MSI’s MAG CoreLiquidAIO coolershave enticed buyers as a reasonably affordable upgrade to conventional CPU fans. Last year, Game Rantreviewed the MAG CoreLiquid E360and praised its ease of installation and attractive ARGB lighting. MSI recently announced the MAG CoreLiquid I360 for a similar price, but with some notable design changes. Game Rant plans to post a review of this liquid cooler with a 360 mm radiator shortly. Since it’s already available to order at some retailers, an overview of what to expect may be helpful.
With the MAG CoreLiquid I360, there are models aimed at black andwhite cases, with the brighter color scheme rapidly increasing in popularity. Also, for gamers with smaller cases, MSI developed the CoreLiquid I240, which has two 120 mm fans. The most obvious difference in appearance compared to the E360 is the semi-clear Dual-Sided Infinity mirror. Instead of the round celestial cover over the water pump, MSI has shifted to more of a square shape with some angled edges. The new look is highlighted by triangles with illuminated edges, visible from more angles in on the chassis.
Another PC building trend is dual-chamber cases, which offer significant advantages in cable management. In recent weeks, Game Rant evaluated theMSI MAG Pano 100L PZ, which supports reverse-connect motherboards and devotes a large compartment to hiding wires. It’s not surprising, then, that the CoreLiquid I360 would move to consolidate its wiring. Instead of multiple fan power and ARGB cables, the latest AIO cooler combines each into single cables, further reducing clutter. The water block still takes up a pump fan header on a motherboard, but it’s still a step in the right direction. Also, MSI includes a strip that covers the entire length of the radiator, streamlining the system’s look.
Thanks to AIO coolers becoming more user-friendly and cases built to accommodate them, installing liquid cooling is no longer intimidating. The three powerful, yet quiet 120 mm fans arrive already attached to the radiator above them. Also, the CoreLiquid I360 introduces the UNI Bracket, reducing the number of parts needed to secure the block to a motherboard. The only disadvantage is that the plate has a slightly unfinished look with unused screw holes, depending on the installed processor. However, the CoreLiquid I360 boasts wide compatibility with most current and older AMD andIntel CPUs.
Of course, cooling performance with an AIO liquid cooler will take priority over aesthetics for many buyers. With the CoreLiquid I360, MSI hasn’t taken many risks with a drastically new pump or radiator design. The AIO sends warm liquid heated by the CPU to dissipate in the radiator and circulates cooler liquid back to the block. Reinforcing the two hoses with layers of plastic and mesh reduces the possibility of leaks. MSI has again enlarged the copper base that directly contacts processors to handle overclocked CPUs more effectively. The end result should be a more durable cooler that lowers processor temperatures using less power.
Will these changes result in impressive benchmarks? Preliminary tests have shown some improvement over the MAG CoreLiquid E360, but it’s too early to draw conclusions. Game Rant will put the new AIO cooler through its paces before releasing a full review.
Who Should Buy the MAG CoreLiquid I360?
The MAG line of cases and coolers are the most budget-friendly among MSI’s products. Buyers might consider the MPG CoreLiquid D360 or MEG CoreLiquid S360 to contend with the most powerful CPUs. On the other hand, some testers find the slight performance leap with more expensive AIO coolers not worth the added cost. The CoreLiquid I360 looks suited for gamers who desire some added flair without the expense of a functional LCD screen. Overclocking potential varies by processor, but intuitive cooling solutions encourage inexperienced builders to maximize a PC’s performance.
MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360
The MAG CoreLiquid I360 reinvents MSI’s value-packed AIO liquid cooler with an illuminated Dual-Sided Infinity Mirror. Thanks to an enlarged copper plate and an efficient split-flow radiator with an attached pump, cooling performance is also enhanced. Fewer cables and a Uni Bracket simplify installation, reducing setup time. The supplied hardware is compatible with newer and older Intel and AMD CPUs. Reinforced hoses will keep the I360 running longer and reduce the chances of leaks. The CoreLiquid I360 is sold in both black and white, with an alternate 240 mm version available.
FAQ
Q: Do you have to refill liquid cooling on a PC?
Closed-loop or AIO liquid coolers should be able to run for years without needing maintenance. However, some liquid coolers have suffered from reliability issues, so be sure to check reviews before purchasing. Users should also regularly clean the radiator fans to avoid dust buildup and reduced performance.
Q: What to consider when buying AIO liquid cooler?
When shopping for an AIO liquid cooler, buyers should consider how large of a radiator their case supports. More fans can better dissipate the heat generated by CPUs at the expense of more noise. Also, system builders should ensure any cooler ships with the necessary brackets to work with a processor.
