeps temperatures well within acceptable limits. It manages to maintain a balance between performance and noise, ensuring that the system runs quietly while staying cool.
Under moderate loads, such as video editing or more demanding gaming sessions, the AG400 Plus continues to perform reasonably well. It prevents thermal throttling, allowing the CPU to maintain its clock speeds without significant drops in performance. However, users with high-TDP (Thermal Design Power) CPUs or those who frequently engage in very intensive tasks may find that the AG400 Plus reaches its thermal limits more quickly.
Overclocking performance with the AG400 Plus is limited. While it can handle mild overclocks, pushing the CPU to higher frequencies will likely result in increased temperatures and potential instability. The single 120mm fan might struggle to dissipate the additional heat generated by overclocking, making it necessary to consider a more robust cooling solution if you plan to push your CPU to its maximum potential.
AK400 Zero Dark Plus
The AK400 Zero Dark Plus takes cooling performance to the next level with its dual-fan configuration and enhanced heat pipe design. The two 120mm PWM fans provide significantly greater airflow, ensuring more efficient heat dissipation. This makes the AK400 Zero Dark Plus particularly well-suited for high-performance CPUs and demanding workloads.
In everyday use, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus excels at maintaining low temperatures, often outperforming the AG400 Plus by several degrees. This cooler is capable of keeping the CPU running cool and quiet, even under extended periods of use. The dual-fan setup ensures that heat is quickly removed from the heatsink, preventing any buildup and maintaining optimal thermal conditions.
Under heavy loads, such as intense gaming or CPU-intensive applications, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus truly shines. It can handle high-TDP CPUs with ease, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring that the CPU maintains its maximum clock speeds. The improved heat pipe design and increased airflow allow the AK400 Zero Dark Plus to dissipate heat more effectively, making it a reliable choice for users who push their systems to the limit.
When it comes to overclocking, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus offers considerably more headroom than the AG400 Plus. The superior cooling performance allows for more aggressive overclocking without the risk of overheating. The dual-fan setup and optimized heat dissipation ensure that the CPU remains stable even at higher frequencies, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want to maximize their system's performance.
Noise Levels
Noise levels are a critical factor to consider when choosing a CPU cooler, especially for users who prioritize a quiet computing environment. Both the AG400 Plus and AK400 Zero Dark Plus are designed to minimize noise, but their approaches and results differ.
AG400 Plus
The AG400 Plus features a single 120mm PWM fan with a fluid dynamic bearing, which helps to reduce noise. At low to moderate loads, the fan operates quietly, making it suitable for everyday tasks without being intrusive. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control allows the fan speed to adjust dynamically based on the CPU temperature, further minimizing noise when high cooling performance is not needed.
Under heavier loads, the fan speed increases to maintain adequate cooling, which inevitably leads to higher noise levels. However, even at its maximum speed, the AG400 Plus remains relatively quiet compared to many other CPU coolers. The noise is noticeable but not overly distracting, making it a reasonable compromise between cooling performance and noise.
Overall, the AG400 Plus provides a decent balance between cooling and noise. It is a good option for users who want a cooler that operates quietly during most tasks but can still provide sufficient cooling under load without becoming excessively noisy.
AK400 Zero Dark Plus
The AK400 Zero Dark Plus employs two 120mm PWM fans, also with fluid dynamic bearings, to maximize airflow while minimizing noise. Despite having two fans, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is designed to operate quietly, even under load. The fans are engineered to reduce turbulence and vibration, which contributes to lower noise levels.
At low to moderate loads, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is virtually silent. The fans spin at low speeds, making it almost imperceptible in a typical computing environment. This makes it an excellent choice for users who demand a quiet system for tasks such as browsing, office work, or media consumption.
Under heavy loads, the fan speeds increase to provide the necessary cooling. While the noise levels do increase, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus remains quieter than the AG400 Plus in most scenarios. The dual-fan setup allows each fan to operate at a lower speed compared to a single-fan cooler, which helps to reduce the overall noise. The optimized fan blade design and fluid dynamic bearings further contribute to quieter operation.
Price and Value
Price and value are always important considerations when purchasing a CPU cooler. The AG400 Plus and AK400 Zero Dark Plus are positioned in different price brackets, reflecting their respective features and performance levels. Let's evaluate their value propositions to help you determine which one offers the best bang for your buck.
AG400 Plus
The AG400 Plus is generally priced as an entry-level to mid-range CPU cooler. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users who want a reliable cooling solution without breaking the bank. Despite its lower price, the AG400 Plus offers good performance for its class, making it a solid value proposition.
Considering its cooling capabilities, noise levels, and build quality, the AG400 Plus represents a worthwhile investment for users with mainstream CPUs and moderate cooling needs. It provides a significant upgrade over stock coolers, ensuring better thermal management and potentially extending the lifespan of your CPU. For users who are not planning to overclock heavily or run extremely demanding applications, the AG400 Plus offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
AK400 Zero Dark Plus
The AK400 Zero Dark Plus is typically priced in the mid-range category, reflecting its enhanced features and performance. While it is more expensive than the AG400 Plus, the additional cost is justified by its superior cooling capabilities, quieter operation, and improved build quality. The AK400 Zero Dark Plus offers a compelling value proposition for users who prioritize performance and are willing to invest a bit more for a premium cooling solution.
Given its exceptional cooling performance, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is particularly well-suited for high-performance CPUs and users who engage in demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, or content creation. Its ability to handle overclocking with ease further enhances its value, making it a smart choice for enthusiasts who want to push their systems to the limit. The quieter operation compared to the AG400 Plus is another significant advantage, especially for users who value a quiet computing environment.
Final Verdict
In summary, both the AG400 Plus and AK400 Zero Dark Plus are excellent CPU coolers that offer reliable performance and efficient cooling. The AG400 Plus is a budget-friendly option that provides good cooling for mainstream CPUs and everyday tasks, making it a solid choice for users who want a reliable upgrade over stock coolers without spending too much. On the other hand, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus offers superior cooling performance, quieter operation, and a more premium design, making it ideal for high-performance CPUs and demanding workloads. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your budget, cooling needs, and performance expectations. If you're looking for the best possible cooling performance and are willing to spend a bit more, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is the clear winner. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need adequate cooling for moderate tasks, the AG400 Plus is a great value proposition.
