i5-12400f paired with Cooler Master Master Liquid ML120L RGB V2
i5-12400f paired with Cooler Master Master Liquid ML120L RGB V2
I purchased the Cooler Master 120ml cooler for my i5-12400f, but I’m new to CPU cooling. Is this suitable for my processor? Should I stick with the stock cooler or go for an AIO? Maintaining around 50°C is ideal, while 60–75°C is acceptable during heavy workloads. I saw a 240ml model for the same price, but I can’t buy it right now. Do 120ml and 240ml really make such a difference?
120mm to 240mm would make a significant difference. In fact it’s the reason why nobody ever recommends 120mm aios unless they are very space restricted. Personally I am not a fan of CM ML series let alone their 120mm variants.
If you own the ml120 and can't return it, keep it. It doesn’t perform well for its price but should suffice for a 12400f. At around 35$, a top-tier model like the assasin 120 is available and handles the m120 and ml240 just as well, while also matching many high-end options. The ml series tends to be among the least reliable in AIO coolers.