MSI MPG Coreliquid P22 360 review: LCD AIO for $130

Key Takeaways

• The P22 360 sells for $129.99, roughly $70-100 less than competing LCD-equipped AIOs
• Its 540x540 IPS display offers 4x the resolution of legacy 240x240 LCD coolers
• Testing shows it can dissipate 287W, handling Intel's Core i9-13900K without throttling

MSI's MPG Coreliquid P22 360 is the first 360mm all-in-one liquid cooler to pair a high-resolution IPS display with a genuinely budget price. At $129.99, it undercuts most LCD-equipped competitors by $70 to $100, while still managing 287W of thermal dissipation in testing. The formula is simple: skip the elaborate ARGB lighting arrays, focus on a sharp screen and quiet operation, and let builders monitor their hardware without paying the traditional 'LCD tax.'

Tom's Hardware put the unit through its paces, and the verdict is positive. Strong thermal performance, low noise under typical workloads, and a five-year warranty on both the AIO and its display. The main weakness? Software that works but feels unpolished.

What makes the P22 360 different from other budget AIOs?

The headline feature is that 2.1-inch IPS display, running at 540x540 pixels and 300 nits brightness. Most budget coolers in this price range offer nothing but a logo or a simple ARGB ring. Meanwhile, LCD-equipped AIOs from NZXT, Corsair, and ASUS typically start north of $200.

The 540x540 resolution is notable. Legacy LCD coolers often shipped with 240x240 panels, meaning the P22 offers roughly four times the pixel density. Users can display performance metrics, custom images, or videos up to 500MB. Four preset backgrounds come loaded, and MSI's EZ Display software handles customization.

Thermal performance and noise levels

In testing against AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the cooler handled over 265W at full fan speed and 255W in noise-normalized scenarios. Peak capability reached 287W, which means it can tame Intel's Core i9-13900K without thermal throttling. For most users running mid-tier or even high-end chips, headroom is ample.

Noise levels stay low during common scenarios. The three 120mm fans spin between 500 and 2000 RPM, pushing 62.6 CFM at maximum speed. Under typical desktop use or gaming loads, the cooler barely registers. Push it to full speed during stress tests, and you'll hear it, but that's expected.

Installation and compatibility

MSI simplified the mounting process with a universal frame that works on AMD AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA 1700/1851 sockets. Most AIOs ship with separate brackets for each platform. Here, one frame handles everything.

The fans arrive pre-installed and use a daisy-chain quick-connect system that eliminates most cable clutter. RAM clearance is not an issue. The CPU block doesn't overhang the DIMM slots, so even tall memory kits fit without conflict.

Software: functional but rough

EZ Display works. It's simple to load custom images and videos, and the repeat button lets you lock in a single background. But the interface feels unfinished. You can't disable or remove the four preset images, which means they rotate into view unless you force a single custom background.

This isn't a dealbreaker, but it's the kind of polish issue that separates a good product from a great one. MSI could fix it with a software update. Whether they will remains unclear.

What's in the box?

• 360mm radiator with pre-installed 120mm fans
• Universal mounting hardware for AMD and Intel platforms
• Aesthetic cover for mounting hardware
• Thermal paste tube
• 2.1-inch IPS display module

The packaging is more colorful than typical AIO boxes, but the internals use standard molded foam and cardboard. Everything arrived protected in Tom's Hardware's testing sample.

Should you buy the MSI MPG Coreliquid P22 360?

If you want an LCD screen on your cooler without spending $200 or more, this is the obvious choice. The thermal performance handles enthusiast-class chips, noise levels stay reasonable, and the five-year warranty provides peace of mind.

The software needs work, and some Reddit users on r/buildapc have flagged long-term reliability questions about the pump-in-radiator design. Evaporation over years could theoretically reduce liquid levels. That's a concern with all closed-loop AIOs, though, and MSI's warranty should cover any failures within the first five years.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What CPUs can the MSI MPG Coreliquid P22 360 handle?

Testing shows it can dissipate up to 287W, which covers AMD Ryzen 9 and Intel Core i9 processors without thermal throttling.

Does the P22 360 work with AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1851?

Yes. MSI includes a universal mounting frame compatible with AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, and LGA 1851 sockets.

How does the 540x540 display compare to other AIO screens?

It offers roughly four times the resolution of older 240x240 LCD panels and runs at 300 nits brightness.

What's included in the MSI P22 360 package?

A 360mm radiator with pre-installed fans, universal mounting hardware, an aesthetic cover, thermal paste, and the 2.1-inch display module.

Is the P22 360 software good?

It's functional but rough. EZ Display lets you add custom images and videos, but you can't remove the preset backgrounds from the rotation.

Source: Latest from Tom's Hardware