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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-D12L: Comparison

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-D12L: the fan count difference

Fan count is where these two genuinely part company, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero 3 against Noctua NH-D12L 1, a 67% lead for Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero. Warranty runs the same way, 5 years on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus 6 years on the Noctua NH-D12L, another win for Noctua NH-D12L. There is a split on cooler type as well, AIO Liquid on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Air Tower on the Noctua NH-D12L. They differ on socket compatibility too, Intel LGA1200 on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X on the Noctua NH-D12L. They differ on tower layout too, Not Applicable on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Dual-Tower on the Noctua NH-D12L.

Who each one is for

Buy the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero for extreme overclocking on unlocked flagship CPUs and enthusiasts chasing sub-ambient temperatures, though it is not the pick for typical mainstream or locked-CPU builds and users who don't want extra proprietary control software. The Noctua NH-D12L suits builds with tall heatsink-covered RAM modules and quiet-focused mid-range and upper-mid-range CPUs, though it is not built for extreme overclocks needing maximum dual-fan airflow and buyers wanting RGB aesthetics. 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 Noctua NH-D12L (8.3/10): an excellent no-compromise pick when tall RAM rules out a standard dual-fan tower.

What Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero and Noctua NH-D12L have in common

Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Cooler Master
    Noctua NH-D12L
    Noctua
  • Cooler Type

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    AIO Liquid
    Noctua NH-D12L
    Air Tower
  • Series

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Noctua NH-D12L
    Noctua NH-D12L
  • Model Number

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    MLZ-D36M-A19PK-12
    Noctua NH-D12L
    NH-D12L
  • Socket Compatibility

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Intel LGA1200
    Noctua NH-D12L
    AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X
  • Tower Layout

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Not Applicable
    Noctua NH-D12L
    Dual-Tower
  • Fan Count

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    3Best
    Noctua NH-D12L
    1-67%
  • Fan Size

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    120 mm
    Noctua NH-D12L
    120 mm
  • Warranty

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    5 years-17%
    Noctua NH-D12L
    6 yearsBest

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero if you want the higher fan count (3 vs 1).

    Choose Noctua NH-D12L if you want the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).

    Price comparison

    RetailerCooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-ZeroNoctua NH-D12L
    AmazonView on Amazon

    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.

    Noctua NH-D12L

    8.3 / 10 Expert Rating

    An excellent no-compromise pick when tall RAM rules out a standard dual-fan tower.

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