MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240 - AIO ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler - 240mm Radiator - LGA 1700/1851 / AM5/AM4 Compatible - Dual 120mm ARGB PWM Fans, Black
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AI Verdict
This 240mm AIO liquid cooler with a 3800 RPM pump and ARGB fans is for mid-range desktop builds prioritizing quiet operation and straightforward installation.
This AIO is a strong fit for users building mid-range systems who value ease of installation, quiet operation, and compatibility with modern Intel and AMD sockets. Its 240mm radiator and 3800 RPM pump provide sufficient cooling for CPUs like the i5-14600K, keeping temperatures below 70°C under load.
If you're planning heavy overclocking or running a high-TDP CPU, look for a 360mm radiator AIO with higher static pressure fans.
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Pros
- Fans are pre-installed on the radiator, reducing installation time and cable clutter.
- Keeps CPU temperatures below 70°C under load for an i5-14600K.
- Operates with minimal noise, with users reporting 'almost none' and 'dead silent' operation.
- Features a pump integrated into the radiator, contributing to quiet operation and reduced vibration at the CPU block.
- Includes evaporation-proof tubing with triple-layered netted plastic and reinforced mesh sheathing. [Product Data]
- Supports a wide range of sockets including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5 out of the box. [Product Data, 4]
Cons
- Stock fans are balanced for general use, not optimized for heavy overclocking, potentially requiring stronger fans for extreme performance.
- MSI Center software is described by users as clunky and overbearing.
- Some users reported an air bubble in the pump motor, which can affect performance or noise.
Dimension Scores
It keeps an i5-14600K below 70°C under load and has a 3800 RPM pump with 12 widened water channels. [cite: 2, Product Data, 7]
Users consistently report 'dead silent' operation and 'almost none' noise, even during gaming sessions.
Features a full copper base, evaporation-proof tubing, and users describe the build quality as 'premium' with braided tubes.
The pre-installed fans on the radiator significantly reduce cable clutter and simplify the installation process.
Best For
- Mid-range gaming PC builds where quiet operation is a priority.
- Users building with Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM5/AM4 CPUs who want an easy installation process.
- Desktop systems where subtle ARGB lighting and a clean aesthetic are desired.
- Builders who prefer an AIO over a large air cooler to avoid RAM clearance issues.
Not Recommended For
- Extreme overclockers who require maximum thermal dissipation from their fans.
- Users who prefer highly customizable and streamlined control software.
- Budget builds for low-power CPUs like a Ryzen 5 5700X3D, where an AIO might be overkill.
Watch Out For
- The included stock fans are balanced, not performance-oriented, so if you're pushing your CPU hard with overclocking, you might need to replace them.
- MSI Center software is reported to be clunky and overbearing, which could be frustrating for users who want fine-tuned control.
- One user reported an air bubble in the pump motor, which could lead to unexpected noise or reduced cooling efficiency.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 824142388839 824142387764 |
| ASIN | B0DM4CBKFY |
| Brand | msi |
| Material | Aluminium, Plastic, Ceramic |
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Noise Level | 14.4 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Release date | November 5, 2024 |
| Type of item | Video Game |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | CLA13240 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 10.2 x 5.8 x 13.6 inches; 1.1 Pounds |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 5200 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Users are consistently surprised by the thermal performance and quiet operation of this 240mm AIO, especially given its price point. Many highlight the ease of installation due to pre-installed fans, which also helps with cable management. While the ARGB lighting is appreciated for its subtle and professional look, the MSI Center software is a recurring point of frustration, described as clunky. Some users also noted that the stock fans are not for heavy overclocking, and one instance of an air bubble in the pump was mentioned.
“Dude, this AIO was way easier to install than I thought, and my CPU temps are actually chill even when I'm gaming hard. MSI software is still kinda meh, but whatever.”
Common Praise
- CPU temperatures remain low, with an i5-14600K rarely exceeding 70°C under load.
- Installation is straightforward and quick because the fans are pre-installed on the radiator.
- The cooler operates with minimal audible noise, often described as 'dead silent'.
- The ARGB lighting provides a clean and professional aesthetic without being overly flashy.
- Build quality feels premium, with braided tubes and a sturdy radiator.
- The pump integrated into the radiator design contributes to quiet and vibration-free operation.
Common Complaints
- The stock fans are considered 'balanced' and not sufficient for heavy overclocking.
- MSI Center software is clunky and can be overbearing to use.
- One user reported an air bubble in the pump motor.
Ownership Tips
- The pre-installed fans save a surprising amount of time and effort during the initial build.
- The subtle ARGB lighting integrates well into most builds without being distracting.
- Even after prolonged gaming, the cooler maintains low noise levels, making it easy to forget it's there.
- If you're an MSI motherboard user, the installation feels even more seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240 compatible with Intel's new LGA 1851 socket?
Yes, the MAG Coreliquid A13 240 provides out-of-box support for LGA 1851, as well as LGA 1700, AM5, and AM4 sockets. [Product Data, 4]
How quiet is this cooler during operation?
Users report the cooler is 'dead silent' or has 'almost none' noise, with no noticeable pump sounds, even under load.
Are the fans pre-installed on the radiator?
Yes, the fans come pre-installed on the radiator, which simplifies the installation process and helps reduce cable clutter.
What kind of thermal performance can I expect?
For a 240mm cooler, it performs well, keeping an i5-14600K around 30-35°C idle and rarely above 70°C under load.
Can I customize the RGB lighting?
Yes, the cooler features ARGB lighting that can be customized through MSI Center software.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at liquid coolers, you're basically getting a sealed system that moves heat away from your CPU using liquid, then dissipates it through a radiator. This is usually more efficient than air coolers for high-performance CPUs and can look cleaner in your case. The size of the radiator, like this 240mm one, tells you how much surface area it has to cool, and bigger generally means better cooling potential, but also takes up more space in your case.
240mm Radiator
This refers to the size of the heat exchanger. A 240mm radiator is a common size that fits in many PC cases and offers a good balance of cooling performance for most mid-range CPUs without being overly large.
3800 RPM Pump
The pump circulates the coolant through the system. A higher RPM generally means more flow and better heat transfer, but also has the potential for more noise. 3800 RPM is a high-performance speed for an AIO pump.
LGA 1700/1851 / AM5/AM4 Compatible
This tells you which CPU sockets the cooler can be mounted on. Ensuring compatibility with your CPU's socket is the most critical step, as an incompatible cooler simply won't fit your motherboard.
Dual 120mm ARGB PWM Fans
These are the fans that push air through the radiator to cool the liquid. 'ARGB' means Addressable RGB, so you can control individual LEDs for more complex lighting effects. 'PWM' (Pulse Width Modulation) means the motherboard can control their speed, allowing for quieter operation when cooling demands are low.
Alternatives
If this 240mm cooler isn't enough for your high-end CPU or extreme overclocking, look for AIOs with 360mm or even 420mm radiators and higher static pressure fans. If you need more robust software control, research brands known for their intuitive cooling suite applications.
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