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Review: Cooler Master Dual Storm

by David Ross on 24 November 2004, 00:00

Tags: Cooler Master

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Presentation and Bundle

The Dual Storm comes in a plastic packaging with cardboard sleeve. A brief and rather vague mention of 'Case & Cooler Fan Upgraded Usage' aside, there's little clue as to exactly what lays inside
Front of packaging
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The rear of the box gives a little more information on the product, listing some of the key features of the product and principles of its 'Dual Storm' technology, as well as the specifications of the fans featured in the device.

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Inside the package we find the fan itself, complete with both three-pin and four-pin Molex power connectors, a packet containing a bunch of screws and a knob (No laughing at the back) and finally two plates to house the fan temperature controller - One 3.5" version to fit in a floppy drive bay at the front of the case, the other a backplate to fit into an empty slot at the rear of the case. It's nice to see a choice of both options available.

Bundle
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Looking closer at the fan, we can see exactly how the Dual Storm technology works. At the front of the blue, plastic encased end (which faces inwards into the case), we find the first fan with its silver fins.

Front of Dual Storm
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On the reverse of the device, we find a second, orange-coloured fan. The principle of this dual-layer fan design is mainly to increase both the airflow, air pressure and compression of air between the two fans, thus making for a more efficient cooling solution. As well as this, the design offers some level of redundancy - Both fans and their motors are operated independently, so even if the power is cut to one fan, or the fan fails, the second fan will continue to run and keep your system cool. From an aesthetics point of view, the device features a blue LED to add to its unique styling.

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Below we can see the specification of the fans used in the Dual Storm.

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At this point we would take a look at the manual for the Dual Storm, but... There isn't one. Nothing. Not a word on how to install the device. Although it may not be rocket science as far as hardware installations go, it would be nice to see at least some documentation as to the best way to assemble and fit the various parts of the device into your system. Aside from that obvious deficiency, the overall package is acceptable.