DeepCool GamerStorm Castle 280EX CPU Cooler Review

How Much Does it Cost?

DeepCool has informed us that the GamerStorm Castle 280EX will be available to purchase via Amazon on the 15th of July. While also available on Scan, the UK will see an MRSP in the region of £124.99.

While this is certainly a decent comparative price (particularly against standard 240mm AIO designs), DeepCool may have some issues here in ‘standing out from the pack’. By this we mean, it’s not a bad price (in fact, it’s around what we expected), but it doesn’t exactly represent a bargain either. Then again, with the recent release of the Assassin III, perhaps this is an indication that DeepCool is looking to transition away from the more ‘entry-level’ focused market and, in terms of the GamerStorm Castle 280EX, this is certainly not an entry-level design!

Overview

Offering excellent levels of temperature control (be it stock or overclocked) the DeepCool GamerStorm Castle 280EX is certainly an excellent option as an AIO liquid cooler. Admittedly, the RGB bells and whistles are not as substantial as other designs with it only being included here to the pump head, but then again, not many brands offer you the opportunity to add your own custom design touch to it. In addition, DeepCool has certainly addressed what’s lacking (missing?) with a more than attractive radiator/fan design.

The only minor fly in the ointment is the acoustic levels. When working hard, the fans certainly let you know about it and while not intolerable, they are definitely more pronounced than you might expect. As we noted earlier in the review, however, a tweak of the PWM setting via the BIOS would undoubtedly find a happy compromise.

Should I Buy One?

Presuming that our price estimate proves to be accurate for end-retailers, the DeepCool GamerStorm Castle 280EX is certainly an excellent option for those looking for high-end cooling performance on mid-tier budgets. The slighter larger than ‘usual’ 280mm design seen here is certainly put to good use with some excellent levels of temperature control while still giving you an excellent customizable experience either with the bright and vivid RGB pump head or the customizable logo placement.

While it isn’t perfect, for this price point, you’re going to be struggling to find anything that performs (and looks) as good as this!

Pros

• Excellent levels of CPU temperature control
• Easily able to handle overclocking
• Strong aesthetics with customizable features not limited to RGB functionality
• Manual RGB hub controller in case your motherboard isn’t sync compatible
• Bright and vivid RGB effects
• Easy to install

Cons

• The fans were notably loud under high-load testing

Neutral

• Perhaps a little too expensive when compared to alternative (but weaker) 240mm designs.
• The 280mm size may present some limitations depending on your chassis design
• The AIO tubes are slightly shorter than usual and this may provide you with additional limitations