Page 3 - Test Results
Our test configuration is as follows:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K (Stock settings)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z87X-D3H
RAM: Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3 2x8GB
Graphics: MSI GeForce GTX 1070 Ti Titanium 8G
Chassis: Cooler Master MasterCase MC500M
Power: Seasonic FOCUS Plus 850 Gold 850W
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 240GB, Western Digital Blue EZEX 1TB
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional x64
Compared hardware:
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB
- Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240R RGB
- CRYORIG H7 Quad Lumi
- Intel Stock Cooler
- Noctua NH-C14S (Dual Fan)
All tests were run in our custom built computer to best reflect real life performance. The computer remained in the same place and room for all tests, with an ambient temperature of approximately 20c. The thermal paste applied to each cooler was stock respective to their manufacturer's to rate its performance, with sufficient time between testing for the paste to settle. The fans on all heatsinks were connected to the same motherboard 4-pin connector. The test computer was turned on and idling for at least one hour for the idling tests. High CPU load results were obtained using the Prime95 in place large FFTs test with four worker threads for a minimum of fifteen minutes, and recorded when the temperature was deemed stable. The liquid coolers tested were mounted to the top of the case with both fans attached in push configuration. The temperature results for each cooler was measured with CoreTemp, which reports the CPU's integrated digital thermal sensor for maximum accuracy. Each temperature result was calculated by taking the maximum value of the cores inside the CPU.
After installation and letting our computer sit idle, we recorded temperatures of approximately 26 degrees Celsius from the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB. While this is pretty average, this is still not the coolest we have seen. Comparatively speaking, this exactly between the CRYORIG H7 Quad Lumi and the Noctua NH-C14S. Even so, these numbers were under zero-load conditions, so we went to our load tests to see what the ML120R was actually capable of. Just to note, these idle numbers were also double-checked after our load test to ensure correct results.
Powering Prime95 up and running the tests, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB immediately came alive with all fans spinning to keep the unit cool. After approximately half an hour to let the temperature stabilize, we finished with a maximum temperature of approximately 67 degrees Celsius. Comparing with the other all in one cooler, the ML240R, this number was quite similar all things considered, with a difference in temperature of only two degrees. Once again, this is not any better than the two air coolers I have compared it with, the NH-C14S and the H7 Quad Lumi. This being said, you can see all of these coolers were within four degrees of each other, and at these full load conditions, this was still a pretty good result. In addition, you can see how poor the Intel stock cooler performs compared to any of these coolers.
As with all the cooling products we review, we not only value the cooling capabilities of the item, but also the audio performance. While you might try using over-the-ear headphones to block out everything, sound is pretty important to the enjoyment of using your computer. Using a scale between 0 and 10, where 0 is silent and 10 is loud, I would rate the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120R RGB at 4.0/10 at idle, and while under load, the sound comes in at 5.0/10. Obviously, the noise came from the fans and the pump, as you can really hear them firing up under load. Even at no load, a low hum is definitely audible from the pump. This overall package was definitely not made with silence in mind, but it still could be improved for a quieter computing experience. You could change the fan curves with the motherboard software to reduce the emitted noise, but this will adversely affect cooling performance.
One thing I will highlight is the RGB coloring. Both the water block and the two fans included illuminate brightly, and they are really nice, both in effects and vibrancy. Ignoring the issues we had with the installation of the controller, I will say the lights are pretty and they make for a good look. I also think Cooler Master has nailed the rainbow mode as it does not look as flamboyant as it usually does, but this is just a preference thing.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware; Installation
3. Test Results
4. Conclusion
