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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-U9S: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Noctua NH-U9S fan count compared
Fan count is where these two genuinely part company, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero 3 against Noctua NH-U9S 1, a 67% lead for Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero. Add warranty to that, 5 years on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus 6 years on the Noctua NH-U9S, 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-U9S. 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-U9S. 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-U9S. They differ on fan size too, 120 mm on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus 92 mm on the Noctua NH-U9S.
Which should you buy, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero or Noctua NH-U9S?
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 not built for typical mainstream or locked-CPU builds and users who don't want extra proprietary control software. Buy the Noctua NH-U9S for mainstream, non-overclocked builds where 130W of headroom is genuinely enough and buyers who value quiet, low-vibration operation over maximum thermal ceiling. The same goes for mATX builders who want reliable Noctua cooling without a full-size footprint. Avoid it for overclocked or high-TDP flagship CPUs, where the thermal ceiling runs out quickly. 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-U9S (8/10): A sensible, well-built compact cooler for mATX builds that don't need flagship-level thermal headroom.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Cooler Master
- Noctua NH-U9S
- Noctua
Cooler Type
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- AIO Liquid
- Noctua NH-U9S
- Air Tower
Series
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Noctua NH-U9S
- Noctua NH-U9S
Model Number
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- MLZ-D36M-A19PK-12
- Noctua NH-U9S
- NH-U9S
Socket Compatibility
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Intel LGA1200
- Noctua NH-U9S
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1954/1851/1700/1200/115X
Tower Layout
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Not Applicable
- Noctua NH-U9S
- Single-Tower
Fan Count
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 3Best
- Noctua NH-U9S
- 1-67%
Fan Size
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 120 mm
- Noctua NH-U9S
- 92 mm
Warranty
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NH-U9S
- 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-U9S if you want the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero | Noctua NH-U9S |
|---|---|---|
| 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-U9S
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A sensible, well-built compact cooler for mATX builds that don't need flagship-level thermal headroom.