While SAMA might be a relatively new brand to many in the DIY PC gaming space, they are no strangers to the industry, with a deep background in the OEM and ODM market. Now, they are bringing that manufacturing experience to the forefront with a wide range of cooling solutions for consumers.
From that lineup, we have the SAMA L70, a budget-friendly ($69.99 USD) air cooler that aims to disrupt the market. But does it deliver on its promise of efficient cooling without sounding like a jet engine? In this review, we’ll put the SAMA L70 to the test to see if it’s the hidden gem that budget builders have been waiting for.
Disclosure: For full transparency, the SAMA L70 unit was supplied by SAMA for our evaluation. As always, the feedback and results presented here are entirely independent and based on our own testing.
Table of Contents:
Technical Specifications
The SAMA L70 is a high-performance, all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling system. It features a ceramic pump, thick fans, and an acrylic water block cover with a chamfered infinity mirror for multi-layered ARGB lighting. It’s available in black and white and in two sizes (240 mm and 360 mm) to support a wide range of Intel and AMD processors.
| Cooler | |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Intel LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, 1851; AMD AM4, AM5 |
| TDP | N/A |
| Type | Liquid cooler |
| Material | Aluminum radiator, Copper base, Ceramic pump |
| Fan | |
| Size | 120 mm |
| Speed | 800-2200 RPM |
| Noise | ≤ 28 dBA |
| Airflow | 72.3 CFM |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 397 mm |
| Width | 120 mm |
| Height | 27 mm |
| Weight | N/A |
Packaging and Accessories
The SAMA L70 comes in a simple boxed molded pulp packaging.
Scope of delivery are as follows:
- SAMA L70 (360WH) CPU cooler
- Intel mounting kit
- AMD mounting kit
- SAMA branded thermal interface material
- Documentation(s)
Design, Build and Connectivity
The SAMA L70 is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler featuring a sleek, all-white design, including braided tubing. Interestingly, this is the first AIO cooler I’ve come across (in recent memory) that includes clips to neatly organize the tubing and cables.
The centerpiece of the SAMA L70 is its stylish pump housing, which is capped with a translucent cover that beautifully diffuses the ARGB lighting within.
Beneath the surface, a durable ceramic bearing pump and a 1.5 mm thick copper cold plate handles thermal transfer. Power and lighting are managed via a 4-pin pump connector and a standard ARGB header.
The L70 is equipped with three 120mm ARGB fans, each featuring a wide-span, 7-blade design and integrated rubber dampeners to reduce vibration. These fans are capable of speeds up to 2200 RPM, effectively cooling the 27 mm thick radiator. To simplify setup, the connectivity has been streamlined for ease of installation and cleaner cable management.
Installation and Clearance
Mounting the L70 is a relatively easy task, guided by a clear instruction manual. AMD users will find the process particularly streamlined, as it leverages the existing AM4/AM5 backplate, eliminating the need to install a new one. To ensure excellent thermal transfer, SAMA bundles its own FREEZEE thermal paste, which boasts a rated conductivity of 14.8 W/(m·K).
The SAMA L70 is an excellent aesthetic choice for builds rich in RGB lighting or those featuring panoramic cases. However, for the cleanest presentation, careful cable management is essential, as the wiring can be unsightly if not properly routed and concealed.
Temperature
In our testing with the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X, the SAMA L70 handled the chip’s 65 W and 105 W power modes effectively. When pushed to the stock 170 W profile, however, the cooler struggled to keep up, allowing the CPU to hit its 95 °C thermal ceiling. This suggests it is best paired with CPUs that have a moderate power draw.
Noise
One of the standout features of the L70 is its low noise profile. It’s surprisingly quiet even when the fans are running at full tilt. From my testing, the sweet spot for performance and acoustics is capping the fans at 75% PWM (~1600 RPM), which delivers excellent cooling without any distracting noise.
| Sound Level Meter | Noise | ||
|---|---|---|
| PWM (%) | Noise (dBA) | Speed (RPM) |
| 25 | 31.3 | 718 |
| 50 | 32.4 | 1137 |
| 75 | 37.3 | 1593 |
| 100 | 43.5 | 2002 |
Final Thoughts
SAMA’s entrance into the direct-to-consumer cooling market with the L70 is a calculated one, reflecting the company’s extensive background as an OEM manufacturer. The product is clearly engineered to meet the specific demands of the mid-range DIY segment, where aesthetics and acoustics often carry as much weight as raw thermal performance. The all-white design, multi-layered ARGB lighting on the pump head, and practical additions like tubing clips for cable management are not afterthoughts; they are core features designed to appeal to builders creating visually cohesive systems, particularly within popular panoramic cases.
The performance data from our testing aligns perfectly with this market positioning. The L70 demonstrates competent thermal management for CPUs operating within the 65 W to 105 W range, which encompasses the majority of mainstream gaming processors from both Intel and AMD. However, its limitations become apparent when paired with high-TDP CPUs at their maximum power draw, as seen with its inability to keep the 170 W Ryzen 9 7900X below its thermal threshold. This is a critical data point that defines the cooler’s intended use case, steering it away from enthusiast-grade overclocking and toward stock or eco-mode operation for most modern chips.
Ultimately, the SAMA L70’s most compelling characteristic is its balance. It makes a deliberate trade-off, sacrificing the peak cooling capacity required for high-end processors in favor of exceptionally low noise output and a strong visual presentation. The acoustic profile is particularly noteworthy, remaining unobtrusive even when the fans are operating at an effective RPM for cooling. For system builders whose priorities are a quiet, stylish, and cost-effective build for a mid-range gaming PC, the SAMA L70 presents a logical and valuable proposition. With an MSRP of just $54.99 USD for the 240 mm version and $69.99 USD for the 360 mm, it successfully carves out its niche by excelling in the areas its target audience values most.
SAMA L70 (360WH) CPU Cooler $69.99
Product Name: L70 (360WH)
Product Description: The SAMA L70 is an all-in-one liquid cooler aimed at the budget DIY PC market. It features a sleek all-white design, a chamfered infinity mirror ARGB pump head, and three 120 mm ARGB fans.
Brand: SAMA
Summary
The SAMA L70 is a stylish, quiet, and budget-friendly AIO cooler that is an excellent match for mid-range CPUs. While it lacks the thermal headroom for high-end processors running at their full potential, its combination of aesthetics, low noise, and ease of installation makes it a compelling choice for builders who value a clean look and quiet performance.
Pros
- Excellent aesthetic with a clean, all-white design and vibrant ARGB lighting
- Exceptionally quiet operation, even under load
- Simple and user-friendly installation process
- Includes thoughtful extras like tubing clips and high-performance thermal paste
- Great overall value for its price point
Cons
- Not suitable for cooling high-TDP CPUs at their stock power limits
- Requires careful cable management to achieve the cleanest look
