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CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2, Close-Loop AIO CPU Liquid Cooler, Gen3 Dual Chamber Pump, 240mm Radiator, SickleFlow 120 PWM ARGB, AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200 (MLW-D24M-A18PC-R2)
Cooler Master

CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2, Close-Loop AIO CPU Liquid Cooler, Gen3 Dual Chamber Pump, 240mm Radiator, SickleFlow 120 PWM ARGB, AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1700/1200 (MLW-D24M-A18PC-R2)

4.6(12K+ reviews, all variants)
entry$50-$99100+ bought in past month
#38 in Water Cooling Systems
wattage
260 watts
fan size
240mm
material
EPDM
connector
3-Pin
compatible
Desktop
cooling method
Water

Want the best price and purchase timing?

Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.

AI Verdict

This is a highly affordable, leak-proof 240mm AIO that delivers great cooling for mid-range CPUs, but you will have to tolerate loud stock fans.

Situational Fit

It delivers excellent thermal performance for the sub-$80 price bracket, easily handling 150W loads. The loud SickleFlow fans mean you trade acoustic comfort for upfront savings.

If you want out-of-the-box silence without swapping fans, look for an AIO with fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fans instead of rifle bearings.

Regret Score™

Medium Risk

Lower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity

26/100
vs. 1,285 Power & Cooling we've analyzedSafer than 48%
Hidden Defects
8/35

Issues discovered after purchase

Achilles' Heel
3/25

Critically weak dimension

Expectation Gap
8/20

Amazon rating vs actual quality

Fit Risk
7/20

Chance this product isn't for you

BuyChoice Score
3.0

Pros

  • 3rd Gen Dual Chamber pump operates almost silently even at 100% speed
  • Industrial-grade EPDM seals effectively eliminate the leaking issues plagued by the V1 model
  • Easily keeps 150W TDP processors like the i7-10700K under 75°C under load
  • Includes a standalone ARGB controller for motherboards lacking 3-pin 5V headers

Cons

  • SickleFlow 120 fans produce an annoying mechanical whirring noise above 30% PWM
  • AMD AM4/AM5 installation relies on flimsy stock plastic motherboard clips instead of a 4-point backplate
  • Pump block is unusually tall at 47.1mm, causing clearance issues in extreme SFF cases
  • Older retail boxes require a separate $5 bracket kit for Intel LGA 1700 compatibility

Dimension Scores

Efficiency & Output7/10

Easily dissipates 150W loads and keeps mid-range CPUs in the 60-70°C range during gaming.

Noise Level4/10

The pump is whisper-quiet, but the SickleFlow fans have a notorious mechanical whine.

Build Quality6/10

The EPDM tubing is a massive reliability upgrade, but the AMD mounting hardware feels cheap.

Cable Management5/10

Standard ARGB and PWM daisy-chaining works fine, but the physical controller adds extra wire clutter.

Best For

  • Budget builders cooling mid-range CPUs like the Ryzen 5 7600 or Intel i5-13400
  • Users with older motherboards who need the included physical ARGB controller
  • PC builders who already own high-quality aftermarket 120mm fans to swap in

Not Recommended For

  • Silence-focused builds where fan motor whine is a dealbreaker
  • Overclocked high-wattage CPUs like the Core i9-13900K or Ryzen 9 7950X

Watch Out For

  • The included SickleFlow fans have a distinct mechanical whirring noise—many buyers end up spending $15-$20 to replace them with Arctic P12s.
  • AMD installation uses a two-point tension hook system on the motherboard's stock plastic brackets, which feels much less secure than a screw-in backplate.
  • If you get older inventory, the Intel LGA 1700 bracket won't be in the box, forcing you to order part 603005870-GP separately.
  • Trapped air bubbles cause a crackling or static noise on first boot, requiring you to physically tilt the PC case to work them into the radiator.

Full Specifications

UPC884102067891
ASINB086BYYFG5
BrandCooler Master
Voltage12 Volts
Wattage260 watts
MaterialEPDM
Item Weight2.95 pounds
Noise Level15 Decibels
ManufacturerCoolermaster
Cooling MethodWater
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity62 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Item model numberMLW-D24M-A18PC-R2
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Product Dimensions0.43"L x 0.19"W x 0.04"H
Power Connector Type3-Pin
Maximum Rotational Speed1800 RPM

What Buyers Say

The acoustics on this cooler are wildly polarizing—the 3rd Gen pump is praised as dead silent, while the SickleFlow fans are universally panned for a mechanical whir. Cooler Master successfully rehabilitated this cooler's reputation by using EPDM seals to fix the infamous leaking issues of the V1. Thermally, it punches above its weight class, easily taming mid-range chips like the 10700K and 5800X3D. The biggest frustration during installation is the AMD mounting system, which relies on flimsy stock plastic motherboard clips instead of a proper four-point backplate.

“The pump is whisper quiet and keeps my cpu cool, but I had to throw the stock fans in the trash because they sounded like a tiny jet engine whining.”

Common Praise

  • 3rd Gen pump is virtually inaudible even when running at 100% speed
  • EPDM tubing completely resolved the leaking reputation of the previous generation
  • Included standalone ARGB controller is a lifesaver for older motherboards
  • Keeps 65W to 105W TDP processors well under 75°C during heavy gaming

Common Complaints

  • SickleFlow fans emit a loud, annoying mechanical hum at low RPMs
  • AMD mounting uses a flimsy two-point hook system on stock plastic clips
  • Pump block is unusually tall and bulky compared to competing AIOs
  • Older inventory ships without the required Intel LGA 1700 mounting bracket

Ownership Tips

  • Air bubbles cause a crackling sound for the first 48 hours until they settle in the radiator
  • Fan noise becomes significantly more intrusive once PWM speeds cross 50%
  • The ARGB cables daisy-chain easily but require careful routing to avoid a rat's nest

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cooler fit Intel LGA 1700 sockets for 12th/13th Gen CPUs?

Yes, but it depends on when the unit was manufactured. Newer boxes include the LGA 1700 bracket, but older stock requires you to buy a separate Cooler Master upgrade kit.

Why is my pump making a crackling or static noise?

That sound is caused by trapped air bubbles in the loop, which is common after shipping. It usually goes away after a few days of use, or you can carefully tilt your PC case while it's running to force the bubbles into the radiator.

Are the included fans loud?

Yes, the SickleFlow 120mm fans are the most common complaint. They tend to produce a mechanical whirring noise even at lower RPMs, prompting many users to replace them.

Does this version leak like the older ML240L?

No, Cooler Master upgraded the V2 with industrial-grade EPDM material to strengthen the seals. The leaking issues from the V1 have been virtually eliminated.

How does it mount to AMD AM4 and AM5 motherboards?

It uses a two-point hook system that attaches directly to the stock plastic retention brackets that came pre-installed on your AMD motherboard.

Buying Guide

When buying a budget AIO, you trade acoustic performance for lower temperatures. The pump on this unit is excellent, but the included fans use cheaper bearings that get loud under load. If you are sensitive to noise, factor in the cost of buying two high-quality aftermarket fans. Always check your motherboard's socket type and ensure the box includes the exact bracket you need, especially for newer Intel chips.

240mm Radiator

This refers to the size of the heat exchanger, which fits two 120mm fans. It is the sweet spot for most mid-tower cases and mid-range CPUs.

EPDM Industrial Seal

EPDM is a highly durable synthetic rubber. In liquid coolers, it prevents the liquid from slowly evaporating over time and stops catastrophic leaks.

3-Pin ARGB

Addressable RGB lets you control each individual LED for rainbow effects, unlike standard 4-pin RGB which only shows one solid color at a time.

Alternatives

If you want quieter stock fans and a cleaner mounting system, look for a 240mm AIO that features fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fans and a dedicated 4-point mounting backplate.

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