Performance: 35 out of 40
There is absolutely no denying this is the best CoreLiquid-branded AIO MSI has ever released. Bigger radiator, better pump, better quality block, better and smarter fans… it all adds up to better performance. With that said, this is not the absolute pinnacle of performance. In its price range, you have a veritable ton of custom loops that will beat any AIO as it owes them money. Even in the AIO marketplace, modern 420-class / 3 x 140mm radiators are easily available and will outperform this marvel of engineering… as “there’s no replacement for displacement”. To end on a positive note… if MSI lets this rad+block trickle down to the MPG and MAG line, the equation gets flipped on its ear as this design is one of the best ones going.
Ease of Use: 20 out of 20
The MSI MEG CoreLiquid E15 does something we were not expecting – set a new standard in the ease of use department. Everything from the small touches like molded-in directions on the AMD mounting brackets and the 90-degree brackets, to the highly impressive features like a single-cable installation and baked-in fan failure monitoring, all are without equal. Mix in the magnetic and pogo pin LCD screen topper and the E15 is simply in a different league when it comes to how easy it is to work with.
Build Quality & Warranty: 20 out of 20
As befitting a Halo/flagship model, MSI did not “round” any corners, nor did they allow their OEM to even think about rounding one. To be blunt, this All In One is built to a higher standard. So high it raises the bar on what is now possible in the AIO marketplace. To put it concisely, the E15 is the very embodiment of the phrase “the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra,” as this is an extraordinary cooling solution. Hopefully, in the coming years this “vision of what can be” will trickle down to models that can be afforded (by the average buyer). Either way, the future of MSI’s AIO division is so bright they have to wear shades. Now if they only hadn’t given it just a 2-year warranty on the LCD and skimped on the installation manual… we would have given it a 21 out of 20. That is how good this AIO is.
Value: 12 out of 20
This is a Halo product and is the equivalent of a Bentley or Bugatti, not a Buick. So it really is not intended, nor marketed, towards the general public. Instead, it is meant to highlight what MSI can do now and promises what they can do in the future. So yes. If you are building a no-holds-barred system and prefer to go the AIO over custom loop route, this is pretty much the best option going. For everyone else… we are meant to look and drool from afar. As such, for the niche it is intended for it is a near-perfect 19 out of 20. For us mere mortals, it’s more like a 5… as it is awfully darn hard to find double (or more) the room in a budget for the CPU cooler. Insane, cutting-edge features or no.
Final Score: 87 out of 100
Let us be clear. This is a halo, darn near bespoke, model. Not one intended, targeted, nor designed for mass production. So while it is highly doubtful that the MEG CoreLiquid E15 will ever win awards for total number of units sold, the fact remains this is an award-worthy AIO. One that will push the industry to innovate and adapt, lest their latest and greatest {Asetek/Cooler Master/etc.} based units look antiquated and old-timey in comparison. With that said, for those who can easily afford the asking price, this is a rather easy AIO to justify. Excellent cooling. Excellent ease of use. Even advanced features you will not find anywhere else this side of truly advanced water loops. Color us highly impressed.
