Verdict and Conclusion
Thermoelectric or TEC cooling has been around for quite some time, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to have, especially if you’re going to overclock your processor. However, the whole concept is extremely difficult to conceive and implement due to various limitations, such as power consumption, condensation and adequate cooling. Trust me, I know … I’ve tried and failed many times.
When I first saw the prototype of Cooler Master’s Thermoelectric cooler back in Computex 2018, I was super excited and couldn’t wait for the final product to be released. It’s now 2021, and they’re finally released the MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero (actually release date was December 2020), in collaboration with Intel featuring their Cryo Cooling Technology. It’s the only AIO CPU cooler, that I know of that uses thermoelectric TEC cooling … so well done to Cooler Master for that achievement!
Now, for the most important thing … cooling performance. With Intel’s Cryo Cooling enabled, the MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero does an excellent job of cooling the Intel Core i9-10900K to a cool 21 degree Celsius. While full load temperatures reached a high of only 65 degrees Celsius.
What’s intriguing is the ‘Unregulated’ option on the Cryo Cooling software, which disables the safe guards controlling the Thermoelectric plate (TEC) allowing it to draw more power to feed it. With ‘Unregulated’ switched on … temperatures plummeted to a chilly 4 degrees Celsius with each core hitting minus double digits! At this temperature condensation was sure to set it in.
So, has Cooler Master answered and satisfied my wishes? … Yes. Can it help with overclocking? … Well, surprisingly yes. With Cryo Cooling enabled, I was able to overclock the Core i9-10900K to new high of 5.5GHz on all 10 cores, with a full load temperature reading of only 65 degrees Celsius. My previous best was 5.4GHz (read the article here).
WARNING … we recommend you use ONLY Cryo Cooling option and do NOT use Unregulated option if you do not know what you are doing. Condensation may void your warranty and damage your hardware.
Apart from the risk of condensation, there’s a few things you need to be aware of. Running Thermoelectric cooling can be extremely power hungry, and in the case of the MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero, it can consume a total power consumption of up to 200W. We recommend a minimum power supply of 850W or higher.
Another thing to note, is the pump. It’s quite noisy to be honest, and that’s because it’s reporting at 5,769 rpm. I couldn’t find a setting or option to reduce the rpm.
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero AIO CPU cooler is not for everyone. Some of you may think that Thermoelectric cooling is pointless (there’s too much risk involved, consume too much power and you also risk condensation etc.) but for the extreme enthusiast who’s reluctant and hesitant with LN2 cooling … this could be the next best option.
The availability of the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero AIO CPU cooler is quite scarce, and they doesn’t come cheap either. I’ve seen it retail for around USD $399! Alternatively, you can buy the standard Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Mirror ARGB AIO CPU Cooler (without Thermoelectric TEC) for around USD $140 from Amazon – https://amzn.to/39rmML8
Pros:
- Excellent cooling performance
- Unregulated Idle temps at 4 degrees Celsius
- Load temps at 65 degrees Celsius
- Features Intel Cryo Cooling Technology
- Thermoelectric (TEC) cooling
- 360mm Radiator with 3 x 120mm SF120R fans
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- A little noisy
- No ARGB
- Separate pump means you’ll need to find space to mount it
Final Thoughts:
Cooler Master has surprised us all with the MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero. It’s one of the best and most innovative AIO CPU coolers we’ve tested to date. It offers excellent cooling performance that just isn’t achievable, by other AIOs on the market. And this is all thanks to Intel’s Cryo Cooling technology featuring Thermoelectric TEC cooling.
For me, the cooling performance easily outweighs the cons … so for that reason, we’re giving it our recommended award.
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