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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-U12S Redux: Comparison

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-U12S Redux fan count compared

On fan count the spread is 67%, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero 3 against Noctua NH-U12S Redux 1, so Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero takes it. Warranty runs the same way, 5 years on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus 6 years on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux, another win for Noctua NH-U12S Redux. They differ on cooler type too, AIO Liquid on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Air Tower on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. There is a split on socket compatibility as well, Intel LGA1200 on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. There is a split on tower layout as well, Not Applicable on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Single-Tower on the Noctua NH-U12S Redux.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-U12S Redux: which one fits your build

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-U12S Redux is the one to take for budget mainstream builds on AM5/LGA1700 and buyers who want Noctua reliability without flagship pricing, though it is the wrong buy for High-TDP overclocked flagship CPUs and RGB-themed builds. 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-U12S Redux (7.8/10): Noctua's mounting and acoustics at Hyper 212 money, an easy budget recommendation.

Where the two are identical

Everything else lines up. Fan size read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Cooler Master
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    Noctua
  • Cooler Type

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    AIO Liquid
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    Air Tower
  • Series

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
  • Model Number

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    MLZ-D36M-A19PK-12
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    NH-U12S redux
  • Socket Compatibility

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Intel LGA1200
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X
  • Tower Layout

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    Not Applicable
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    Single-Tower
  • Fan Count

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    3Best
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    1-67%
  • Fan Size

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    120 mm
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    120 mm
  • Warranty

    Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
    5 years-17%
    Noctua NH-U12S Redux
    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-U12S Redux if you want the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).

    Price comparison

    RetailerCooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-ZeroNoctua NH-U12S Redux
    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-U12S Redux

    7.8 / 10 Expert Rating

    Noctua's mounting and acoustics at Hyper 212 money, an easy budget recommendation.

    More comparisons in CPU Coolers