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Cooler Master announced two different CPU cooler designs on January 23, 2025: the MasterLiquid Core II, an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler offered with 240 mm or 360 mm radiators, and the Hyper 612 Apex, an air tower cooler. The practical choice depends on the cooling format you prefer and whether your case can fit the radiator or the 159 mm-tall tower—not on a proven performance advantage, since the published specifications do not include independent head-to-head testing.
What Cooler Master announced
The MasterLiquid Core II is a family of AIO liquid coolers; the Hyper 612 Apex is a conventional air cooler built around a heatsink and fans. Cooler Master’s announcement introduced both on January 23, 2025. The Core II was described with a G9R dual-chamber pump, an infinity-mirror pump cover, revised fan blades, pre-installed fans, a quick-mount kit and 400 mm tubing. The company described the Hyper 612 Apex as using six superconductive composite heat pipes and a Mobius 120P fan.
Those descriptions are manufacturer statements, not independent test results. They do not establish which cooler produces lower CPU temperatures, less noise, or better value in a particular PC.
MasterLiquid Core II: sizes, models and fit
The current Core II product page lists four versions, combining two radiator sizes with black or white finishes:
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- Cool for Ryzen 9 | Ultra 9: G9R Gen Dual-Chamber design boosts water flow to the CPU hotspot for peak cooling on AMD Ryzen 9 and Intel Ultra 9 CPUs.
- Infinity Mirror Design: The infinity mirror delivers a stunning ARGB lighting upgrade to any gaming PC, fully customizable through motherboard control.
- Quiet Cooling Fan: Dynamic PWM (650 to 1,750) Fan, optimized for quiet operation and cooling performance.
- Easy Installation: Compatible brackets for quick and easy installation on AM5|4 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms.
- CryoFuze Thermal Paste: The included CryoFuze paste provides excellent thermal conductivity, maintaining stable temperatures from -50°C to 250°C
| Radiator size | Color | Model number | Published radiator dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 mm | Black | MLW-D24M-A18PA-R1 | 277 × 119.2 × 27.2 mm |
| 240 mm | White | MLW-D24M-A18PA-RW | 277 × 119.2 × 27.2 mm |
| 360 mm | Black | MLW-D36M-A18PA-R1 | 394 × 119.2 × 27.2 mm |
| 360 mm | White | MLW-D36M-A18PA-RW | 394 × 119.2 × 27.2 mm |
Cooler Master lists Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151 and 1150, plus AMD AM5 and AM4 support. The page also lists addressable RGB lighting for the fans and pump. Installation items include pre-installed fans, streamlined cabling, pre-applied thermal paste, pre-mounted brackets and tube clips.
Before choosing a size, check the case manual for radiator support at the intended mounting position and account for the radiator and fans together. The product page’s radiator dimensions are for the radiator; they do not by themselves confirm clearance for the assembled radiator-and-fan stack or nearby components. The announcement lists 400 mm tubing, but that figure alone does not confirm that a particular case layout will work.
Rank #2
- Cool for Ryzen 7 | Ultra 7: G9R Gen Dual-Chamber design boosts water flow to the CPU hotspot for peak cooling on AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Ultra 7 CPUs
- Infinity Mirror Design: The infinity mirror delivers a stunning ARGB lighting upgrade to any gaming PC, fully customizable through motherboard control.
- Quiet Cooling Fan: Dynamic PWM (650 to 1,750) Fan, optimized for quiet operation and cooling performance.
- Easy Installation: Compatible brackets for quick and easy installation on AM5|4 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms.
- CryoFuze Thermal Paste: The included CryoFuze paste provides excellent thermal conductivity, maintaining stable temperatures from -50°C to 250°C
Hyper 612 Apex: tower dimensions and specifications
The Hyper 612 Apex is listed in black (MAP-T6PN-225PK-R1) and white (MAP-T6PN-225PW-CW). Its manufacturer-published dimensions are 127 × 114 × 159 mm. The critical case-fit figure is its 159 mm height: compare it with the case’s maximum CPU-cooler clearance before buying.
| Specification | Hyper 612 Apex listing |
|---|---|
| Fans | Two 120 mm non-LED fans |
| Fan speed | 0–2400 RPM ±10% |
| Maximum airflow | 75.2 CFM |
| Maximum air pressure | 3.63 mmH₂O |
| Maximum fan noise | 30 dBA |
| Dimensions | 127 × 114 × 159 mm |
These are specifications published by Cooler Master, not independent measurements of the cooler’s temperature or noise in a complete system. The manufacturer’s January 2025 announcement said the Hyper 612 Apex was 30% smaller than its predecessor and that full channel availability was expected that month; that historical expectation does not establish current stock.
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- Cool for Ryzen 7 | Ultra 7: G9R Gen Dual-Chamber design boosts water flow to the CPU hotspot for peak cooling on AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Ultra 7 CPUs
- Infinity Mirror Design: The infinity mirror delivers a stunning ARGB lighting upgrade to any gaming PC, fully customizable through motherboard control.
- Quiet Cooling Fan: Dynamic PWM (650 to 1,750) Fan, optimized for quiet operation and cooling performance.
- Easy Installation: Compatible brackets for quick and easy installation on AM5|4 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms.
- CryoFuze Thermal Paste: The included CryoFuze paste provides excellent thermal conductivity, maintaining stable temperatures from -50°C to 250°C
Socket support and warranty
The product pages list the following socket support and warranty terms:
| Cooler | Intel sockets listed | AMD sockets listed | Warranty listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| MasterLiquid Core II | LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 | AM5, AM4 | Five years |
| Hyper 612 Apex | LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156 | AM5, AM4 | Five years |
Socket support does not guarantee that every motherboard layout or case arrangement will be trouble-free. Confirm support for the exact cooler model and motherboard, and check the case’s radiator or CPU-cooler clearance. Cooler Master lists five-year warranties for both products; warranty conditions can vary by region, so verify the terms applicable where you live.
Rank #4
- Clean Classic Design: A clean and minimalist design offers a modern facelift to the pump, while enhancing the lighting dispersion of the ARGB. for fully customizable illumination
- Gen S Dual Chamber Pump: An improved copper base design to target heat spots with greater precision, while also increasing water flow and pressure for enhanced cooling performance.
- CryoFuze Thermal Paste: Now included premium CryoFuze thermal paste, which offers exceptional thermal conductivity of 14W/mK, as well as non-corrosive and oxidation-resistant properties for temperature stability ranging from -50°C up to 250°C.
- Optimized Fan Blades: Our optimized PWM curve blade design improves airflow and air pressure, while the enhanced frame reduces turbulent flow for a quieter and more efficient cooling performance
- Frosted Blade Design: Our frosted blade design has been refreshed to enhance the dispersion of ARGB lighting, resulting in a more vibrant and luminescent effect that is fully customizable
How to choose between the two
- Consider the Core II if you specifically want an AIO liquid-cooling format, prefer its pump-and-radiator appearance, or need to choose between its listed 240 mm and 360 mm radiator options. First confirm that the desired radiator position and assembled cooler fit your case.
- Consider the Hyper 612 Apex if you prefer an air tower cooler and your case has at least the required CPU-cooler clearance. Its listed fans are non-LED, and its 159 mm height is the key physical check.
- Compare the look and installation approach. The Core II page lists addressable RGB on its fans and pump and describes pre-installed fans and installation aids. The Hyper 612 Apex page lists two non-LED 120 mm fans. Those differences may matter to your build preferences, but do not prove a difference in cooling, noise or ease of installation for your particular setup.
Cooler Master CEO Jimmy Sha described the Hyper 612 Apex as designed for users who want “efficient cooling without the bulk.” That is the company’s positioning, not a comparative test finding. No independent benchmark in the available product information establishes that either model cools better, runs quieter or offers better value.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability and what the specifications can tell you
The announcement’s January 2025 availability statement for the Hyper 612 Apex was a forecast. It is not confirmation of current availability, regional stock or price. Check a current retailer listing or Cooler Master’s product page for purchasing details, and match the listed model number to the finish and radiator size you intend to buy.
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- Cool for Ryzen 9 | Ultra 9: G9R Gen Dual-Chamber design boosts water flow to the CPU hotspot for peak cooling on AMD Ryzen 9 and Intel Ultra 9 CPUs
- Infinity Mirror Design: The infinity mirror delivers a stunning ARGB lighting upgrade to any gaming PC, fully customizable through motherboard control
- Quiet Cooling Fan: Dynamic PWM (650 to 1,750) Fan, optimized for quiet operation and cooling performance
- Easy Installation: Compatible brackets for quick and easy installation on AM5|4 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms
- CryoFuze Thermal Paste: The included CryoFuze paste provides excellent thermal conductivity, maintaining stable temperatures from -50C to 250C
Manufacturer specifications are useful for checking dimensions, sockets, included fans and listed features. They are not a substitute for controlled, independent comparisons. The published figures here do not settle real-world temperature or acoustic performance between these two coolers.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
