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Test Methods, Results & Conclusion
The hardware setup for the cooler reviews remains consistent. It includes a Core i7-5930K with a slight overclock using a moderate voltage level inside a well-ventilated Corsair 760T case. The motherboard is set to a 115°C throttle point, and temperatures in the chart are above ambient (the thermal reading minus the room temperature).
Comparison Products
We compare the Deepcool Gamerstorm 240EX RGB with products that have similar dimensions and price points. Our goal is to narrow down the market and determine performance variances based on manufacturer design decisions.
Test Results
As always, the ambient temperature of the room is taken into account and noise levels are recorded 0.25m from the case's front corner on the side that opens, and they are corrected to the 1m industry standard by subtracting 12 decibels.
The 240EX RGB is about middle of the pack in cooling performance, only beating the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Pro 240. Even then, it’s tied when it comes to CPU PWM. These are all 240mm radiators, with dual 120mm fans. The 240EX RGB still keeps up with the competition, while providing the RGB features.
The dual-blade fans included with the Captain 240EX RGB let it maintain low RPMs. The pump's impeller also has a lower speed than the market average.
Despite the lower RPMs and overall speed of the hardware, the Captain 240EX RGB is unable to clinch the spot for the quietest liquid cooler. However, it is indeed very quiet comparatively. Only the Fractal Design Celsius S24 is able to best its average, and just by .3 dBA. There is no doubt that the low RPMs keep the cooler quiet. Could this be worth the slight drop in cooling performance?
The Captain 240EX RGB performs on average for acoustic efficiency. Again, it's only outdone by Fractal Design's Celsius S24.
Unfortunately for the Captain 240EX RGB, its $130 price tag is enough to put it at the bottom of our list when compared to the performance and price tags of the other coolers in this group. RGB lighting obviously doesn’t influence performance, otherwise, it would’ve stolen the show. The value equation doesn’t tell the whole story, of course, and some users will likely be willing to spend a few extra dollars for its RGB components.
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