If you were to ask someone familiar with aftermarket PC cooling what the most popular CPU cooler of all time was, you would more than likely hear “Hyper 212 EVO”. The Hyper 212, and all of its varieties may be one of the best known coolers of all time, but Cooler Master is also quite well known for their MasterLiquid series of all-in-one coolers. One of the latest models in the MasterLiquid lineup is the ML280 Mirror, a 280mm AIO that brings a mirrored pump housing and ARGB lighting to the masses. We have seen other coolers with both of these features before, so let’s see how Cooler Master’s implementation stacks up.
Special thanks to Cooler Master for providing the MasterLiquid ML280 Mirror review sample!
Specifications
Packaging
As we have come to expect from all AIO packaging, the ML280 Mirror is housed in a rectangular cardboard box featuring a product image and naming information on the top/front. This design gives potential buyers a good idea of what is to be expected visually from the cooler, and also highlights a few of the cooler’s features like ARGB lighting and various compatibilities, the inclusion of an ARGB controller, and the use of Cooler Master’s third generation dual pump.
The sides of the box offer additional feature information, as well as a detailed table of specifications.
With the box opened up, we see the cooler and all of its components nestled into a form-fitting cardboard molding. Each major component has been protected from scuffs with a plastic covering, and all components seemed to fit their compartments nicely, ensuring safety during shipping.
Accessories
Included with the ML280 Mirror is a variety of mounting hardware for multiple AMD and Intel sockets and mounting types, as well as a user manual and warranty information. Also included is a Y-splitter for the two included 140mm Sickle Flow 140 PWM fans, as well as a simple ARGB lighting controller, both of which we will cover in more detail later on.
