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DeepCool Castle 360EX vs Zalman CNPS20X: Comparison
What is the difference between DeepCool Castle 360EX and Zalman CNPS20X?
Expect a near tie. The closest thing to a difference is noise level, DeepCool Castle 360EX 32.1 dBA against Zalman CNPS20X 29 dBA. DeepCool Castle 360EX also leads on fan count, 3 on the DeepCool Castle 360EX versus 2 on the Zalman CNPS20X. Add max speed to that, 1800 RPM on the DeepCool Castle 360EX versus 1500 RPM on the Zalman CNPS20X, and the pattern holds.
Which should you buy, DeepCool Castle 360EX or Zalman CNPS20X?
The DeepCool Castle 360EX suits budget-focused 360mm AIO shoppers who still want RGB and 300W-class CPUs needing a large radiator, though it is not the pick for builders who specifically want an LCD display on the pump and noise-sensitive builds, since it gets loud under full load. It is not the one for anyone who wants DeepCool's newest anti-leak pump tech in the LT series. Buy the Zalman CNPS20X for RGB dual-tower builds on a mid-range budget and High-TDP CPUs needing dual-tower cooling, though it is the wrong buy for buyers prioritizing premium-brand warranty support and silence-first builds. Our rating of the DeepCool Castle 360EX (7.9/10): A solid value-tier 360mm RGB AIO, worth buying on sale but generally outclassed by DeepCool's own newer LT720 at similar pricing. Our rating of the Zalman CNPS20X (7.9/10): an aggressively priced RGB flagship-class dual-tower for builders who want the look without premium-brand cost.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Rgb lighting, pwm control, lighting and fan connection read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the DeepCool Castle 360EX and Zalman CNPS20X differ on airflow?
Yes. Airflow reads 64.4 CFM on the DeepCool Castle 360EX versus 61 CFM on the Zalman CNPS20X.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- DeepCool
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Zalman
Cooler Type
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- AIO Liquid
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Air Tower
Series
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Zalman CNPS20X
Model Number
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- DP-GS-H12-CSL360EX
- Zalman CNPS20X
- CNPS20X
Socket Compatibility
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- AMD sTRX4/sTR4/AM4, Intel LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155
- Zalman CNPS20X
- AMD AM5/AM4/AM3+/AM3, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
Tower Layout
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- Not Applicable
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Dual-Tower
Fan Count
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- 3Best
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 2-33%
Noise Level
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- 32.1 dBA
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 29 dBABest
RGB Lighting
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- Yes
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Yes
Cooler Weight
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- 1706 g
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 1300 gBest
Fan Size
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- 120 mm
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 140 mm
Max Speed
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- 1800 RPMBest
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 1500 RPM-17%
Airflow
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- 64.4 CFMBest
- Zalman CNPS20X
- 61 CFM-5%
PWM Control
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- Yes
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Yes
Lighting
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- ARGB
- Zalman CNPS20X
- ARGB
Fan Connection
- DeepCool Castle 360EX
- Standard 4-Pin PWM
- Zalman CNPS20X
- Standard 4-Pin PWM
Which one should you pick?
Choose DeepCool Castle 360EX if you want the higher fan count (3 vs 2), the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (64.4 CFM vs 61 CFM).
Choose Zalman CNPS20X if you want the lower noise level (29 dBA vs 32.1 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | DeepCool Castle 360EX | Zalman CNPS20X |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
DeepCool Castle 360EX
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid value-tier 360mm RGB AIO, worth buying on sale but generally outclassed by DeepCool's own newer LT720 at similar pricing.
Zalman CNPS20X
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
An aggressively priced RGB flagship-class dual-tower for builders who want the look without premium-brand cost.