The Gamer Storm Maelstrom 240 is a great first effort from Deepcool when it comes to AIO liquid CPU coolers. The product name might be a mouthful, but compared to other AIO kits, this cooler's performance is solid for the price; that is, if its retail price stays close to its MSRP. Users will find the Maelstrom 240 to be relatively quiet under typical loads, registering 40-45 dBA most of the time. Installation of this AIO, like other similar liquid coolers, was a snap and should prove trouble free.
As the images on the box and contents page show, solid packaging is a benefit to consumers. To put it nicely, my test sample looks to have been dropped a few times, but ultimately arrived unharmed because of good packaging. Deepcool also did well with the included fans. Their performance to noise ratio is attractive and they feature FDB bearings. Add in their rubber coating and you end up with some high quality fans. Even better, the red and black color theme looks fantastic in my opinion. It will easily go well with any of ASUS's ROG motherboards, or MSI's and Gigabyte's gaming series of boards.

As this is a new cooler coming to market, some teething pains were expected. Lack of availability being the biggest. Deepcool products have always been harder to find state-side, and being a new cooler that has just been launched, availability is all the worse. Performance could be better compared to other 240mm AIO liquid CPU coolers, which segues into the next issue: mounting pressure. The mounting hardware works just fine, but some increased mounting pressure would prove beneficial. While the color scheme won't appeal to everyone, the corrugated tubing is just, plain and simple, an eye sore in my opinion. The lack of a PWM-Y cable in the box also had me scratching my head, although Deepcool will include a PWM splitter or hub with the retail product. As such, at least that issue should be resolved soon.

The only other thoughts I have come down to the color scheme. Deepcool could really take the kit a bit further by offering a unique exterior shell for the radiator over the typically boring ones seen on every other AIO kit. Considering the visual flair of the pump with its pulsing white LED and the red-ringed and bladed fans, a unique look to the radiator to tie it all together would make for a very attractive design overall. That and I can easily get behind the idea of removable fan blades. It makes cleaning so much easier!

In conclusion, the Deepcool Gamer Storm Maelstrom 240 (say that five times, and fast) is a great option for those looking at all-in-one liquid CPU coolers. It offers unique looks and solid performance, all while being more affordable than the competition.