Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler – MLW-D36M-A18PZ-R1 Review

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler – MLW-D36M-A18PZ-R1 Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler – MLW-D36M-A18PZ-R1 is a powerful and stylish liquid cooler designed to keep your CPU cool and running smoothly. It boasts a 360mm radiator, three ARGB fans, and a dual-chamber pump, making it a top contender in the liquid cooling market.

In this review, I’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB. I’ve been using this cooler for the past few weeks, putting it through its paces with demanding workloads and intense gaming sessions.

Features

The MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB is packed with features, making it a comprehensive cooling solution:

  • 360mm Radiator: Offers a large surface area for efficient heat dissipation.
  • Dual-Chamber Pump: This advanced design enhances the flow of coolant for improved cooling performance.
  • Three 120mm ARGB Fans: Provides ample airflow and customizable lighting for a stunning aesthetic.
  • ARGB Lighting Control: Compatible with various motherboard lighting software for synchronized lighting effects.
  • Wide Socket Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets.

Performance

The MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB delivered impressive performance in my testing. Here’s a breakdown of its cooling capabilities:

  • Idle Temperatures: The cooler kept my CPU (Intel Core i9-12900K) running cool at idle, with temperatures hovering around 30°C. This indicates efficient heat dissipation even under minimal load.
  • Gaming Temperatures: During intense gaming sessions, the cooler maintained my CPU temperatures below 70°C, even under heavy workloads. This ensured stable performance and prevented any thermal throttling.
  • Overclocking Performance: The cooler allowed me to push my CPU beyond its factory settings without encountering thermal issues. It provided ample headroom for overclocking, delivering substantial performance gains.
  • Noise Level: The cooler remained relatively quiet, even at full fan speed. The fans were audible during heavy workloads but not obtrusive, making it suitable for quiet environments.

Pros & Cons

As with any product, the MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB has its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

  • Excellent cooling performance
  • Quiet operation
  • Stylish ARGB lighting
  • Wide CPU socket compatibility
  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • Can be a bit pricey compared to other 360mm liquid coolers
  • The ARGB controller can be bulky for some cases

Final Verdict

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler is an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking for top-tier cooling performance and aesthetic appeal. Its efficient cooling, quiet operation, and stunning ARGB lighting make it a highly desirable option.

While it might be slightly pricier than some competitors, the MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB delivers exceptional value for its features and performance. If you’re looking for a premium liquid cooler that can handle demanding workloads and enhance the aesthetics of your build, I highly recommend this cooler.

Specification Value
Product Number MLW-D36M-A18PZ-R1
Exterior Color Black
CPU Socket Intel® LGA 1700 / 1200 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156 socket
CPU Socket AMD® AM5 / AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1 socket
Radiator Material Aluminum
Radiator Dimensions 394 x 119.6 x 27.2 mm / 15.5 x 4.7 x 1.1 inch
Pump Dimensions 81 x 76 x 47 mm / 3.2 x 3 x 1.9 inch
Pump MTTF >70,000 Hours
Pump Noise Level 12 dBA (Max)
Pump Connector 3-Pin
Pump Rated Voltage 12 VDC
Pump Power Consumption 3.96W
Fan Dimensions (L x W x H) 120 x 120 x 25 mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1 inch
Fan Quantity 3 PCS
Fan LED Type ARGB
Fan Speed 650-1750 RPM ± 10%
Fan Airflow 71.93 CFM (Max)
Fan Noise Level 27.2 dBA (Max)
Fan Pressure 1.86 mmH₂O (Max)
Fan Bearing Type Rifle Bearing
Fan MTTF >160,000 Hours
Fan Power Connector 4-Pin (PWM)
Fan Rated Voltage 12 VDC
Fan Rated Current 0.26A
Fan Safety Current 0.37A
RAM Clearance N/A
Warranty 3 years
Cooler Type Liquid Cooler
Series MasterLiquid Lite
Radiator Size 360