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During our thermal performance tests with the CPU core frequency pushed relatively high, the thermal performance of the Cooler Master ML240L V2 RGB was a little underwhelming. It was no worse than previous AIO CPU coolers we have tested from Cooler Master in recent months, however, we were expecting a little more improvement from the updated 3rd generation pump and new fans.
As is typical of all Cooler Master’s recent closed-loop and tower CPU coolers, noise levels of the ML240L V2 were relatively low. So if you are the type that considers noise levels as being the most important factor when choosing a CPU cooler, you may be pleased with the performance of the ML240L V2 RGB.
On the other hand, if you are striving for absolute raw thermal performance, then the ML240L V2 may not be the cooler for you, especially if your system is equipped with a high power CPU such as an overclocked Intel Core i9-9900K like the one in our test bench system. However, if you're trying to cool a low-power CPU, then the ML240L V2 should get the job done.
Even though the thermal performance is slightly disappointing, it is by no means the worse we have seen and when taking noise levels and price into consideration, the ML240L V2 RGB is quite a balanced and cost-effective product.
One of the most noticeable improvements of the ML240L V2 is the RGB lighting implementation, especially in the fans. With previous Cooler Master all-in-one CPU coolers, the RGB lighting of the fans has looked a little bland, these new SickleFlow fans have much more vivid RGB colour and there is less light bleed around the fan hub which was very nice to see.
The overall build quality is very good too, I was particularly impressed by the premium looking appearance of the textured coating applied to the radiator and the braided sleeving on both the coolers tubing and fan cables. The RGB connections have locking clips with them to stop the connection disengaging, which I was happy to see and this is something that is often missing from more expensive RGB products.
The installation process is also very straightforward, Cooler Master doesn’t use any proprietary cable connections so RGB compatibility with motherboards is perfect and all fans/pumps are equipped with standard 3 or 4-pin cables, so there are no additional fan controllers and unnecessary cables to manage.
Whether your motherboard supports RGB or not, Cooler Master has made sure that everyone can take advantage of the ML240L V2’s built-in RGB lighting. Users can simply connect the RGB lighting to a compatible motherboard or use the provided RGB lighting controller if their motherboard has no RGB lighting headers. The RGB controller is a small device that is easy to hide away inside the system too.
Overall, the Cooler Master ML240L V2 RGB is not a bad product, it may be worth considering for users who prefer low noise levels over raw thermal performance and are fixed to a tight build with their build. However, we believe a cooler's first job should be cooling, and there the ML240L V2 does fall short compared to the competition.
The Cooler Master ML240L V2 RGB is available to pre-order from Overclockers UK now, priced at £69.95 HERE.
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Pros
- Relatively low noise levels.
- Two RGB lighting zones.
- Included RGB lighting controller.
- Good build quality at this price.
Cons
- Average thermal performance.
KitGuru says: There wasn’t much we didn’t like about the Cooler Master ML240L V2 RGB. However, the average thermal performance on our test rig was a little disappointing, especially when other manufacturers such as Arctic, with the Liquid Freezer II, can achieve high thermal performance at a similarly low price.
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