High-priced throwback: MSI's 2016 Core Frozr L CPU air cooler now on sale at Amazon for a whopping $5,340, originally retailing for a mere $50.
In an unusual turn of events, the MSI Core Frozr L, an air cooler launched in 2016 with an original MSRP of around $50, is currently listed on Amazon for a staggering price of over $5,000. This pricing anomaly is due to algorithmic or marketplace pricing glitches rather than actual demand or value, as highlighted by various reports [1][5].
The Core Frozr L was designed to cool 6th to 9th generation Intel Core CPUs and AMD Ryzen 5000-series processors, with a stated heat dissipation capacity of around 200W. However, it is not recommended for current high-performance CPUs, as it may not provide adequate cooling efficiency or compatibility, especially compared to modern air or AIO coolers [1].
Modern coolers like the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 mm, priced under $125, outperform older models like the Core Frozr L in thermal management and noise levels, making the Core Frozr L outdated for contemporary enthusiast or gaming builds [1][2].
MSI itself has signalled the Core Frozr L's obsolescence with the release of its new air cooler, the MAG Core Frozr AA13, in 2025. This new model brings updated designs, better heat pipe counts, improved mounting mechanisms, and presumably better performance to support newer, higher TDP processors [3].
In summary, the $5,000+ price for the Core Frozr L on Amazon is not indicative of its performance or current value. The Core Frozr L is nearly a decade old and intended for older CPUs, likely underperforming against modern high-TDP gaming CPUs like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D [1]. New, affordable coolers dramatically outperform it in cooling efficiency and noise control [2]. MSI's release of the MAG Core Frozr AA13 in 2025 further marks the Core Frozr L as obsolete [3].
For up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews on PC components, readers can follow Tom's Hardware on Google News. If you're interested in a comparison of a 10-year-old cooler design with a modern gaming CPU, the MSI Core Frozr L is still available for purchase on Amazon, directly shipped from the marketplace [4]. However, it is essential to consider its outdated nature and limited compatibility with current high-performance CPUs.
[1] Tom's Hardware
[2] TechRadar
[3] AnandTech
[4] Amazon
[5] Ars Technica
Technology has made significant strides since the MSI Core Frozr L was launched in 2016, and now modern gadgets like the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 mm outperform older coolers like the Core Frozr L in thermal management and noise levels, making the Core Frozr L less competitive in the market of contemporary air coolers. Despite its high-priced listing on Amazon, the Core Frozr L is an outdated cooling solution compared to newer designs, as highlighted by various reports and reviews.
