Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler Review

Overview
Removing all the components from the case we find three main pieces and a manual. One is of course the AIO itself, the other is the fan, and finally a bag of installation parts.

Deepcool MaelStrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

The unit itself is pretty standard AIO fare. We have a 120mm radiator connected to a disc shaped pump with about 12” of ¼” FEP tubing. Off the pump we find a 3 pin connector to power the pump.

Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

The hockey puck shaped pump is 31.5mm thin and has a small protrusion where the tubing attaches. The base of the pump is a copper cold plate and we find thermal paste already installed and protected with a plastic dish. There are also 4 tabs set with threads where the mounting wings are attached. DeepCool claims 120,000 hours of life on the pump due to zirconia ceramic bearings and a unique impeller designed to keep vibration to a minimum. While it seems to be a good design, we would like to see some longevity testing first as 120,000 hours is a pretty big claim. After all that’s claiming over 13 ½ years of continuous use. On the top of the pump we find the DeepCool Gamer Storm symbol. When powered there is a white LED that lights the symbol from behind and fades in and out on a timer.

Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

On the other end of the stiff FEP tubing we find the 120mm radiator. It is pretty thin measuring in at only 27mm thick. Thankfully DeepCool was smart enough to use a dense fin pattern to make up for the lack of thickness. The rad is capped at one end with a short reservoir and is made of aluminum.

Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Moving to the included fan, a DeepCool GF 120, we find the red and black theme from the box continues here. The fan is powered with a four pin PWM plug which exits at the side and has a rubber coated exterior for vibration dampening. The blades of the fan are detachable for easier cleaning. The GF 120 features a unique bearing which DeepCool claims results in a quieter operation and longer lifespan. The fans claimed operating speed is 600-2200 rpm resulting in 17.6~39.3dB repectively. Overall it’s a good looking fan.

Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Finally we come to the installation kit. We find a universal backplate with protrusions for all socket types. Three well labelled bags identifying which socket the parts are needed for. Also there are two sets of four screws which are needed universally for the radiator and fan installation. And lastly DeepCool has included a Gamer Storm case badge for those still applying them; not something we see very often anymore.

Deepcool Maelstrom 120 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler