Compare: NH-C14S vs AG400 BK

Design and Aesthetics:

NH-C14S

The NH-C14S features a low-profile, top-flow design with a large aluminum heatsink and a single 140mm NF-A14 PWM fan. The cooler is designed for compatibility with a wide range of PC cases and motherboard layouts, as well as offering excellent RAM and PCIe clearance. Aesthetically, the NH-C14S maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, which is synonymous with the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

AG400 BK

The AG400 series is a single tower 120mm CPU cooler that built upon DeepCool's legacy products but was stripped down for a streamlined and efficient package. It has a simple and clean design, with an aluminum tower and a single 120mm fan. This cooler comes in a variety of colors including black and white, so it matches most computer setups. Additionally, this cooler has RGB lighting which may fit for setups with a RGB focus.

Install Notes:

NH-C14S

The NH-C14S features Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets and offering a straightforward installation process, typical of Noctua coolers. Clear instructions, high-quality components, and a tube of their premium NT-H1 thermal compound make it an easy and user-friendly experience, even for beginners. The cooler uses the original AMD backplate for AMD installations. However, one downside is that the cooler may stick to your CPU, and due to the screw setup, you can't slide the cooler off the CPU like with some other brands. Overall, the NH-C14S offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

AG400 BK

This cooler is moderately difficult to install and is more difficult than other DeepCool cooler installations. For AMD CPU's, the mounting setup can be given that the cooler doesn't secure through holes but rather through notches. For this reason, keeping the backplate flush against the motherboard while also keeping the install components in line may prove to be difficult and may require a second pair of hands. This also has a very similar installation to the AK400.

Cooling Performance:

NH-C14S

The performance of the NH-C14S is exceptional, thanks to its six heat pipes that effectively transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. The cooler is suitable for a wide range of processors, from mainstream CPUs to high-end models with high TDPs. For certain CPUs, the NH-C14S can handle moderate to high levels of overclocking and provides reliable cooling in demanding situations.

AG400 BK

It's designed to work with a wide range of modern CPU sockets and is able to dissipate heat quickly and efficiently. Although this cooler doesn't push out the best cooling performance, it does well for its size with performance slightly below the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. For this reason, this cooler is best for CPUs that need a moderate cooling solution.

Noise Performance:

NH-C14S

One of the standout features of the NH-C14S is its quiet operation. The included 140mm NF-A14 PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-C14S is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

AG400 BK

This cooler has an above average noise profile, making it louder than most comparable air coolers. This means that you might experience more noise while your PC is running, which could be a drawback if you're sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet workspace. If having a quiet PC setup is important to you, it's worth considering other coolers with better noise profiles.

Summary:

NH-C14S

The NH-C14S cooler, compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, offers a straightforward installation process with Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, clear instructions, and high-quality components. Featuring a low-profile design, large aluminum heatsink, and a single 140mm NF-A14 PWM fan, it provides excellent compatibility and clearance for various PC cases and motherboard layouts. The cooler delivers exceptional performance with its six heat pipes and accommodates mainstream to high-end CPUs, even with moderate to high levels of overclocking. The NH-C14S stands out for its quiet operation, ensuring users enjoy a noise-free experience during heavy workloads or gaming sessions.

AG400 BK

The AG400 is an excellent choice to upgrade their CPU cooling solution. It has a sleek design with ARGB capabilities, helping create that look that sets you apart. However, this cooler isn't the most powerful cooling solution so it may not be best for all CPU's and it runs on the louder side. Overall, there is enough that sets this cooler apart that makes this cooler worth considering.