DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus Review: Is It Worth It?

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DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus, a CPU cooler that's been making waves in the PC hardware community. If you're building a new rig or looking to upgrade your current cooling solution, you've probably come across this cooler. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and noise levels to its design and value for money. So, stick around as we explore whether the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus is the right choice for you!

What is DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus?

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus is a CPU air cooler designed to efficiently dissipate heat from your processor. As a successor to the popular AK400, the Zero Dark Plus variant brings an all-black aesthetic, making it a sleek addition to any build. It features a dense aluminum fin-stack tower, four direct-contact copper heat pipes, and a high-performance 120mm PWM fan. This combination aims to provide excellent cooling performance while maintaining quiet operation.

One of the key features of the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is its universal socket compatibility, supporting both Intel and AMD platforms. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of users. The cooler is designed to handle CPUs with moderate to high thermal design power (TDP), making it suitable for gaming, content creation, and everyday computing tasks. The all-black design isn't just for looks; it also includes a ceramic coating on the heatsink, which enhances heat dissipation.

Installation is straightforward, thanks to DeepCool's user-friendly mounting system. The cooler comes with all the necessary hardware and clear instructions, making it easy even for novice builders to install. The fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing (FDB), which ensures smooth and quiet operation while also extending the fan's lifespan. Overall, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus is engineered to provide a balance of performance, aesthetics, and ease of use, making it a compelling option in the competitive CPU cooler market. Whether you're an experienced enthusiast or a first-time builder, this cooler offers a blend of features that cater to a wide audience.

Key Features and Specifications

When it comes to the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus, understanding its key features and specifications is crucial. Let's break down what makes this cooler stand out. First off, the all-black design isn't just for show; it adds a touch of sleekness to any build, making it a visually appealing component. The ceramic coating on the heatsink enhances heat dissipation, ensuring your CPU stays cool even under heavy loads. This is a significant upgrade from standard aluminum heatsinks, as the coating improves thermal conductivity.

The cooler features a dense aluminum fin-stack tower, which maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation. This design allows for efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the surrounding air. Paired with four direct-contact copper heat pipes, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus ensures that heat is quickly drawn away from the CPU. Direct contact means the heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU surface, improving thermal transfer efficiency.

Another important aspect is the 120mm PWM fan. PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation, which allows the fan speed to be automatically adjusted based on the CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise. The fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing (FDB), known for its smooth and quiet operation, as well as its long lifespan. The FDB design reduces friction and vibration, resulting in a quieter and more reliable fan.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key specifications:

  • Heatsink Material: Aluminum fin-stack with ceramic coating
  • Heat Pipes: 4 x Direct Contact Copper Heat Pipes
  • Fan Size: 120mm
  • Fan Speed: 500-1850 RPM (PWM)
  • Fan Airflow: 66.47 CFM (Max)
  • Fan Noise Level: ≤29 dB(A)
  • Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155, AMD AM5/AM4
  • Dimensions: 127mm x 71mm x 154mm

These specifications highlight the AK400 Zero Dark Plus’s capabilities, making it a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient CPU cooler. Whether you're gaming, creating content, or just using your PC for everyday tasks, this cooler is designed to keep your CPU running smoothly and quietly.

Performance and Noise Levels

When evaluating a CPU cooler like the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus, performance and noise levels are critical factors. After all, what good is a cooler if it can't keep your CPU temperatures in check without sounding like a jet engine? Let's dive into how this cooler performs under different conditions and how loud it gets.

In terms of cooling performance, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus does a commendable job, especially considering its price point. In typical usage scenarios, such as web browsing, office work, and light gaming, the cooler keeps CPU temperatures well within acceptable limits. Under these conditions, you can expect temperatures to hover around 40-50°C, depending on your ambient temperature and CPU model. This is more than adequate for maintaining stable system performance without any thermal throttling.

Under heavier loads, such as during intensive gaming sessions or video editing, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus continues to perform admirably. With a CPU running at full load, temperatures typically range from 65-75°C. While this is warmer than some high-end coolers, it's still within a safe range for most CPUs. The cooler's ability to maintain these temperatures without excessive noise is a significant advantage.

Speaking of noise levels, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is designed to be quiet. Thanks to its fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan and optimized fan blade design, the cooler operates at a low noise level, even when running at full speed. At idle, the fan is virtually silent, making it ideal for quiet computing environments. Under load, the fan noise increases, but it remains relatively quiet compared to other coolers in its class. You can expect noise levels to be around 29 dB(A) at maximum fan speed, which is barely audible in most cases.

To summarize, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus strikes a good balance between cooling performance and noise levels. It provides sufficient cooling for a wide range of CPUs and workloads without generating excessive noise. This makes it an excellent choice for users who value both performance and a quiet computing experience. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who wants a reliable and quiet cooling solution, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus delivers on both fronts.

Design and Aesthetics

The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus isn't just about performance; it also brings a sleek and modern design to the table. For many PC builders, aesthetics are just as important as functionality, and this cooler doesn't disappoint. The all-black design gives it a clean and stealthy look that can complement any build, whether you're going for a minimalist setup or a high-end gaming rig.

The cooler features a dense aluminum fin-stack tower, which is coated with a ceramic finish. This not only enhances heat dissipation but also gives the cooler a premium feel. The ceramic coating adds a touch of sophistication and durability, making it stand out from other coolers with standard aluminum finishes. The black color extends to the heat pipes and fan, creating a cohesive and uniform appearance.

The 120mm PWM fan is designed with aesthetics in mind as well. The fan blades are shaped to optimize airflow while minimizing noise, and the all-black color scheme blends seamlessly with the rest of the cooler. The fan's design is simple yet effective, ensuring that it doesn't detract from the overall look of your build.

One of the key design elements of the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is its compact size. The cooler is designed to fit in most PC cases without interfering with other components, such as RAM modules or VRM heatsinks. Its dimensions are 127mm x 71mm x 154mm, making it a relatively small cooler compared to some of the larger air coolers on the market. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of builds, from compact mini-ITX systems to full-sized ATX rigs.

Overall, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus combines functionality with aesthetics, making it a great choice for users who value both performance and appearance. Its all-black design, ceramic-coated heatsink, and compact size make it a versatile and visually appealing cooler that can enhance the look of any PC build. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time builder, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus offers a blend of style and substance that is hard to ignore.

Installation and Compatibility

When it comes to CPU coolers, ease of installation and broad compatibility are crucial. The DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus excels in both these areas, making it a user-friendly option for both novice and experienced PC builders. Let's explore the installation process and the range of CPU sockets this cooler supports.

DeepCool has designed the AK400 Zero Dark Plus with a straightforward mounting system, ensuring that installation is as simple as possible. The cooler comes with all the necessary hardware and clear, concise instructions. Whether you're installing it on an Intel or AMD platform, the process is virtually the same, minimizing confusion and hassle.

For Intel platforms, the cooler supports LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, and 1155 sockets. The first step is to attach the appropriate mounting brackets to the motherboard using the provided screws. Once the brackets are secured, you apply thermal paste to the CPU and then carefully place the cooler on top, aligning it with the mounting holes. Finally, you tighten the screws to secure the cooler in place. The process is quick and easy, and the instructions are clear enough for even a first-time builder to follow.

For AMD platforms, the cooler supports AM5 and AM4 sockets. The installation process is similar to that of Intel platforms. You start by removing the stock AMD cooler mounting brackets from the motherboard. Then, you attach the DeepCool mounting brackets using the provided screws. After applying thermal paste to the CPU, you place the cooler on top, align it with the mounting holes, and tighten the screws to secure it. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and the result is a secure and stable cooler installation.

In terms of compatibility, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is designed to fit in most PC cases without interfering with other components. Its compact size ensures that it doesn't block RAM slots or VRM heatsinks, making it a versatile option for a wide range of builds. The cooler's dimensions are 127mm x 71mm x 154mm, which is relatively small compared to some of the larger air coolers on the market.

Overall, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus offers a hassle-free installation process and broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms. Its user-friendly mounting system and compact size make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-install CPU cooler. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing cooling solution, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus provides a seamless installation experience.

Value for Money

Assessing the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus also means looking at its value for money. In the crowded market of CPU coolers, striking the right balance between price and performance is crucial. So, how does this cooler stack up in terms of value?

At its price point, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus offers excellent performance, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious builders. It delivers cooling capabilities that rival more expensive coolers, while still being affordable. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to improve their CPU cooling without breaking the bank.

Compared to other coolers in its price range, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus stands out for its combination of performance, aesthetics, and ease of use. Some coolers may offer slightly better performance, but they often come at a higher price. Others may be cheaper, but they may compromise on performance or build quality. The AK400 Zero Dark Plus strikes a sweet spot, offering a balanced package that is hard to beat.

The all-black design and ceramic-coated heatsink add to the cooler's value proposition. These features give it a premium look and feel, making it a visually appealing component in any build. The fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan ensures quiet operation and long-term reliability, adding to the cooler's overall value.

Moreover, the wide compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms makes the AK400 Zero Dark Plus a versatile option. Whether you're building a new PC or upgrading your existing cooling solution, this cooler is likely to be compatible with your CPU socket. This eliminates the need to worry about compatibility issues, making it a hassle-free choice.

In conclusion, the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus offers excellent value for money. Its combination of performance, aesthetics, ease of use, and broad compatibility make it a top choice for budget-conscious builders. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable CPU cooler that doesn't compromise on quality, the AK400 Zero Dark Plus is definitely worth considering. It provides a balance of features that cater to a wide audience, making it a smart investment for any PC build.