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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 vs Thermalright Assassin X 120: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 vs Thermalright Assassin X 120: the noise level difference
There is no decisive spec gap here. Noise level splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 27 dBA against Thermalright Assassin X 120 25 dBA. Add fan count to that, 2 on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 versus 1 on the Thermalright Assassin X 120, and the pattern holds. There is a split on cooler type as well, AIO Liquid on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 versus Air on the Thermalright Assassin X 120. Socket compatibility is not the same on both, AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 versus AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200 on the Thermalright Assassin X 120. They differ on rgb lighting too, Yes on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 versus No on the Thermalright Assassin X 120.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 vs Thermalright Assassin X 120: which one fits your build
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 suits first-time AIO buyers on a budget and mainstream 240W-class CPUs at stock clocks, though it is not the pick for High-TDP or heavily overclocked flagship CPUs and anyone needing a 360mm radiator's extra cooling headroom. The same goes for builders who want an RGB pump without paying flagship AIO prices. It is the wrong buy for builders who want a premium pump design over the basic single-chamber unit here. Buy the Thermalright Assassin X 120 for extreme-budget builds and locked mainstream Ryzen/Core CPUs, though it is the wrong buy for overclocked or unlocked CPUs and RGB-focused builds. Our rating of the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 (7.6/10): A dependable entry-level AIO that looks better than its price suggests, best suited to mainstream builds rather than high-TDP flagships. Our rating of the Thermalright Assassin X 120 (7.5/10): exceptional price-to-performance for a locked mainstream build.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- Cooler Master
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Thermalright
Cooler Type
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- AIO Liquid
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Air
Series
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
Model Number
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- MLW-D24M-A18PC-R2
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Assassin X 120 SE
Socket Compatibility
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200
Fan Count
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- 2Best
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- 1-50%
Noise Level
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- 27 dBA
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- 25 dBABest
RGB Lighting
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
- Yes
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 if you want the higher fan count (2 vs 1).
Choose Thermalright Assassin X 120 if you want the lower noise level (25 dBA vs 27 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 | Thermalright Assassin X 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2
7.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable entry-level AIO that looks better than its price suggests, best suited to mainstream builds rather than high-TDP flagships.
Thermalright Assassin X 120
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
Exceptional price-to-performance for a locked mainstream build.