Installation

Installing the Deepcool Gamer Storm Castle 280EX is straightforward. First, prepare the backplate and the pump by securing the backplate screws with the plastic clips and proper mounting arms with the four included screws. Next, position the backplate on the board and apply some thermal paste if you don't wish to use the pre-applied paste the cooler is supplied with.


Hold the backplate in place and slide the pump onto the backplate screws before securing it with the Phillips-head nuts. With that done, it's a quick and easy job to install the radiator.


All that remains is to install the fans and connect all the wiring. Thankfully, Deepcool's ARGB lighting setup is fairly simple, which makes setting everything up quick and easy, and the wiring mess is kept to a minimum since only the pump is illuminated.

On a scale of 1 (hardest) to 10 (easiest), I would rate the installation of the Gamer Storm 280EX an 8. Essentially, the process is the same as with the Castle 360EX I reviewed previously, with the same problem as you have to hold the backplate in place and slide the pump down onto the CPU before holding everything together while securing the pump with the included Phillips-head nuts. Thankfully, due to the swivel fittings, this process isn't as tricky as it could be. Deepcool should look into providing some friction-fit standoffs to help hold the backplate in place securely as that would result in a perfect 10/10, making it one of the easiest liquid coolers to install.