Introduction

A big thank you to Deepcool for supplying the review sample.

Deepcool is no newcomer to the market, having been around since 1996. However, In recent years, they have really begun focusing heavily on the enthusiast DIY market by delivering reliable products, including cases, power supplies, heatsinks, fans, and all-in-one liquid coolers. On top of that, you can also say that the company marches to the beat of their own drum. You can see it in the products they deliver, which have a unique flair that is readily apparent, such as with the Steam Castle and Quadstellar chassis or their unique all-in-one liquid coolers with glass tubing. Among many others, these examples showcase their ability to think outside the box, along with a willingness to try new things. For these reasons and many more, Deepcool continues to excel in the DIY PC market.


In today's review, I look at the Deepcool Gamer Storm Castle 280EX. This recently released all-in-one liquid cooling option features the company's new pump design that is a bit more subdued than the steampunk stylization they have used previously. Much like the Castle 360EX, the Castle 280EX has many of the same features, including Deepcool's Anti-leak technology. Like it's sibling, the 280EX offers an ARGB-illuminated pump with black fans for a less is more approach in regards to lighting. So without further ado, let's get down to business!

Packaging

Deepcool sticks with their now recognizable neon turquoise boxes, which will certainly catch a person's attention. Up front, you will find the 280EX nicely rendered with the badges detailing support for various motherboard RGB sync solutions. Deepcool's new Anti-leak technology is prominently featured on the front as well. The left side has the product name and a quick mention that this liquid cooler uses +5V ARGB LEDs and comes with a wired controller. When it comes to supported CPU sockets, fan speeds, tubing length, features, technical drawings, and general specifications, they can all be found on the back of the box.


The right side is fairly plain with nothing more than a graph detailing the potential pressure levels inside liquid coolers that lack the Anti-leak technology. Looking at the top, you will find nothing more than the Gamer Storm logo with the quote "life is a game," while the bottom details various features that are the same as those on the 360EX. These include Deepcool's Anti-leak tech, split chamber design, tri-phase motor, low noise operation, easy installation, etc.

Contents

Opening the box reveals the biggest change in packaging between the Castle 360EX and Castle 280EX, with the later being encased in foam. Seeing that nice packaging put quite the smile on my face. Sure, it may be a small thing to consider, and while the cardboard trays work fine, foam creates a more premium feel, which is never a bad thing when it comes to first impressions.


Intel and AMD socket support is stellar with all mainstream sockets and even TR4 being supported. Regarding the ARGB LEDs, software control via the motherboard is possible, or users can opt for an in-line controller if they don't have a motherboard with ARGB support.

Common parts supplied for mounting include:

• 8x Radiator fan screws
• 8x Radiator screws
• 4x Phillips head nuts
• 4x Backplate bolts
• 4x TR4 standoffs
• 4x AM4 standoffs
• 4x LGA 2011/2066 standoffs
• 4x Mount bracket screws
• 4x Backplate screw holders
• 2x 140 mm fans
• 2x Intel mounting bracket
• 2x AMD mounting bracket
• 1x Backplate
• 1x Pre-filled liquid cooler
• 1x User's manual
• 1x Fan splitter
• 1x ADD-RGB hub
• 1x RGB motherboard cable
• 1x Case badge