Deepcool GamerStorm Genome II Review

Performance Analysis

While comparing the product as a whole to our usual test gear wasn't entirely possible, we did manage to get numbers comparing the integrated cooler to a Corsair H105 and also for various aspects of the Genome II itself. Starting with the CPU delta T results, it was clear that the case is fairly capable, with the side panel on only seeing a 3°C rise in the delta T. However, it was also clear that the Corsair cooler was slightly better performing, knocking a further two degrees off the CPU delta T.


This was surprising given that the H105 is only a dual fan cooler, whereas the included cooler sported a large 360mm radiator, but the Genome II was certainly quieter both in terms of fan noise and pump noise. In fact, switching the fans to PWM mode saw them spin down to beautifully quiet levels at idle, with the modest pump making for a great setup for a quiet system.


Mounting the GPU on its side might look good, but it had a big impact on temperatures being so close to the side panel. Here we recorded a GPU delta T of 45°C, which fell to 41°C mounted normally and further still to 37°C with the side panel removed. A front intake fan would likely improve things further here, as there's a significant amount of negative air pressure with a total of four 120mm fans all exhausting from the case.

Conclusion

Totalling up the price reveals some interesting insights as to whether the Genome II is good value in terms of raw components. Its 360mm radaitor AIO coolers - the Captain 360 and Captain 360 EX retail for around £110 and decent PCI-E riser cables can cost upwards of £30. Throw in a 4-port fan hub and custom reservoir, and you're looking at a total equivalent to at least £170 or so. With the Genome II slated to retail for around £230 including the PCI-E riser cable this time included, that means you're paying £60 for the case and a pre-installed AIO liquid cooler. The case has grown on us during testing, despite its slightly garish plastic panels, and the PWM fan hub and good cable routing are very welcome.

It still has a basic feel about it compared to much of the competition, though, even in the equivalent price range of around £60. There's Thermaltake's Core G3, which includes a PCI-E riser cable for flipping your graphics card as standard plus the Phanteks Eclipse P400S and Enthoo Pro M and SilverStone's Kublai KL05 too, all of which can house AIO coolers, albeit with some self assembly required. In this light, the Genome II, as a case on its own, would likely land short of an award.


However, add in to the mix a decent and very quiet AIO liquid cooler that's pre-installed, saving a fair amount of hassle during your system build, plus the funky front reservoir and the package as a whole is much more attractive, especially if you want a quiet system. Everything boils down to whether you want the unique front reservoir and a pre-installed cooling system. If you do, the Genome II is good in its own right, but also has next to no competition. However, if you're up for building your own case and cooling system, something like the In Win 303, which is a much better case in all regards, costs around £90 and can house two 360mm radiators. Throw in a Corsair H100i and this will offer similar cooling, albeit with less pizazz, for around £40 less. Still, with the Genome II, Deepcool offers a rather unique solution in a relatively good value package without any major flaws - its undoubtedly niche, but if it serves your niche you can buy with confidence.