Sent for review is the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360. This is an all-in-one CPU cooler, featuring a 360 mm radiator and rotatable block head with ARGB lighting on top of an enlarged copper base. Local MSRP is at ₱6350 PHP while it is slated at $164.56 USD via Amazon.
Disclosure: MSI supplied the MAG CORELIQUID E360 for the purpose of this review. The company did not ask me to say anything particular about it.
Technical Specifications
| Cooler | |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Intel 115X, 1200, 1700, 20XX; AMD AM4, AM5, TR4, STRX4 |
| TDP | N/A |
| Type | AIO |
| Material | Aluminum (Radiator), Copper (Base), Rubber (Hose) |
| Fan | |
| Speed | N/A |
| Noise | N/A |
| Airflow | 75.04 CFM |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 394 mm |
| Width | 119.2 mm |
| Height | 27 mm |
| Weight | N/A |
Packaging and Accessories
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 comes in a standard AIO liquid cooler packaging.
Scope of delivery are as follows:
- MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360
- 3x 120 mm MSI FDB fan (FD12025L12SPAA)
- Standard split adapter
- Low-noise split adapter
- Thermal compound
- Mounting hardware
- Documentation(s)
The cooler comes jam-packed with brackets, screws and what have you.
Design, Build and Connectivity
The MAG CORELIQUID E360 looks like your typical all-in-one 360 mm liquid cooler though it is not exactly the typical one. Looks good in semi-matte black though, not gonna lie.
MSI had the cooler equipped with a rotating block-head which is nice if you want to make sure the MSI logo is in the right position. It might be trivial to some but it helps with the ARGB cable management even in the slightest.
The base plate is made out of copper – an enlarged one to fit even the largest desktop CPUs available. The thickness is also rather impressive considering other higher-end liquid coolers that I have tested in recent past.
Now the fans are MSI’s 1800 RPM fluid dynamic bearing models. These have the part numbers FD12025L12SPAA and are made by Cooler Master. They come with ARGB LED cables so they are not exactly the prettiest bunch to look at if cable management is not your forte.
Temperature
Thermal performance with the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is pretty good but I expected more from the CORELIQUID E360’s maximum fan speed. 75% seems to be its sweet spot, featuring an average of 75.39 °C at load. Going 100% is just a tad cooler but we will see if it has any bearing on the CPU’s average frequency.
Power
Fan PWM at 100% seems to affect the average CPU frequency so it is not as negligible as I thought. We see a 15.59 MHz difference here compared to the next best thing which is fitting for the recorded TDP of 89.63 W at maximum. Still, I find this personally negligible as I find 75% PWM better than running the thing at 100% for the most obvious reason.
| OCCT | Power | ||
|---|---|---|
| PWM (%) | Power (W) | Frequency (MHz) |
| 25 | 89.34 | 4826.89 |
| 50 | 89.36 | 4834.66 |
| 75 | 89.46 | 4838.03 |
| 100 | 89.63 | 4853.62 |
Noise
The noise level measurement is what settled me to recommend the cooler to run at 75% PWM, featuring a 43.8 dBA average. You could even go lower at 50% PWM or maybe even 25% PWM for a dead silent build with a small expense to heat dissipation.
| Sound Level Meter | Noise | ||
|---|---|---|
| PWM (%) | Noise (dBA) | Speed (RPM) |
| 25 | 31.9 | 850.89 |
| 50 | 37.3 | 1177.86 |
| 75 | 43.8 | 1486.72 |
| 100 | 51.4 | 1827.71 |
Final Thoughts
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 is an all-in-one CPU cooler with a 360 mm radiator and a rotatable block head featuring ARGB lighting support – packaged at $164.56 USD.
The design of the cooler is sleek in semi-matte black, featuring a 270º rotating block-head, adding a practical touch for ARGB cable management. The copper base plate on the other hand is designed to work even for AMD TR4 CPUs, which is impressive on its own. The included fans, capable of running at 1800 RPM, comes with ARGB support – though I must say cable management might be a concern.
In terms of thermal performance, the cooler exhibits good thermal results with the AMD Ryzen 5 7600. The optimum fan speed appears to be at 75%, achieving an average load temperature of 75.39 °C. Running the fans at 100% provides a slightly cooler temperature but has a marginal impact on the CPU’s average frequency.
Considering the CPU’s TDP, running the fan PWM at 100% results in a 15.59 MHz difference in average CPU frequency compared to lower PWM levels. Despite this, I find running the cooler at 75% PWM to be a more balanced choice, striking a reasonable compromise between temperature, power envelop and acoustics.
On that note, the noise levels measured plays a significant role in my recommendation to run the cooler at 75% PWM – achieving an average noise level of 43.8 dBA. Gamers seeking a quieter build may even opt for lower PWM levels (50% or 25%) with a minimal impact on heat dissipation.
In summary, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 offers a good balance of design, cooling performance and noise levels. Its notable features include a rotatable block head, an enlarged copper base plate, and ARGB lighting, making it a viable option for users looking for an efficient and visually appealing all-in-one CPU cooler without breaking the bank.
MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 $164.56 USD
Product Name: MAG CORELIQUID E360
Product Description: The MAG CORELIQUID E Series, inspired by the passing of time and the shape of solar eclipse, is an innovative product that combines advanced cooling technology with a striking visual design.
Brand: MSI
Summary
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 offers a well-balanced combination of design, cooling performance, and noise levels, making it a viable choice for users seeking an efficient and visually appealing all-in-one CPU cooler at an affordable price.
