MSI MEG CoreLiquid S280, 280mm

Not only can you now basically build an all MSI system with the exception of the memory and the CPU. With MSI bringing out more and more cooling options you aren’t forced into one specific path. They have cooling options from budget coolers or on the other end of the spectrum coolers like the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S280 with a large LCD screen on it and options in between. The CoreLiquid S280 takes a relatively standard OEM dual 140mm cooler design and adds on a 2.4-inch screen on top, a VRM cooling fan on top of the pump, and higher-end non-RGB fans. It’s kind of an interesting combination really, most companies who have been adding screens on their coolers have been going with fancy RGB fans but MSI with the CoreLiquid S280 is clearly targeting the same crowd as the ROG Ryujin which has a similar but larger top screen, the integrated pump fan, and Noctua fans. It is a good balance as well in my opinion, cooling is important and so is noise, at least for me. In my personal builds, I don’t need RGB fans, but I do like having some customization that the integrated screen can offer.

I will be looking at MSI's MEG CORELIQUID S280 all-in-one liquid cooler in today's review. Like the MPG CORELIQUID K240, this offering does have an LCD screen on the pump. Additionally, there is an extra built-in fan to improve airflow to the area around the socket. However, it does away with the traditional ARGB lighting that has become a must-have inclusion in almost every product on the market. For some, that will be a nice change of pace. Other than that, it is your standard mixed metal closed-loop liquid cooler featuring a 280 mm aluminium radiator, two 140 mm fans, and a copper CPU block with a pump. With so much in common with other designs on the market, let's take a deeper look at what MSI offers with this latest release.

MSI’s MEG series represents the company’s highest tier, enthusiast-grade products, with the Coreliquid S280 sitting as the most feature-rich 280 mm All-In-One CPU cooler MSI has to offer. At its heart is an Asetek pump with a 2.4″ customizable IPS display and two MEG Silent Gale P14 140 mm fans paired with the 30 mm thick 280 mm radiator. First, let’s look at the many features that set this cooler apart from the average All-In-One cooler.