Final Score: 93 out 100
In an era seemingly filled with companies doing their level best to not only race to the bottom but actually find a new bottom MSI once again are proving they do not just care about profitability but about creating long term, loyal customers. In the short term this can, and will, hurt their bottom line compared to some, but this patience and commitment to actual customer satisfaction is already starting to change the hearts and minds of buyers. All by simply doing what others no longer will: give their customers what they need, (most of) what they want, and do so at a reasonable asking price… and then listen to feedback to help make the next generation better without needlessly boosting the MSRP. This old-school approach to the RnD is laudable… and neatly explains why MSI is quickly rising through the ranks. As such if you are worried about the P13 being a fluke. Don’t worry, be happy. The P22 is an excellent refresh and worthy of your time and money.
For those who want a more detailed explanation we must start with the P13. This is the series that gave MSI a seat at the table and transformed their AIOs from niche to mainstream success. Sure, the MPG CoreLiquid P13 would never outmuscle the ‘roid raging ALF 3 series, but it offered a lot more personality, eons better ease of use… and did both while still being rather good at the whole keep your CPU from impersonating an EZ-Bake oven.
The new P22 is better. Across the board better. Thanks to a noticeable increase in folded-fin density (now up to 20FPI) cooling is top notch. This alone justifies the new model number… but MSI did not stop with just one improvement. Instead they also tweaked their custom waterblock+pump combo with low-level improvements such as optimizing IHS coverage for the newer AMD’s fireball 9000 series; lowering cavitation concerns; lowering overall pump noise; as well as increasing overall pump performance. They even managed to bake in tangible improvements in how you can customize and fully utilize the integrated LCD screen. For most companies, any two of these tangible improvements would be considered ‘good enough’ to warrant a new generational name… so by including them all the P22 places MSI in that elite tier of AIO manufactures who can be relied upon to be the trendsetters of the industry. The fact they accomplished all that and bestowed upon the P22 a noticeable decrease in MSRP is extremely impressive to say the least.
As such, if you are looking for a bigboi cooling solution that is as easy to work as it is highly capable, the MSI MPG P22 360 is a great option. Alternatively, if you are looking for a AIO cooling solution that will enhance a final build’s overall aesthetics the P22 is not just a great option, but one of the best choices you can make. Mix in the fact that all this flexibility also comes with rather attractive MSRP and the P22 is one of the few trifecta winning devices in recent memory. Congratulations MSI and we look forward to what your AIO team think’s up next.
The Review
MSI MPG CoreLiquid P22 360
By prioritizing customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty over short-term profits, MSI has delivered a winner with the MPG CoreLiquid P22 360, a worthy successor to the P13. It offers extensive upgrades in cooling density, pump performance, and LCD customization, all while achieving the rare trifecta of high performance, great aesthetics, and a lower MSRP.
