Question 1

Can this properly cool an AMD fx9590?

Accepted Answer

I'm sure it could.  I have an AMD fx8350 and it cools it fine for high performance applications.  If you are planning to use it for high performance programs, I'd recommend a larger cooling unit otherwise this will do it's job well.

Question 2

does this cooler AM4 ready?

Accepted Answer

Yes it does. I have it on my Ryzen 1400 right now. I have no complaints with this liquid cooler plus it's very quiet.

Question 3

I've been heavily considering this. I'm doing my first build. I have an ROG Strix B350 Gaming Motherboard with a Ryzen 5 1600x CPU. I've been debating between this CPU Cooler or the Hyper 212 Evo. For $20 bucks more this doesn't seem like a bad choice. Recommendations?

Accepted Answer

So, here's my take on it, if you need a cooler right now, go with the 212 evo. If not, wait for this to go on sale, it's constantly $30 or below, and while I really like mine, it's basically silent, I do feel there are better options for less, when the price is ~$50. Once it's like $39.99 or less with MiR this thing is unbeatable. I know that's really only a 10 buck difference, but I'm a bit of a budget builder. So, that said, if money is no object, it's still pretty good for $50, I would just personally want to pay less, I believe just last week it was under 30, and this happens often.

Now, I would also like to let you know, the tubes aren't terrifically long, if you plan to front mount this, a big case may be a problem. The LED is a solid white, so it could conflict with the RGB of most STRIX boards, and of course, VRM cooling will be an issue, though STRIX boards tend to have heatsinks, I just want you to know you will need a few case fans to get some nice airflow, without a downdraft cooler.

Now, on to some things you might like, the ML Lite is extremely easy to install, especially on am4 and fm2+, just put the little tabs on the block/pump combo, and it installs on the stock backplate, the tab locks. I don't believe you can do that with that hyper 212. It's 120mm, and the fan is insanely quiet under 2000 rpm, which it should be most of the time, think the max is 2200 rpm. My units pump is relatively quiet except at startup there's a bit of a slurp noise, I can't hear any of it over the sound of my HDD or GPU when they're running, GPU is the loudest thing in my build, and it's hardly 45db, I have a CORE 1000 case, which is a mesh/open front, and the fan for the Radiator is right there, and I can barely hear it. That should give you an idea of how quiet it is.

So again, if money's not an issue, go for it. If you can wait, I would suggest doing that and saving the 15-20 I constantly see it on sale for. If money is a problem and you can't wait, get the 212.

Question 4

does it come with the fan and liquid inside?

Accepted Answer

It comes in parts but you don't have to replace the water the pump is connected to the radiator you don't have to connect the fan if you don't want to there's already look what inside of the radiator that connects to the pump you don't have to replace it the water that is

Question 5

Will this fit an Fm2+?   (amd a10 7850k cpu)

Accepted Answer

Yes.  If you also look under block compatibility it lists Fm2+ socket so your covered.

Question 6

Does it include the cooling liquid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's a sealed system. Nothing to add, other than the thermal conductivity paste between the pump and CPU.

Question 7

Does this cooler include a reservoir/tubing/plugs/etc?

Accepted Answer

This is a stand alone closed loop system. It comes fully assembled as far as the cooling block tubes and pump. You cannot disassemble the cooler.

If you are looking to water cool more than just your cpu you need to do a ton more research on water cooling a pc.

Question 8

I plan to overclock with this. How well does it overclock? Also how does it sustain overclocking? I saw that water has a problem in that it stays hotter longer, which has me second guessing this. I plan to clock a FX 6300 black BTW.

Accepted Answer

Well, I have an r5 1600 that OCs to around 4.1ghz and peaks at 65C depending on how hot it is outside. Simply put, it depends on your CPU, the voltages you use and how hot it is where you live. AiO's aren't actually water but a mixture not unlike anti-freeze, to prevent growth inside as well as, well, freezing. That said, all AiOs are susceptible to corrosion and evaporation. Anyway, what you're referring to is likely Heat Soak. Which is an equilibrium based on how fast the liquid can move heat away from the CPU and how fast you can blow that transferred heat away from the radiator fins. The liquid will eventually reach a temperature higher than ambient and as a result may cause higher idle temperatures if idling after extensive use. It's not so much a problem as it is thermodynamics. Simply put, the heat transfer between CPU/Block and Radiator Fins/Air being blown through by fans isn't as efficient, therefor the liquid retains some heat over time. It shouldn't really be a big deal for you unless you're OCing past this things cooling capacity, in which case the solution is a larger radiator.

Question 9

Is the tubing on this cooler sleeved?

Accepted Answer

Not really. It has a sort of corrigated plastic feel to it, but i dont think its sleeved. Feels very cheap.

Question 10

What is the max TDP this is capable of cooling? I currently am thinking of picking this up for an older socket 1366 to cool an i7-930 and a couple of Xeon X5650's.

Accepted Answer

So, I can't answer you specifically as neither the box, nor CM's site says explicitly... what I can tell you is, it comes with a standard 1366 mounting bracket. As well, I can say that I have an 880k, and at stock, with the stock cooler from amd that claimed a "125W TDP" I would get about 40c idle, and 68c load(in the winter, when it was cooler). This is why I got this AIO, I now sit around 10-15c idle, depending on the stage in up-time, and 30.3c is the highest I've seen on the cores(it's summer now, and in California it's been getting damn hot). So, while I understand older chips often run hotter, I hope this gives you a bit of an idea, until someone from CM can comment.

Also, I will mention, if you're planning on using two of these on a Dual Xeon board mind your case size, as the tubes aren't impressively long, and may be difficult to front mount in an ATX case. Also, you'll need lots of Fan Headers as the pump and fan do not have a built in splitter.

Questions & Answers