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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE fan count compared
On fan count the spread is 33%, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero 3 against Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 2, so Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero takes it. There is a split on cooler type as well, AIO Liquid on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Air Tower on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE. There is a split on socket compatibility as well, Intel LGA1200 on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE. Tower layout is not the same on both, Not Applicable on the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero versus Dual-Tower on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE.
Which should you buy, Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero or Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE?
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero suits 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 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE for budget and mid-range builds up to about 200W sustained. Nothing else at $32 gets close. It is equally the pick for first-time builders. The mounting hardware is genuinely simple and the bundled screwdriver reaches everything. Avoid it for mATX or SFF cases. 155mm of height rules out most of them. 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 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (9/10): the best cooling-per-dollar in air cooling right now. Buy it, but check which variant you are actually adding to the cart.
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
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- Thermalright
Cooler Type
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- AIO Liquid
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- Air Tower
Series
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- Peerless Assassin
Model Number
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- MLZ-D36M-A19PK-12
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- PA120 SE
Socket Compatibility
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Intel LGA1200
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X
Tower Layout
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- Not Applicable
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- Dual-Tower
Fan Count
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 3Best
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- 2-33%
Fan Size
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero
- 120 mm
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
- 120 mm
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero if you want the higher fan count (3 vs 2).
Choose Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $32.31 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.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The best cooling-per-dollar in air cooling right now.
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