Cooler Master 120L Core Close-Loop AIO Liquid Cooler, R7|i5, Gen S Dual Chamber Pump, White Pump Lighting, 120 Radiator, PWM Fan, AMD Ryzen AM5|4, Intel LGA 1851|1700 Platform
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AI Verdict
This 120mm AIO with a Gen S Dual Chamber Pump and 650-1750 RPM PWM fan is for users with R7 or i5 CPUs seeking basic liquid cooling without heavy overclocking.
This 120mm AIO is a situational fit, primarily for lower-power R7 or i5 CPUs in compact builds where a larger cooler won't fit. Its Gen S Dual Chamber Pump and 650-1750 RPM PWM fan offer basic liquid cooling, but it struggles with higher thermal loads and can produce noticeable noise at higher fan speeds.
If you need better cooling for higher-end CPUs or overclocking, look for AIOs with a 240mm or 360mm radiator and higher static pressure fans.
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Pros
- Gen S Dual Chamber Pump enhances water pressure and optimizes flow directly to the CPU hotspot.
- Includes CryoFuze thermal paste with 14W/mK conductivity for efficient heat transfer.
- SickleFlow 120 fan offers adjustable speeds from 650 to 1,750 RPM for balancing noise and airflow.
- Redesigned brackets simplify installation on AM5 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms.
- Minimalist all-black design with white pump lighting offers a clean aesthetic.
Cons
- Fans can produce a noticeable 'rowdy' noise at 75% and 100% of their 1750 RPM maximum.
- 120mm AIOs are generally not recommended for high-power CPUs or aggressive overclocking.
- Some users of similar Cooler Master AIOs reported a pulsating motor hum from the fans at certain speeds.
- Pump on similar models has been reported to have an 'obnoxious hum' at full speed (around 2200 RPM).
- Cooling performance for a Ryzen 7 7700X with a similar 120mm AIO resulted in 95°C during stress tests.
Dimension Scores
The 120mm radiator and single fan configuration, while featuring an enhanced pump, limits its thermal dissipation capacity, with similar models struggling on higher-end CPUs.
The PWM fan can reach 'rowdy' noise levels at higher RPMs, and some users reported pump hum or pulsating fan noise on similar Cooler Master AIOs.
It features a copper cold plate, FEP sleeved tubing, and an aluminum radiator, with general observations of 'high quality parts' for the MasterLiquid series.
The cables are braided, and a fan splitter is included, which helps organize the fan connection.
Best For
- Compact PC builds where a 120mm radiator is the only option.
- Systems with AMD R7 or Intel i5 processors running at stock speeds or with mild overclocking.
- Users prioritizing a minimalist aesthetic with white pump lighting over extensive RGB.
- Replacing a stock air cooler for slightly improved thermal performance and aesthetics.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs like Ryzen 7 7700X or Intel i9 processors, especially with overclocking.
- Users sensitive to fan or pump noise, particularly under load.
- Enthusiasts seeking top-tier thermal performance for aggressive overclocking.
Watch Out For
- The included SickleFlow 120 fan can become loud, reaching 'rowdy' levels at 75% and 100% of its 1750 RPM speed.
- A user reported a similar Cooler Master 120mm AIO struggling with a Ryzen 7 7700X, hitting 95°C during stress testing.
- Some users of other Cooler Master MasterLiquid AIOs experienced fans developing a 'pulsating motor hum' at specific speeds.
- The pump on a similar Cooler Master 120mm AIO produced an 'obnoxious hum' at its full 2200 RPM, requiring manual speed reduction.
- Older MasterLiquid 120 models had reports of missing mounting screws in the packaging, though Cooler Master support provided replacements.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 884102111037 |
| ASIN | B0CDF9343N |
| Brand | Cooler Master |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 12 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper, Plastic |
| Item Weight | 2.8 pounds |
| Noise Level | 12 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Cooler Master |
| Cooling Method | Liquid |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | MLW-D12M-A17PK-R1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 6.2"L x 4.7"W x 1.1"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1800 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is how often users of 120mm AIOs, even from Cooler Master, struggle with higher-wattage CPUs, hitting 95°C under stress. While installation is generally straightforward, especially for AMD platforms using existing mounts, the fan noise at higher RPMs is a recurring concern, described as 'rowdy'. Some users also reported an 'obnoxious hum' from the pump on similar models, requiring manual speed adjustments. The minimalist design and white pump lighting are appreciated, but the core cooling performance is clearly for specific, less demanding use cases.
“Look, it's fine if you just need something basic for your i5 and don't push it, but my 7700X was hitting 95 degrees, so yeah, not for serious gaming or anything.”
Common Praise
- Installation is straightforward, especially for AM4/AM5 platforms.
- The minimalist all-black design with white pump lighting looks clean in a build.
- Includes high-conductivity CryoFuze thermal paste.
- The Gen S Dual Chamber Pump is noted for enhancing water pressure and flow.
Common Complaints
- Fans become loud and 'rowdy' at higher RPMs (75-100%).
- Pump can produce an 'obnoxious hum' at full speed on similar models.
- Inadequate cooling for high-power CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7700X, leading to high temperatures.
- Some Cooler Master AIO fans developed a 'pulsating motor hum'.
- 120mm AIOs are often considered less effective than some air coolers for similar prices.
Ownership Tips
- You might need to manually adjust pump speed in BIOS to reduce an 'obnoxious hum'.
- The stock fan might be noisy under load, so consider replacing it if silence is a priority.
- This cooler is best suited for CPUs running at stock frequencies or with very light overclocking, not for pushing limits.
- Ensure your case has good airflow, as a 120mm AIO's performance can be heavily impacted by ambient case temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cooler suitable for a Ryzen 7 7700X?
No, a 120mm AIO like this is generally not sufficient for a Ryzen 7 7700X, especially under load, where temperatures can reach 95°C.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, it includes Cooler Master's CryoFuze thermal paste, which has a thermal conductivity of 14W/mK.
What CPU sockets are compatible?
It is compatible with AMD Ryzen AM5 and AM4, and Intel LGA 1851 and 1700 platforms, featuring simplified installation brackets.
How loud are the fans?
The SickleFlow 120 fan operates between 650 and 1,750 RPM. Users report the fans can become 'rowdy' at 75% to 100% speed.
Does the pump have RGB lighting?
The pump features white lighting, designed for optimal illumination with its minimalist aesthetic.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at liquid coolers, especially 120mm ones, you need to understand they're not all created equal. A 120mm radiator is pretty small, so it's not going to tame a super hot CPU like a 240mm or 360mm one would. Think about your CPU's wattage and if you plan to overclock. This Cooler Master 120L Core is designed for specific CPUs like R7 and i5, but even then, don't expect miracles if you're pushing them hard.
Radiator Size (120mm)
This is the surface area where heat gets dissipated. A 120mm radiator is the smallest standard size for AIOs, meaning it has less capacity to cool high-wattage CPUs compared to larger 240mm or 360mm radiators. It's like having a small window AC unit for a small room versus a central AC for a whole house.
Gen S Dual Chamber Pump
This pump design separates the coolant intake and exhaust, which can improve water flow and pressure to the CPU. It's like having a more efficient heart pumping blood through your system, but its effectiveness is still limited by the overall size of the cooling loop.
PWM Fan (650-1750 RPM)
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) allows your motherboard to control the fan speed based on CPU temperature. The RPM range tells you how fast the fan can spin. Higher RPMs generally mean more airflow and better cooling, but also more noise. A fan that goes up to 1750 RPM can get loud when it's working hard.
Alternatives
If this 120mm AIO isn't enough, search for liquid coolers with 240mm or 360mm radiators for significantly better thermal performance, or high-performance air coolers if you prefer simplicity and lower noise.
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