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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black: the fan count difference
On fan count the spread is 33%, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero 3 against Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black 2, so Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero takes it. Add warranty to that, 5 years on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus 6 years on the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black, and the pattern holds. Cooler type is not the same on both, AIO Liquid on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Air Tower on the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black. 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-U12A chromax.black. Tower layout is not the same on both, Not Applicable on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Single-Tower on the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black.
Which should you buy, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero or Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black?
Buy the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero 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. Take the Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black for buyers who want near-flagship cooling in a case too tight for a full dual-tower cooler. It is equally the pick for builders who want tall RAM clearance without giving up much thermal capacity. It is not the one for the heaviest overclocking, where the larger Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black, covered elsewhere on this site, has more headroom. 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-U12A chromax.black (8.8/10): Noctua's compact flagship proves a well-engineered single-tower can rival dual-tower coolers, at a real premium.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: fan size are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Cooler Master
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- Noctua
Cooler Type
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- AIO Liquid
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- Air Tower
Series
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
Model Number
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- MLZ-D36M-A19PK-12
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- NH-U12A chromax.black
Socket Compatibility
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Intel LGA1200
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X
Tower Layout
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Not Applicable
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- Single-Tower
Fan Count
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 3Best
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- 2-33%
Fan Size
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 120 mm
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- 120 mm
Warranty
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
- 6 yearsBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero if you want the higher fan count (3 vs 2).
Choose Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black if you want the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero | Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
8.8 / 10 Expert Rating
Noctua's compact flagship proves a well-engineered single-tower can rival dual-tower coolers, at a real premium.