Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers

MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360 vs Thermalright Aqua Elite V6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Thermalright Aqua Elite V6 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about budget-conscious buyers seeking improved airflow — read the strengths below before deciding.

MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360
Ranked #4 in Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers
MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360
6 sources$99.99as of Oct 2

Tom's Hardware praised the MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360 for its impressively cool performance and quiet operation during testing. The cooler features a well-built aluminum radiator with a split pathway design and supports both Intel and AMD sockets. While it delivers strong cooling performance, it only includes three 120mm fans rather than the full six-fan push-pull configuration some users might expect. This AIO is well-suited for high-end CPUs like the 13900K but may not offer the maximum airflow options for users seeking ultimate cooling performance.

Strengths
  • — Impressively cool performance
  • — Quiet operation during benchmarks
  • — Well-built aluminum radiator construction
Watch-outs
  • — Only comes with 3x 120mm fans (not 6x push-pull)
  • — Limited to 360mm radiator size (triple 120mm)
Thermalright Aqua Elite V6
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Aio Liquid Cpu Coolers
Thermalright Aqua Elite V6
4 sourcesall derived

Thermalright's Aqua Elite V6 represents an upgrade to the V3 model, featuring an improved 2,800 RPM pump and redesigned 120mm ARGB fans inspired by Arctic P12s. Kitguru.net noted the enhanced pump and fan design, though the performance improvements over the V3 are described as subtle. The cooler is positioned as a cost-effective AIO solution. While reviewers highlighted the better airflow and static pressure, the fans' minimum speed of 400 RPM may produce more noise than competitors.

Strengths
  • — Features upgraded 2,800 RPM pump for improved performance
  • — Includes 120mm ARGB fans with design inspired by Arctic P12s
  • — Offers better static pressure and airflow compared to previous models
Watch-outs
  • — Fans spin at 400 RPM minimum, which may be louder than some competitors
  • — Fans can be loud at maximum speed

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360

The MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360 stands out for its impressive cooling performance and quiet operation, but it falls short compared to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB in terms of ease of setup with pre-applied thermal paste and included fans. Unlike the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB, it doesn't feature the advanced AMD offset mounting or Intel contact frame, making it less optimal for high-end enthusiasts seeking premium mounting solutions.

Thermalright Aqua Elite V6

The Thermalright Aqua Elite V6 offers better value and improved airflow compared to the ID-Cooling FX360 INF, but it's less quiet than the MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360 and lacks the advanced features of the Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360TL. It provides a middle-ground option with decent performance at a competitive price.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMSI MAG CoreLiquid E360Thermalright Aqua Elite V6
Radiator Size14.2 in14.2 in
Fan Count118 x 4724 in—
CompatibilityIntel & AMD socketsIntel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5
Noise Level20 dBA (avg.)29.8 dBA (MAX)
Fan Size120mm120mm
Pump Speed30002800
Dimensions18.5"L x 8.23"W x 5.63"H2.05"L x 4.72"W x 2.05"H
Wattage3.5 watts—
MaterialCopperAluminum, Plastic, Rubber
Fan Speed—2000-400
Pump Model—TL-N12-R5-S
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