MSI MEG CORELIQUID E15 AIO CPU Cooler Review

Testing Methodology:

We are primarily focusing on the performance of each cooler at 100% fan speed and also when locked to 40dBA noise output. We will focus on cooling performance using a manual overclock with all-core frequency and VCORE locked to 5.2GHz/1.3V (AMD) and 5.5GHz/1.3V (Intel) and Precision Boost Overdrive performance.

• The test data is logged using HWINFO and the final 10 minutes of the data is calculated to find the average CPU temperature and CPU clock multiplier (AMD PBO Test) and then plotted in the charts.
• For testing, we use a 30-minute looped run of Cinebench R23 and record the steady-state CPU temperature at the end of the test. This ensures that the CPU has had ample time to warm up and reach a steady state under all of the coolers.
• The ambient is maintained at 19-21 degrees Celsius. Where there is variation beyond this temperature range, we add extra repeated tests to ensure consistency. However, this is well controlled now with A/C.
• We also test each cooler with at least two fresh installs (typically three) to mitigate the likelihood of poor mounting spoiling results.
• Ambient temperature and humidity are controlled via a mini split air conditioning system inside the test room. Ambient temperature is maintained between 19-20°C; temperature delta figures are shown in the charts (ambient temperature is deducted from the measured component temperature).

Test Results:

Acoustics

Starting with noise performance, the MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 reaches 51 dBA with both the fans and pump running at maximum speed. That puts it towards the louder end of our results, with several competing 360mm AIOs producing noticeably less noise at maximum speed. So while the E15 potentially has plenty of cooling capacity, it isn't quiet when you let the fans run flat out.

Thermal Performance: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X

The raw thermal performance of the MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 is solid. Running the Ryzen 9 9950X locked at 5.2GHz with 1.3V Vcore, it records an average CPU temperature of 59°C over ambient, putting it amongst the better-performing 360mm AIOs we've tested. Just 3°C behind Corsair's TITAN RX, which takes the top spot, while matching several other strong performers including the Noctua NL-LC1-36 and be quiet! Light Loop IO LCD 360. So while the E15 doesn't top the chart, there's really not a huge amount between the leading coolers here.

Once we level the playing field at 40dBA, the MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 puts in strong performance. With the Ryzen 9 9950X running at 5.2GHz and 1.3V Vcore, we see a 63°C temperature delta, which places the E15 well inside the upper half of the chart. We're only 2°C away from the best results here, with the E15 also sitting alongside some very capable 360mm AIOs. So while the E15 doesn't quite match the very best coolers in this test, it's still a strong result, particularly when you consider we're comparing it against both 360mm and larger 420mm AIOs.

Moving on to PBO performance, the MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 again delivers a solid result. The E15 records a 64°C over ambient while maintaining an average clock multiplier of 52.5x. That puts it in line with several other high-performing 360mm AIOs, including the Corsair TITAN RX and Lian Li HydroShift LCD, while only sitting 2°C behind the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 420. So overall, the E15 is handling the PBO load very well, with no obvious drop-off in clock speed compared to the leading coolers.

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