Cooler Master, a leader in design and manufacturing computer components and peripherals, today launched an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler that doesn't look like a liquid cooler. According to Cooler Master, it skirts the divide between liquid and air cooling by combining properties from both. Let's get one thing straight - it is an all-in-one (AIO) closed loop liquid cooler. Mostly. What Cooler Master has done is shrink it down by combining the radiator and pump into a single frame. This frame and two dual fans are attached to a swiveling mechanism that allows you to quickly swap between vertical or horizontal mounting configurations. This versatility gives this unusual cooler a number of unique functions for smaller PCs and air flow set ups.

"It has dimensions similar to an air cooler, but it packs a punch for its size that air coolers can't match. And it rotates. It's like if you somehow jacked up a mid-sized tower CPU cooler's performance and versatility without changing its size," said Dorrie Chen, Product Marketing Manager for Cooler Master's thermal team. Liquid and air CPU coolers are always fighting.Physics has granted liquid the advantage, but channeling that power requires an array of parts that ask for room and can intimidate even the bravest PC builder. Never mind the CPU's surrounding components that are left to fend for themselves. If you don't draw in air from somewhere else, the stagnant heat could impact overall system performance and lifespan.

Rather than approach the problem with existing AIO liquid cooler designs, Cooler Master just tossed them out and came up with a new angle. Combine the pump and radiator, shrink the size, trim the tubing and wiring, and suspend everything right over the water block on the CPU. This gives you the compact form factor and ease of installation reminiscent of a mid-sized air cooler with the performance of a smaller liquid cooler. Fit it onto anything from ITX to E-ATX motherboards while freeing up space for smaller cases or tighter layouts.

Rotating the radiator and dual fans has two advantages - space and air flow. If you have a narrower case for smaller motherboards, flip into horizontal mode and it still fits without blocking any of your RAM or PCI slots, even on ITX. The MasterFan Pro 92mm fans in this position will blanket the motherboard with cool air, benefiting the components surrounding your CPU. Mounted vertically, you have a tower cooler pulling air through your case. This flexible functionality is something yet unseen in either liquid or air cooling.

Register for Limited Pre-Orders
Cooler Master will be offering a very limited supply of pre-orders on Aug. 30. Click here for details on how to sign up.

For more information, visit the product page.