The EKWB MLC Phoenix 360 offers near closed-loop cooler simplicity while being upgradeable. Configured with components based on offerings EK sells in DIY kits or as separate components, it's essentially an easy-mode custom water loop. As such, performance is, simply put, best in class. Without going full-on custom watercooling, you are unlikely to find better cooling performance. Turning the fans down to 50% PWM still has the Phoenix 360 tie the other closed-loop coolers while being much quieter in the process.

Build quality is very good with no fit or finish problems, and installation was simply a breeze. Clearance around the socket and graphics card is just fine, with no impact on the memory height or blocking of any DIMM slots. Meanwhile, GPUs clear just fine as well. All in all, it's well built and works great. With its QDC fittings, it's even easily upgradeable. In terms of any coolant spillage, there was none to speak of because of the fittings in my case. This applied to both the removal of the balloon plugs when connecting the two modules and when disconnecting everything.

However, a few issues are unavoidable. First, for maximum performance on a heavily overclocked 8700k, the system was loud at 2200 RPM. While the pump is also audible, it tends to quieten down significantly after running for awhile. Pump speed did not have to be anywhere near its maximum to maintain the best-possible temperatures, but the fans are very loud, with the entire kit topping 51 dBA when at full tilt, which is simply not acceptable considering the high price. Users more willing to actually do it themselves can build or buy a kit for less that performs better and is quieter. However, the real issue is that the quieter competition still gets the job done for a whole lot less. Meaning, the EK-MLC Phoenix doesn't fair as well in terms of price to performance. The two-year warranty also feels short, but considering installation, customization, and expansion is up to the end user, such is to be expected. it still feels short compared to some closed-loop offerings all the same.

There is also the fact that unlike the Predator kits, the all-new Phoenix modular liquid-cooling systems use barb and clamp fittings rather than the nickel-plated compression fittings, which makes no difference in terms of performance, but does leave this kit feeling a bit cheaper and less friendly to customization as nicer fittings are out of the question since said barb fittings are built in. The tubing, depending on the chassis being used, may also prove to be a bit too long. However, I did not find it to be a serious problem this time around. Overall, and given its price, the Phoenix kit seems better-suited to those looking to go for full-loop liquid cooling without the hassle. For CPU cooling only, there are better price/performance closed-loop coolers.

My only other thoughts come down to the differences between the Predator and Phoenix systems. While QDC fittings are not for everyone and have their limitations, they do allow EKWB to offer custom liquid cooling to the masses in a quick, pre-filled format. There is no draining or real work involved; just install the blocks, attach everything, and you are good to go. While the now EOL Predator with QDC fittings is capable of the same, it developed more than a few problems the Phoenix kits seem to have fixed. Even so, it doesn't have that premium off-the-shelf feel. In its place are ease-of-use and a simplified expansion, which you will end up paying a steep price for.

I will make one thing clear: While it does outperform all coolers tested, it does so while being very loud. However, dropping the PWM signal to 50% still has the EK-MLC Phoenix 360 tying or beating all tested closed-loop coolers with a noise level of just 39 dBA. So, with a tweaked PWM profile in the BIOS, this kit does in fact offer a better performance-to-noise ratio than the other closed-loop coolers. Do I recommend the EK-MLC Pheonix 360? Yes, I do even though its appeal is limited to a niche market I am happy to see EKWB cater to, as other watercooling vendors seem to avoid it, though there is definite potential here.

Overall, the EK-MLC Phoenix is definitely worth a look if you want an easily and readily expandable liquid-cooling system, especially if you plan to liquid cool your graphics card.