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MSI continues to mass produceAIO coolers, with its MAG series particularly crowded. Most of these liquid coolers are mid-range or borderline-budget options that tempt fans ofair CPU coolingto convert. The latest MAG CoreLiquid A15 builds on a solid foundation of easy installation and streamlined cable management.
The CoreLiquid A15 will attract attention with an unconventional-looking ARGB water block. However, it introduces an offset bracket kit to cool Intel Core Ultra processors more efficiently. Also, the A15 supports MSI’s proprietary motherboard header that combines lighting and fan control. I recently had the chance to test out the CoreLiquid A15 to see if any other innovations benefit its thermal performance.
Installation
MSI’s MAG series of AIO coolers has gradually made the installation process less intimidating. The CoreLiquid A15 pre-installs as much hardware as possible and minimizes cable management. That said, compared to the CoreLiquid A13, a few more steps may be involved.
To test the A15, I used a 13th-Gen Core i7 13700KF Intel CPU installed on an MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Wi-Fi motherboard. The case in question was the previously reviewed dual-chamber mid-towerMAG Pano 100L PZ.
MSI organizes the included brackets, screws, bolts, and other small components nicely in the box with labeled plastic baggies. Unlike previous mid-range MSI liquid coolers, the CoreLiquid A15 uses a sturdy metal bracket that is secured to the back of motherboards without adhesive. With this particular LGA 1700 processor, four standoff screws are affixed to the opposite side of the motherboard. The correct bracket is already attached to the water block, and screws with springs ensure a tight fit above CPUs.
The setup scenario differs with 1851 socket processors, likeIntel’s Core Ultraseries. Since heat tends to concentrate in a non-central location on these CPUs, MSI offers an offset bracket kit. Installers will have to remove the default Uni Bracket from the water block and slide the kit’s hardware in its place. There are a few screw-hole positions to choose from, with MSI’s online documentation providing suggestions for the Intel Core Ultra 9/7 or Core Ultra 5.
There were no surprises when positioning the radiator with preinstalled fans below the case’s top panel. However, its installation may vary depending on where you want to place the 360mm radiator.
In contrast to the MSI CoreLiquid A13, the A15 has a few changes in header and cabling options. MSI’s latest cooler has returned a four-pin pump connector, which allows owners to adjust pump speeds. Also, it supports MSI’s JAF motherboard header, which joins lighting and CPU fan control into one connection. You don’t need anMSI motherboardto use the A15, and the cooler’s wiring provides standard ARGB V_2 and fan connectors. Despite its added flexibility, hiding the A15’s unused wiring in the back chamber of the MAG Pano 100L PZ wasn’t too difficult.
Depending on the targeted CPU and motherboard, the MSI CoreLiquid A15 throws a few new wrinkles into the installation process. Regardless, buyers new to liquid cooling should find transitioning from air coolers straightforward.
Design
With so many similarly priced MSI MAG AIO coolers, your choice may come down to aesthetics. Each cooler in this lineup features an illuminated water block with contrasting designs. The MSI CoreLiquid A13 had a rather conformist design that fit in with gaming and work PCs. The A15 block, however, is more polarizing, as it sports a military-style industrial look. The cover protrudes from its surface at angles, surrounding a metal grate. MSI imprints its logo toward the top of the block with a subtle dragon on the right side.
The ARGB lighting effects cast an easily visible glow on the A15. AnotherLED light striptrims the edges of the water block. The three 120mm radiator fans also emit ARGB effects, which can be synced with the block or other peripherals. However, the amount of light they emitted didn’t match the inexpensive fans in my build.
As distinctive as the block on the MSI CoreLiquid A15 is, the rest of the cooler has a familiar construction. Most critically, the screw-less copper plate that makes contact with CPUs absorbs heat efficiently with tiny embedded micro-channels. Meanwhile, the radiator benefits from expanded water channels, enabling the system to keep the temps of power-hungry processors in check. Warm and cool liquid circulates back and forth to the radiator through thick nylon-braided tubes.
Even though the CoreLiquid A15 is a liquid cooler, radiator fans are critical to its performance. Builders will want to position the three 120mm CycloBlade 9 fans where they can blow a steady stream of air toward the water block.
Whether or not buyers appreciate the A15’s aggressive theme, the AIO cooler’s build quality is impressive. Moving to a backside metal bracket makes the A15 feel more premium, and its hardware, radiator casing, and tubing are also well-reinforced.
Performance
Despite some creative marketing, the fundamentals of AIO coolers still dictate performance. A pump must be potent enough to move hot liquid through the tubing and radiator to dissipate heat. To find minor variations in the capabilities of recent MSI MAG AIO coolers, it’s helpful to look at their specs. Since they are priced identically, I was interested in how the CoreLiquid A15 differs from the A13.
The CoreLiquid A15’s maximum pump speed is 3400 RPM, while the CycloBlade 9 fans spin up to 2050 RPM. According to MSI, the fans produce an airflow of just under 65 CFM (cubic feet per minute). The A13’s pump fan spins at a higher 3800 RPM, while its CycloBlade 7 fans max out at 2000 RPM. That results in a CMF rating of 62.6 CFM.
Of course, there are more factors than pump and fan speeds when it comes to AIO performance. Possibly due to higher quality parts used throughout the A15, it’s rated to last 50,000 hours, which is twice that of the A13.
The MAG CoreLiquid A15 doesn’t require any software, and users can set up fan curves in a BIOS. MSI Center is an alternative with options for similar curves and performance presets.
All the benchmarks below were run at the MSI Center Extreme setting, but any influence the software had on CPU frequencies was disabled.
I simulated the same test conditions to judge how the CoreLiquid A15 fares against prior MSI coolers. With the identical case, ambient temperatures, and modestly overclocked Intel Core i7 13700KF, I relied on AIDA64 stress tests.
The results resemble the internal testing MSI shared with me before reviewing the CoreLiquid A15. The A15 marginally outperforms the A13 and even the MAG CoreLiquid E360, which is priced $20+ higher. Still, theCoreLiquid I360remains on top of the MAG coolers, with its advertised 70.7 CFM airflow. Even with AIDA64’s most intense FPU test, CPU throttling was not a problem with any of the coolers using 360mm radiators.
One issue I encountered with the A13 was a noticeable coil whine, even during idle conditions. MSI has since sent me a revised model, and I can report that the noise was reduced but remains more noticeable than in competing models. Fortunately, gamers should barely hear a hum from the A15’s pump. On the other hand, I did observe quite a bit of air moving through the cooler’s tubing, which disappeared after a few weeks. Since any pockets of air didn’t seem to impact performance, I decided against repositioning or shaking the water block or radiator.
The three 120mm CycloBlade 9 fans use slightly noisier ball bearings rather than sleeve or fluid dynamic bearings. Even so, I wouldn’t call the blowers attached to the A15"s radiator loud. With a build full ofcase fans, expect a chassis to sound like a wind tunnel when the AIO is at max load. In any case, I didn’t detect rattling, regardless of whether the fans were at medium or maximum speeds.
Can the MAG CoreLiquid A15 Keep Any Battlestation Cool?
MSI is on a mission to design AIO coolers that are suitable for any build. The MAG CoreLiquid A15 takes yet another approach with its military-inspired ARGB CPU block. With similar performance across the MAG cooler lineup, some buyers may opt for another model based on looks alone. Yet, some notable changes mostly affect installation.
The CoreLiquid A15 limits its compatibility with recent-generation Intel and AMD processors. Setting up the cooler for these CPUs is frustration-free, thanks to an integrated Uni Bracket and pre-installed fans. If you own an Intel Core Ultra processor, the A15’s offset bracket kit can improve thermal performance by focusing on hotspots.
MSI MAG CoreLiquid A15 AIO Liquid Cooler
The MSI MAG CoreLiquid A15 is the affordable alternative when air cooling falls short. MSI’s latest AIO liquid cooler targets the popular Intel and AMD processors with a quiet and efficient max 3400 RPM water pump. Designed to maximize Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs, the MAG CoreLiquid A15 ships with an offset kit that targets hotspots. Other processors benefit from 2050 RPM CycloBlade 9 fans that further reduce temps in the most demanding systems. The MAG CoreLiquid A15 features a military-themed water block cover, and ARGB GEN2 effects that sync with the radiator fans.
If you approve of the CoreLiquid A15’s industrial motif, there is little reason to consider pricier alternatives. Its cooling performance is excellent, and clever cable management complementsProject Zero motherboardsand dual-chamber cases. On the other hand, theCooler Master MasterLiquid 360Lis another attractive option for around $100. Buyers may find that its minimalist ARGB block cover has more mainstream appeal.
FAQ
Q: Do AIO coolers need to be refilled?
Most retail AIO coolers have a closed-loop design. As a result, they aren’t straightforward to disassemble and refill. However, modern AIO options are built to last for years. Many owners will upgrade their PC’s cooling before an AIO needs replacing.
Q: Do I need thermal paste for an AIO liquid cooler?
Installers should apply thermal paste to an AIO cooler’s base plate, as they do with heatsinks that ship with air coolers. This substance improves heat transfer from a CPU to the adjacent metal plate. However, some liquid coolers come with paste already applied to this part of a water block.
