Peltier cooling is experiencing an unexpected comeback – according to EK, Cooler Master is now also presenting an ambitious cooling solution. While EK uses a water cooler with an integrated Peltier element with the EK-QuantumX Delta TEC, Cooler Master uses the technology in the MasterLiquid ML 360 Sub-Zero, however, for AiO cooling.

Both products still have more in common than you might think. Because both the EK cooler and the Cooler Master AiO cooling use Intel’s Cryo Cooling technology. It should reach temperatures below the ambient temperature – and thus enable higher clock frequencies with lower voltage. Intel uses a combination of hardware, software and firmware. On the hardware side, a Thermoelectric Unit (TEC) – i.e. a Peltier element – is used. This sits directly above the bottom plate of the cooler and measures 45 x 52 mm. Temperature, dew point and humidity sensors in the cooler provide the necessary data for controlling the Peltier element. A seal underneath the cooler is supposed to prevent condensation.

Although there is not even a small cover over the cooler the pump developed by Cooler Master is a separate element. Cooler Master recommends placing them on the front and the 360 – mm radiator to be mounted under the cover. The 120 – mm fans are pre-assembled just like the pump cover. These unlit SF 120 R fans work with 650 – 1. 900 RPM. Cooler Master makes the radiator out of aluminum.

The socket compatibility is very limited. The MasterLiquid ML 360 Sub- Zero is only intended for Intel LGA 1200 (where LGA 115 x of the mounting holes is actually identical). And not every LGA – 938 – motherboard is recommended, but a list of boards is provided that meet the “KOZ + & OC” requirements.

With the MasterLiquid ML 360 Sub-Zero should primarily be achieved with high frequencies due to the low temperatures. However, the AiO cooling with Peltier element was not designed for maximum power loss. The manufacturer states directly that the CPU temperature difference between the MasterLiquid ML 360 Sub-Zero and a conventional AiO cooling shrink with increasing CPU power loss. While under 100 W Power loss 20 – 30 K difference should be possible, the difference shrinks above 180 W to below 5 K. For over 230 W sees Cooler Master then a tie between MasterLiquid ML 360 Sub-Zero and normal AiO cooling.

The price comparison reveals that the MasterLiquid ML 360 Sub-Zero significantly more expensive than one conventional AiO cooling with 349 -mm radiator will. The price indicated is 349, 99 Euro.