Review of the MSI MEG CORELIQUID E15 360: Design Meets Performance Challenges

The MSI MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 is an all-in-one liquid cooler featuring a striking black and gold color scheme. Its visual appeal is enhanced by a 6.67-inch 2240×1080 AMOLED display.

The cooling technology includes laminar focus fan technology, designed so the middle fan spins in the opposite direction to minimize turbulence, reduce noise, and ensure smooth airflow. Furthermore, a safeguard mechanism maintains continuous cooling if one fan fails, preventing thermal throttling until the issue is resolved.

In terms of performance testing, the E15 360 shows mixed results across different platforms. While it performs well at maximum RPM, its performance on the AM5 test bench lags behind other 360mm AIOs when operating at 45 dBA. However, among AIOs with large built-in displays, the MSI offering outperforms the ASUS ROG RYUO IV 360 ARGB and the Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360P28 in higher TDP tests.

Switching to the Intel LGA1700 test bench, the E15 360 delivers commendable results, performing strongly both at maximum RPM and 45 dBA. It ranks among top AIO liquid coolers, although performance decreases as CPU power draw increases during 45 dBA testing. This suggests that the cooler is a better fit for Intel systems than AMD setups.

The noise output presents some challenges. The primary source of noise comes from the fans, not the pump. At only 25% PWM, the fans spin at 1173 RPM, generating a noise level of 39 dBA at 6 inches. When operating at 50% PWM, noise increases to 47 dBA, and higher levels reach a maximum of 58 dBA.

Regarding build quality, the fit and finish are reported as impressive, with the black and gold color scheme providing an elegant aesthetic. The AMOLED display is noted for its vibrant visuals and serves as a great focal point. Installation features include simplified cable management via a single connection point for the unified fan setup and a USB-C wiring harness. Mounting hardware was described as user-friendly.

The unit comes with a six-year warranty on the AIO itself, while the AMOLED display has a two-year warranty.

The software is functional, allowing users to upload files and easily view various temperature or usage statistics. It also features an extend display function, though this capability is noted as limited due to the screen size.

On the market, the E15 360 priced at $399.99 competes in a range with custom water cooling loops that could provide superior performance. A comparable Lian Li contender, while performing slightly worse and lacking the MEG styling, is noted for offering similar functionality for $300.

In summary, the MSI MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 is considered a remarkable all-in-one liquid cooler due to its eye-catching black and gold design and user-friendly features. However, its high price point and mediocre performance on AMD systems during noise-normalized tests make a broad recommendation challenging.

Source: TechPowerUp