CONCLUSION

   The Predator line of expandable AIO liquid CPU coolers combined impressive cooling efficiency with superior build quality so EK Waterblocks had their job cut out for them when they decided to replace it with the Phoenix MLC. Of course if you’ve read our Predator reviews then you should know that although the Phoenix MLC is very similar (same PE radiator and SPC pump) it does have some differences including the new Vardar EVO fans (although performance is on par with the non-EVO version), plastic tube holders instead of silver aluminum fittings, EK-ZMT sleeved tubes instead of EK-ZMT regular ones, newly designed waterblock (although still based on their Supremacy line – unfortunately AMD compatibility is limited) and a slightly different expansion/modular system (for optimal performance when adding a GPU waterblock). Unfortunately just like with the Predator series (240/360mm models) the Vardar fans paired with the Phoenix are quite loud at full speed (the pump is not what we'd call inaudible either) so this is obviously not an AIO aimed towards people who are looking for something almost inaudible.

   The EK-MLC Phoenix 360 Core module is currently available directly from EK Waterblocks for 197.94Euros, the CPU Cooling Module is available for 69.77Euros (62.47Euros for the Threadripper module) and the GPU module for NVIDIA GTX/Titan X cards is available for 130.20Euros (140.63Euros for the AMD Vega module). This means that even with just the CPU module alone the EK-MLC Phoenix 360 will set you back roughly 270Euros while by also adding the GPU module the price will increase to around 400Euros. This of course is the single serious drawback of the EK-MLC Phoenix 360 and although it’s still cheaper than a high-end custom water cooling kit its primary target audience is still enthusiasts, overclockers and professionals. At the end of the day EK Waterblocks has released yet another top AIO liquid cooling system and although it’s far from affordable thanks to its performance and expandability similar to that of custom water cooling kits it gets our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Top Of The Line Cooling Efficiency
- CPU & GPU Cooling Modules (Expandable)
- Powerful EK-SPC 60A pump (450 l/h)
- SATA Power Connector
- Quick Disconnect Coupling
- Sleeved Tubes

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Limited AMD Support (AM4 and sTR4 Sockets)
- Noise Levels (Full Speed)