Review

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB emerges as a prudent choice for those seeking a balanced combination of cooling efficiency and aesthetic appeal at a competitive price point. This liquid cooler stands out with a 240mm radiator and dual chamber pump, designed to support AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA1700/1200 sockets. Its specifications highlight a sophisticated engineering approach that emphasizes practicality and high performance, particularly suitable for both intermediate and advanced PC build enthusiasts.

Performance and Benchmark Analysis

When it comes to performance, real-world tests speak volumes. According to a detailed review by GTEK, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 maintained an impressive 4 GHz under rigorous Aida64 AVX workloads using the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X processor. Despite its smaller 240mm radiator, which might seem insufficient for a 16-core CPU, the cooler defies expectations by preventing thermal throttling even in demanding environments. Whether with the Ryzen 5 3600XT or Intel 10th Gen processors, the cooler delivered consistent high-frequency operations across multiple cores, showcasing its excellent thermal management capabilities. Even as AMD’s 7nm CPUs deal with thermal challenges due to the chiplet design, the ML240L V2 demonstrates promising results, albeit slightly hampered by outdated cold plate configurations specific to this architecture.

Technical Specifications

• Radiator: 240mm aluminum with dimensions 277 x 119.6 x 27.2 mm
• Pump: Gen3 dual chamber
• Fan RPM Range: 650-1800 RPM ± 5%
• Fan Air Flow: 62 CFM (Max)
• Fan Static Pressure: 2.5 mmH₂O (Max)

The cooler’s fan configuration is optimized for efficiency, featuring PWM 4-pin connectors to offer variable speed control based on thermal demands. This flexibility ensures the balance between noise levels and cooling proficiency is maintained, accommodating both casual computing and intensive gaming sessions.

Installation Considerations

Installation is straightforward yet requires careful consideration regarding motherboard connections. As noted in discussions on Ars Technica, if utilizing a fan splitter for the cooler’s three 120mm SickleFlow ARGB fans, one should connect it to the cpu_opt header. This practice ensures optimal power delivery without overloading the cpu_fan header. Each fan draws about 1.8 watts, comfortably within most modern motherboard headers' capacity, supporting connections up to 12 watts per header.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

Design-wise, the MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB integrates visual flair with functional utility. The RGB lighting, adjustable through various motherboard software, allows customizations that appeal to personal styles while also synchronizing with other RGB-enabled components. This aesthetics-centric approach adds a vibrant touch, making it a centerpiece in transparent case setups.

Conclusion

Overall, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB is a commendable choice for those seeking reliable performance at a reasonable price point. Its ability to handle demanding thermal loads across various CPU platforms, coupled with a stylish RGB setup, makes it an exceptional value for money. Whether you’re upgrading or building anew, this cooler combines efficiency with elegance, retaining function without compromise.