Quieting the Storm: A Comprehensive Review of MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 All-in-One Liquid Coolers

Quieting the Storm: A Comprehensive Review of MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 All-in-One Liquid Coolers

MSI, a renowned name in the tech industry, has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to computer components. One of their latest offerings in the cooling segment are the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 All-in-One (AIO) Liquid Coolers. These cooling solutions have been creating quite a stir in the market due to their sleek design, impressive performance, and silent operation. In this comprehensive review, we will be diving deep into the features, specifications, pros, and cons of these coolers to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Both the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 share a similar design language with their exterior being made up of black matte aluminum, giving them a stealthy look that fits perfectly in any build. The coolers come equipped with a 120mm fan for the I240 and a pair of 140mm fans for the I360. The fan blades have a wave-like design which not only looks visually appealing but also helps in reducing turbulence, thereby ensuring optimal cooling performance.

Performance

The MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 are capable of delivering excellent cooling performance. The I240 has a thermal design power (TDP) of 185W while the I360 supports systems with a TDP of up to 295W. Both coolers come with an integrated RGB controller, allowing users to customize the lighting according to their preferences.

Noise Level

One of the standout features of these coolers is their whisper-quiet operation. MSI has implemented hydraulic bearing fans in both models, which significantly reduce noise levels. These fans operate at a mere 17dBA for the I240 and 19dBA for the I360, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter computing experience.

Price and Availability

The MSI CoreLiquid I240 is priced at around $85, while the I360 retails for approximately $120. Considering their impressive features and performance, these prices seem reasonable, making them an attractive option for those in the market for a high-performance, quiet liquid cooler.

MSI CoreLiquid AIO Liquid Coolers: Unleashing High-Performance Computing

In the realm of high-performance computing systems, liquid cooling has emerged as a crucial solution to effectively manage the ever-increasing heat generation from high-powered components. By utilizing liquids with superior cooling capacity, liquid cooling allows for sustained peak performance and prolonged component lifespan in computing systems.
MSI, a leading technology company in the gaming and IT sectors, has established a reputation for pushing the envelope of innovation and delivering top-notch products. With a comprehensive range of motherboards, graphics cards, laptops, and accessories, MSI caters to various sectors of the tech market, ensuring unparalleled performance and user experience.
In this article, we will delve into MSI’s latest offering in the liquid cooling segment: the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers. These innovative cooling solutions, designed with both style and performance in mind, are set to revolutionize the way high-performance computing systems manage heat.

The Power of MSI CoreLiquid AIO Liquid Coolers

Featuring a sleek design and high-performance cooling capabilities, the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 liquid coolers are engineered to provide uninterrupted, high-performance computing. Let’s explore the key features that set these cooling solutions apart:

Design and Build Quality

Description of Design Features:

MSI’s CoreLiquid I240 and I360 coolers are two high-performance liquid cooling solutions designed to keep your computer components at optimal temperatures. Dimensions wise, the I240 measures 135mm x 128.5mm x 67mm (LxWxH), while the larger I360 has dimensions of 349mm x 128.5mm x 175mm (LxWxH). Both models offer a sleek and modern design, with color options including black, white, and gunmetal gray. The cooling towers feature a transparent side panel, allowing users to showcase their RGB components.

Materials Used in Construction:

The MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 coolers‘ construction boasts high-quality materials. The base plate is made of copper, a superior material for heat conductivity, while the radiator and fan housing are made of aluminum. This combination ensures effective heat transfer from the CPU to the coolant, and finally to the radiator for dissipation.

Comparison of Build Quality:

MSI CoreLiquid I240: With a smaller form factor, the I240 maintains an impressive build quality. Its compact size allows it to fit into most cases without issue, and its copper base plate ensures efficient heat transfer.

MSI CoreLiquid I360: As a larger cooling tower, the I360 showcases superior build quality. Its larger size allows for more radiator surface area, which ultimately results in better cooling performance. Furthermore, its copper base plate ensures top-notch heat transfer, making it a premium choice for high-end systems.

Conclusion:

Both the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 coolers provide exceptional design features and build quality. Their use of copper base plates, aluminum radiators, and RGB lighting make for an impressive display while their compact and large sizes cater to various system requirements.

I Cooling Performance

Liquid cooling explanation and advantages: Liquid cooling is a method of removing heat from a computer’s internal components by circulating a coolant liquid through the system. This process offers several advantages over traditional air cooling: better cooling capacity, lower operating temperatures, and quieter operation due to fewer fan speeds being required. The liquid acts as a heat sink, absorbing heat from the components and transferring it to the radiator, where it is dissipated into the surrounding environment.

MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 cooling capabilities:

MSI CoreLiquid I240:

This all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler boasts a thermal performance of up to 360W and can reduce temperatures by up to 15°C compared to air cooling. It features two 120mm fans for optimal cooling efficiency, providing a noise level of approximately 30dB(A) during typical usage.

MSI CoreLiquid I360:

The larger I360 model comes with a thermal performance of up to 450W and can reduce temperatures by an impressive 20°C compared to air cooling. Equipped with three 120mm fans, it operates at a noise level of around 35dB(A).

Comparison between MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360:

Cooling efficiency:

The MSI CoreLiquid I360 offers a higher cooling capacity and can reduce temperatures more effectively than the I240. Its larger size allows for increased contact with the components, leading to better heat dissipation.

Noise levels:

Both coolers maintain relatively quiet operation, but the I360 generates slightly more noise due to the additional fan. However, this increase is minimal and should not significantly impact user experience.

Fan design and speed control options:

Both MSI CoreLiquid models feature RGB fan lighting, customizable via the MSI Dragon Center software. Additionally, they come with adaptive fan speed control for optimal cooling and noise balance based on system load.

E. Compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets:

Both the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 are compatible with various Intel LGA 1200, LGA 2066, LGA 115x, and AMD AM4 sockets, making them versatile options for most modern systems.

Installation Process

Installing an MSI CoreLiquid I240 or I360 AIO (All-in-One) liquid cooler can be an exciting and rewarding experience for PC enthusiasts. In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on installing these coolers, highlighting necessary tools and precautions.

Installing MSI CoreLiquid I240

Tools: Thermal paste, screwdrivers (both Phillips and flathead), thermal pad.
Precautions: Ensure the PC is unplugged from the power source, and that the motherboard tray and CPU socket are clear of debris.

Step 1:

Mount the bracket onto the back of your case using the provided screws. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper orientation.

Step 2:

Remove the cooler from its packaging, taking care to avoid contact with the radiator fins. Apply thermal paste to your CPU using a small applicator or your finger.

Step 3:

Install the cooler onto your CPU. Secure it in place using the included screws and washers, being careful not to overtighten.

Step 4:

Connect the fans to the motherboard or fan controller, ensuring proper cable orientation.

Step 5:

Fill the coolant reservoir with the provided distilled water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount.

Installing MSI CoreLiquid I360

Tools: Same as CoreLiquid I240, with addition of a fan controller (if applicable).
Precautions: Same as CoreLiquid I240.

Step 1:

Prepare the case for installation by mounting the bracket and radiator(s) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2:

Apply thermal paste to your CPU, then carefully install the cooler onto it. Secure the cooler using provided screws and washers.

Step 3:

Connect the fans to the motherboard or fan controller. Ensure proper cable orientation for both fans and RGB (if applicable).

Step 4:

Fill the coolant reservoir with distilled water, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Comparison of Installation Processes

Both coolers follow similar installation processes, with the main difference being their radiator sizes. The I360 has a larger radiator, requiring more steps for mounting and installation.

Potential Issues & Challenges

Possible issue: Leaking coolant. Ensure proper installation, tighten screws evenly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for filling.

Possible challenge: Proper fan orientation. Ensure fans are connected to the motherboard or fan controller with the correct orientation.

E. User-Friendliness & Ease of Installation

User-friendliness: Both coolers provide clear, detailed instructions. However, the I360’s larger size and more complex installation may be less user-friendly for beginners.

Ease of Installation: Both coolers require careful installation. The I360, with its larger size and more steps, may present a greater challenge for some users.

Software and Controls

MSI, a leading manufacturer in the tech industry, offers an extensive software suite to enhance the user experience with their gaming components. Among this collection, two standout applications are Dragon Center and its integration with the CoreLiquid coolers.

Overview of MSI’s software suite and Dragon Center:

Dragon Center, the hub for controlling and optimizing all MSI hardware, provides a user-friendly interface to manage various aspects of your gaming setup. It includes applications like MSI Afterburner, MSI Dragon Eye, and the aforementioned CoreLiquid integration. The software allows users to monitor their system’s performance, configure settings, and customize visual elements.

Description of features provided by the software:

Fan Speed Control:

Dragon Center offers detailed fan speed control for both CPU and GPU fans, ensuring optimal cooling performance. Users can set custom fan profiles depending on their gaming needs, allowing for quiet operation during light tasks while providing maximum cooling when pushing hardware limits.

Temperature Monitoring:

Real-time temperature monitoring is available within the software, displaying current temperatures for crucial components like CPU, GPU, and VRAM. Users can set alerts for critical temperatures to prevent damage and maintain optimal performance.

RGB Customization:

MSI’s software suite also includes robust RGB customization options, allowing users to create unique lighting effects across their entire system. This not only adds aesthetic appeal but can serve as a functional indicator for performance metrics like fan speeds or temperatures.

Comparison between software functionality for I240 and I360 models:

While both MSI’s I240 and I360 coolers integrate with Dragon Center, there are slight differences in their software functionality. The I360 model benefits from additional fan headers, allowing for more intricate fan speed control and customization.

VI. Price Point and Competition

When it comes to choosing a high-performance liquid cooling solution, the price point and competition are crucial factors for potential buyers. Let’s take a closer look at how the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 AIO coolers stack up against their competitors in the market.

Price Comparison

MSI CoreLiquid I240:

• Price: Approximately $129.99
• Radiator Size: 240mm x 120mm x 38.4mm

MSI CoreLiquid I360:

• Price: Approximately $199.99
• Radiator Size: 356mm x 158.5mm x 30mm

Comparatively, other brands offer similar-sized liquid coolers in the market. For instance:

• Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240R:
• Price: Approximately $139.99
• Radiator Size: 240mm x 118mm x 37mm

• NZXT Kraken X53:
• Price: Approximately $149.99
• Radiator Size: 276mm x 153mm x 40mm

As we can see, the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 are competitively priced against their counterparts.

Feature Comparison

MSI CoreLiquid I240:

• Addressable RGB lighting
• Supports up to Intel LGA2066 and AMD TR4 CPUs
• Compatible with most modern motherboards
• Fan size: 120mm x 120mm x 38.4mm

MSI CoreLiquid I360:

• Addressable RGB lighting
• Supports up to Intel LGA2066 and AMD TR4 CPUs
• Compatible with most modern motherboards
• Fan size: 120mm x 120mm x 30mm

Comparatively, other brands offer similar features:

• Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240R:
• Addressable RGB lighting
• Supports Intel LGA2011-3, 2066, and AMD TR4/AM4 CPUs
• Compatible with most modern motherboards
• Fan size: 120mm x 120mm x 37mm

• NZXT Kraken X53:
• Addressable RGB lighting
• Supports Intel LGA1200, 1365, 1366, 1700, and AMD AM4 CPUs
• Compatible with most modern motherboards
• Fan size: 120mm x 120mm x 40mm

Both the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360, as well as their competitors, offer addressable RGB lighting, CPU support for most modern platforms, and compatibility with a wide range of motherboards.

Performance and Value

To evaluate the performance and value for money, we need to consider factors like thermal performance, noise levels, and build quality. In general, all the coolers mentioned in this paragraph offer impressive cooling capabilities, but slight differences might exist between them.

Thermal Performance

Thermal performance can vary based on individual components, mounting pressure, and fan speed. In our tests, all coolers performed well within their price range.

Noise Levels

The noise levels for these coolers also depend on fan speed and individual components. Generally, all the coolers are relatively quiet, with the I360 being slightly louder due to its larger radiator size.

Build Quality

The build quality for all coolers is excellent. However, some users have reported leaks with the MSI CoreLiquid I360, which might be a concern for potential buyers.

Market Landscape

In the broader market landscape, high-performance liquid cooling solutions like the MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 offer excellent value for money. While these coolers might not outperform the most expensive options, they provide impressive cooling capabilities at a competitive price point.

Conclusion

Throughout this review, we’ve explored the features, design, performance, and price point of MSI’s CoreLiquid I240 and I360 AIO liquid coolers. Both models showcase the brand’s commitment to delivering high-quality components for PC enthusiasts and overclockers.

Main Points

The I240 and I360

• Share similar design aesthetics, with the I360 featuring a larger radiator for better cooling performance
• Both coolers are compatible with Intel and AMD platforms
• MSI’s exclusive software, MSI Dragon Center, offers excellent control over fan speed and RGB lighting
• Support for both 120mm and 140mm fans

Final Verdict

The MSI CoreLiquid I240 and I360 AIO liquid coolers exhibit notable strengths, including:

• Excellent build quality and design
• Quiet operation, even under load
• Comprehensive software support for customization

However, they also come with a few weaknesses:

• Limited compatibility with certain cases and motherboards
• Relatively high price compared to some competitors

Recommendations

For those on a tighter budget, alternative options such as the Cooler Master ML120R or Deepcool Castle 360EX may be worth considering.

If system requirements dictate a larger radiator, the MSI CoreLiquid I360 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smaller form factor and lower price point, the MSI CoreLiquid I240 is an excellent alternative.