Is this a good AIO CPU cooler? MasterLiquid Lite ML120L RGB

[JimKiler]

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6J367N2767

I currently have a Intel 4790K CPU with a Be Quiet Pure Rock Slim which is a very entry level cooler, it works but sometimes the temp gets hotter than i like but still within reason. Would this Cooler Master be a good replacement. I want some RGB light and i do not overclock so i think a 120MM fan and radiator should be fine. I will put this in my Case a be quiet! Pure Base 600 with termpered glass window.

I like how quiet my current fan is and i value noise levels. the specs on this say the pump is only 6db and the fan only gets to 30db. Is there a better cooler for my needs?

 

[ClockHound]

Those noise specs are marketing specs - CM makes some of the most optimistic claims. In actual use, expect it to generate 48-50dB noise levels. Being a small rad, expect the temps to be a few degrees worse than a low cost air cooler such as the Scythe Fuma or Thermalright Macho Direct.

The key benefit to liquid cooling is having a large rad area to dissipate heat. A 240mm (2X 120mm fans) is the minimum in the pursuit of low temps and moderate noise. I don't like AIOs on principle, but if I had to use one, it would be the Arctic Cooling 240, at least it's reasonably quiet or a Swiftech 240, at least it's reasonably expandable.

Spending less $100 on an AIO is best spent on a better air cooler.

 

[JimKiler]

Those noise specs are marketing specs - CM makes some of the most optimistic claims. In actual use, expect it to generate 48-50dB noise levels. Being a small rad, expect the temps to be a few degrees worse than a low cost air cooler such as the Scythe Fuma or Thermalright Macho Direct.

The key benefit to liquid cooling is having a large rad area to dissipate heat. A 240mm (2X 120mm fans) is the minimum in the pursuit of low temps and moderate noise. I don't like AIOs on principle, but if I had to use one, it would be the Arctic Cooling 240, at least it's reasonably quiet or a Swiftech 240, at least it's reasonably expandable.

Spending less $100 on an AIO is best spent on a better air cooler.

thanks, that is good to know.

 

[XavierMace]

Yeah, as Clockhound said, basically 240mm radiator is the minimum to have any edge over decent air coolers.

 

[Crono]

You can upgrade to one of be quiet's larger coolers (Dark Rock series) and get better performance and still maintain that low (basically inaudible at lowest RPM) noise level.

Otherwise, I'll second the Arctic Cooling 240 recommendation. Very quiet unit. Or Deepcool's Captain 240EX RGB if you want an RGB ring on the block. The fans on those are quiet as long as you aren't running them at full speed (under 50% is ideal - can't remember what that translates to as far as RPM).

I haven't bought one myself (yet) but you can add RGB to fans without RGB using Phanteks Halos. If you just want the case to be lit (so to speak), though, RGB strips sold in kits with a hub/controller (and sometimes a remote) are fairly inexpensive.

 

[kabir901]

Air or liquid? That’s the decision you face after choosing a CPU—especially those one that doesn’t come with a stock cooler. Both mediums have their strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice will depend on many factors, including the motherboard, case, memory, and processor.

Liquid cooling uses a pump with circulating fluid to quickly draw heat away from your CPU, dissipating it in a radiator typically mounted on the back or top of your case. The radiators tend to be larger and spin slower, generating less noise. Air cooling heat sinks, on the other hand, don’t leak, and the fans can help cool other motherboard components like power circuitry.

Both technologies are subject to compatibility issues, so take measurements and don't be afraid to ask us for advice!

 

[JimKiler]

You can upgrade to one of be quiet's larger coolers (Dark Rock series) and get better performance and still maintain that low (basically inaudible at lowest RPM) noise level.

Otherwise, I'll second the Arctic Cooling 240 recommendation. Very quiet unit. Or Deepcool's Captain 240EX RGB if you want an RGB ring on the block. The fans on those are quiet as long as you aren't running them at full speed (under 50% is ideal - can't remember what that translates to as far as RPM).

I haven't bought one myself (yet) but you can add RGB to fans without RGB using Phanteks Halos. If you just want the case to be lit (so to speak), though, RGB strips sold in kits with a hub/controller (and sometimes a remote) are fairly inexpensive.

The Captain 240EX is going to be $90 on blackfriday.

Air or liquid? That’s the decision you face after choosing a CPU—especially those one that doesn’t come with a stock cooler. Both mediums have their strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice will depend on many factors, including the motherboard, case, memory, and processor.

Liquid cooling uses a pump with circulating fluid to quickly draw heat away from your CPU, dissipating it in a radiator typically mounted on the back or top of your case. The radiators tend to be larger and spin slower, generating less noise. Air cooling heat sinks, on the other hand, don’t leak, and the fans can help cool other motherboard components like power circuitry.

Both technologies are subject to compatibility issues, so take measurements and don't be afraid to ask us for advice!

My current small Pure Rock Slim does work but in the summer i sometimes get noise as the temp gets higher than i would like, hitting 70 degrees Celsius in the heat when air conditioning is not on. I truly don't need a AIO but now that i have a tempered glass somethingw with some LED bling would be cool. I have a 4790K CPU and use a Be Quiet Pure Base 600 case. I am also tempted to take a dremel to the front air inlets in this case to open them up more but i fear i will be allowing more noise to escape if I do. But this case has 2 140mm intake fans and 2 120 fans for exhaust and I still have room if i wanted to switch to a AIO cooler.

Do any AIO use a non electrical liquid that will not destroy your parts if a leak occurs?

thanks for the help guys.