Performance: 37 out of 40
With its combination of excellent fans, a great waterblock, a very good pump, and a decent radiator the Cooler Master MasterLiquid PL360 Flux 30th Anniversary Edition lives up to its Special Edition name. The only reason this is not a best in class AIO, and instead is merely near the head of the pack, is due to the thin radiator Cooler Master has opted for. A ‘thick’ instead of ‘thin’ radiator really would have pushed it over the top and possibly even toppled Arctic from the number one spot. They did not, and instead it offers merely great levels of performance.
Ease of Use: 18 out of 20
Cooler Master have always been all about offering great customer service and satisfaction. The new 30th Anniversary Edition of the ML PL360 FLUX lives up to that proud tradition and then some. So, if you are looking for a AIO that is as pretty as it is easy to install the this beast from the (true) east should be on your short list.
Build Quality & Warranty: 18 out 20
While we do take issue with some of the color choices, there is no denying that Cooler Master knows how to build an excellent AIO. Everything from the dual chambered pump; to the oversized tubing; to those killer fans. Everything has top notch quality on display. The same is true of the warranty. Five years versus the standard 3 is a major selling feature. Hopefully one that is not needed, but peace of mind is priceless.
Value: 17 out 20
With its combination of excellent fans, great performance; easy installation; and numerous Quality of Life improvements baked right in; the PL360 FLUX AE not only justifies its asking price, but it does so rather easily. Quite honestly, if Cooler Master ever decides to make a ‘thick’ radiator edition it would be in the running for best in class and best overall value. Until that day, the PL360 FLUX AE is still a very good value that borders on greatness.
Final Score: 90 out 100
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid PL360 Flux 30Th Anniversary Edition may have one of the longest names imaginable, but due to its unique features it earns the right to have a fifty five character count name. So much so it is one of the best ‘thin’ style 360mm AIOs we have seen to date. Now if only Cooler Master would make a truly Special Edition with a ‘thick’ radiator and we would be truly happy.
