Introduction

MSI is a brand that needs no introduction. They produce so many products in the PC gaming space that you likely own or have owned something from them, be it a desktop, laptop, motherboard, graphics card, or something else. Suffice it to say, MSI is one of the major players in the PC enthusiast market. This is why it doesn't surprise that they have been branching out into other areas in recent years, such as the PC cooling space.


In today's review, I will be looking at MSI's MPG CORELIQUID K240 all-in-one liquid cooler. Unlike the vast majority of designs on the market, this offering does do things a bit differently. First, it has an LCD screen on the pump and a fan that adds some airflow to the area around the socket. Of course, it has everyone's favorite feature: ARGB lighting. Other than that, it is your standard mixed metal closed loop comprised of a 240 mm aluminium radiator, two 120 mm fans, and a copper CPU block with a pump. That having been said, while not revolutionary, that doesn't mean it is not a good performer. However, before praising the unit itself, let's take a closer look.

Packaging

A quick look at the packaging screams MSI, from the dragon logo on the box to the illuminated logo on the pump in all its ARGB glory. Flipping to the next panel, we simply find the MSI dragon logo and not much else. However, the back gives us a great deal of information in regards to the features. MSI choose to focus on their Torx 4.0 fans, independent fan control, and 2.4" customizable LCD display.


Opposite the side with the MSI dragon logo, you will find the obligatory visit this site for more information in various languages mention. It is not until you look at the two ends of the box that you find the specifications. The fans are rated at 77.4 CFM, but have a static pressure of 4.29 mm-H2O. MSI also lists the fans as having dual-ball bearings, so they should hold up over the long-term. Typically, ball bearing fans are not as quiet as some other designs, and well, that remains true here. Sadly, no information is given on the pump-mounted fan, but what I can tell you is that it's no fidget spinner; it has a high RPM, and you will hear it if it's cranked up.

Contents

The cooler comes safely packaged in a cardboard tray with all the parts neatly placed in various compartments. It's nothing fancy, but does the job. A foam sheet sits on top for a bit of added protection.


The cooler supports all common AMD and Intel sockets, including TR4 via the adapter included with Threadripper processors. This does not surprise since the CLC is an Asetek-based unit. While it can be used in a Threadripper system, the coldplate isn't quite large enough to completely cover the CPU IHS. So while it is supported on TR4, I wouldn't recommend using it on that particular platform. For all other systems, it's full speed ahead.

Common parts supplied for mounting include:

• 8x Washers
• 8x Fan screws
• 8x Radiator screws
• 4x Intel LGA20XX screw pillars
• 4x Intel LGA11366 / LGA115x / LGA1200 screw pillars
• 4x AMD screw pillars
• 4x Thumbscrews
• 2x 120 mm fans
• 2x Retention screws
• 2x Retention screw washers
• 2x Retention screw springs
• 1x Intel backplate
• 1x Intel mounting plate
• 1x AMD mounting plate
• 1x Tube thermal paste
• 1x Closed-loop cooler
• 1x Installation manual
• 1x ARGB cable