The Deepcool Gamer Storm Castle 280EX offers solid cooling performance. While it didn't take the top spot in the overclocking tests, it did exceptionally well in every other test. The only time it didn't outpace the Fractal Design Prisma S28 was in the overclocking FPU tests. Even so, performance remained good and easily kept the Intel i7-8700K temperatures well in check. The biggest area in need of improvement is noise output. The Prisma S28 was quieter in every way, and even the louder Corsair H115i Platinum remained quieter during more typical loads. In general, performance in all categories is above average, making the unit an attractive option if noise output isn't your primary concern.

Outside of cooling and noise output, the overall build quality is quite good, with the cooler being fairly easy to install. However, the mounting hardware can still be improved by adding some friction-fit spacers that hold the backplate securely during installation. Now with that said, unlike other coolers that mount directly to the backplate with nothing to secure them, I found the process easier with the Castle 280EX. This is due to its swivel fittings and fully secured mounting plates on the pump. These two aspects meant the pump didn't twist or pop free, so it remained easy to work with.

The inclusion of the Deepcool Anti-leak tech is also a nice touch, but only time will tell if it actually does anything as it is hard to verify its benefits. Granted, Deepcool does offer an acceptable 3-year warranty. While not the best available, it is still more generous than many of their competitors. It should put the minds of some users at ease, and I will as such give credit where credit is due.

When it comes to ARGB lighting, the Gamer Storm Castle 280EX is tastefully done. It is not flashy or over the top. Instead, they have settled on an aesthetically pleasing pump design that offers a nice bit of flair. The lighting and removable logo/pump top give users the ability to DIY the center cap to better suit their build, which is a nice touch, or at the very least keep the logo facing the right way. That said, there are those who want illuminated fans, and others who simply don't want any lighting at all, so depending on your camp, you may not find what you are looking for here. I find this design pleasing since it is a nice middle-ground option that typically gets ignored.

Overall, the Deepcool Gamer Storm Castle 280EX is a solid offering that performs quite well and manages to outpace quite a few liquid coolers on the market. That said, the company needs to improve the cooler's overall noise characteristics in order to really deliver a knockout punch.