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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Corsair A500: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Corsair A500 fan count compared
On fan count the spread is 33%, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero 3 against Corsair A500 2, so Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero takes it. They differ on cooler type too, AIO Liquid on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Air Tower on the Corsair A500. They differ on socket compatibility too, Intel LGA1200 on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus AMD AM4, Intel LGA115X/2066/2011-3 on the Corsair A500. There is a split on tower layout as well, Not Applicable on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Single-Tower on the Corsair A500.
Who each one is for
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero is the one to take for extreme overclocking on unlocked flagship CPUs and enthusiasts chasing sub-ambient temperatures, though it is the wrong buy for typical mainstream or locked-CPU builds and users who don't want extra proprietary control software. The Corsair A500 suits High-TDP builds wanting flagship air cooling without RGB and builders already in Corsair's fan and case ecosystem, though it is not built for small cases without room for a 165mm-tall dual-tower cooler and builders who want RGB lighting. It is not the one for anyone chasing the absolute best air cooling result, where Noctua's NH-D15 G2 tests slightly ahead. Our rating of the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero (7.9/10): remarkable thermal ceiling for extreme overclockers, but overkill and software-dependent for typical builds. Our rating of the Corsair A500 (8.1/10): A genuinely strong flagship-tier air cooler that trades a few degrees against Noctua's best for a lower price and Corsair's ecosystem familiarity.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size and warranty included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Cooler Master
- Corsair A500
- Corsair
Cooler Type
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- AIO Liquid
- Corsair A500
- Air Tower
Series
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Corsair A500
- Corsair A500
Model Number
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- MLZ-D36M-A19PK-12
- Corsair A500
- CT-9010003-WW
Socket Compatibility
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Intel LGA1200
- Corsair A500
- AMD AM4, Intel LGA115X/2066/2011-3
Tower Layout
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Not Applicable
- Corsair A500
- Single-Tower
Fan Count
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 3Best
- Corsair A500
- 2-33%
Fan Size
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 120 mm
- Corsair A500
- 120 mm
Warranty
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 5 years
- Corsair A500
- 5 years
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero if you want the higher fan count (3 vs 2) and the higher warranty (5 years vs 5 years).
Choose Corsair A500 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero | Corsair A500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ML360 Sub-Zero
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
Remarkable thermal ceiling for extreme overclockers, but overkill and software-dependent for typical builds.
Corsair A500
8.1 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely strong flagship-tier air cooler that trades a few degrees against Noctua's best for a lower price and Corsair's ecosystem familiarity.