Introduction
Founded in 1990, Enermax has made a name for itself by providing solid-performing power supplies, among other computer components, cases, cooling solutions, and accessories. Enermax’s current lines of AIO CPU coolers are getting refreshed with the LIQMAXFLO series targeted at the enthusiast market.
On our test bench, today is the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360mm AIO CPU cooler. It should be available in retail in the near future at an expected price of $129. Take a look at our shopping widgets for current pricing once it is available.
We will again be using our second-generation AIO test platform that is capable of putting out enough heat to make even the devil sweat. We do this to test AIO liquid cooling solutions that are likely to be used with some of today’s most demanding CPUs.
Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360mm AIO CPU Cooler (ELC-LMF360T-ARGB)
The Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360mm is an all-in-one (AIO) CPU cooler that is designed to work on a wide variety of sockets. These include Intel’s LGA 1700/115x/1200/2066/2011/1366 and AMD’s AM5/AM4 sockets. Overall, the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360mm covers all current-day sockets and includes support for legacy Intel HEDT sockets.
While we have the 360mm radiator version that we’re reviewing today, this AIO is also available with a 420mm and 240mm radiator that sports a trio of 140mm fans or a duo of 240mm fans respectively. Due to the laws of thermodynamics, expect the 420mm to perform a bit better and the 240mm to perform a little worse than the 360mm version we’re reviewing today.
You may also see the LIQMAXFLO SR series listed in the same breath as the non-SR that we’re reviewing today. The SR series features a standard 27mm thick radiator, less RGB, and is offered at a lower price point.
Water Block & Pump
The cold plate on the Enermax LIQMAXFLO 360mm is made out of copper and Enermax includes an initial application of Dow Corning TC-5888 paste which they claim is better than at least 3 anonymous comparisons. On top of the cold plate sits a dual chamber pump that improves over their previous designs with optimized flow rates and higher pressure. On top of the pump structure is a 60mm RGB fan and a decorative grate with Enermax’s branding on it.
The pump is Enermax’s first PWM-controlled effort that can range from 1200 – 3000 RPM. The 60mm VRM fan is rated for 500-3000RPM, all plus or minus 10% of course. It pushes the water through 400mm of cooling hose to and from the radiator.
Radiator
The liquid CPU cooler radiator is designed to hold three 120mm fans and measures 400x120x38mm. That’s right, the radiator is a full 11mm thicker than the typical AIO CPU cooler (typical thickness is 27mm) which should allow for more impressive cooling capabilities. By our count, the aluminum radiator sports a density of 22 fins per inch and is attached to 400mm of tubing.
Fans
The included fans are Enermax’s Silent Flow Fans (UCSFARGB12P-LMF). They feature ceramic bearings and a somewhat proprietary 8-pin power/RGB adapter. The RGB LEDs can be controlled through your favorite RGB application du jour or via the provided control box. Enermax lists a 60,000-hour MTBF and the fans are rated for 500 to 1800 RPM (plus or minus 10%) at a reported under 23.46 dB(A). The stated maximum airflow is 58.03 CFM with a static pressure of up to 2.4 mm/H20.
The 8-pin adapter allows you to connect the fans with each other in series to help keep your wiring job tidy. On the downside, if you were to have fan issues down the road you may end up swapping with a standard cabled fan.
Extras
Enermax has included some unique extras in the AIO kit that we haven’t seen included before. First, they include a bottle of coolant that will allow you to top off your loop should you feel you’re not playing with a full radiator of it. The PSU jump starter is included to allow you to run the pump during the filling process with your PSU so you don’t have to power on your full rig to do so.