Introduction and First Impressions

We look at the latest version of the venerable H100 AiO CPU cooler

Corsair’s Hydro Series H100 all-in-one liquid cooler has been a mainstay on the market for years now, with iterative updates to add features such as software integration. With this new H100i PRO, now joining the ranks of the existing H115i PRO and H150i PRO, the venerable cooler has again been revised, and this time RGB lighting is featured – though a subtle integration.

“The CORSAIR Hydro Series H100i PRO is an all-in-one RGB liquid CPU cooler with a 240mm radiator built for low-noise cooling performance and bold styling with an RGB LED pump head. Two included 120mm ML Series magnetic levitation PWM fans provide great airflow and static pressure, with a wide PWM speed control range between 400 RPM and 2,400 RPM.

Powerful CORSAIR iCUE software lets you customize RGB lighting, monitor temperatures and precisely adjust fan speeds, or stop fans entirely with the H100i’s Zero RPM fan mode. Easy to install and compatible with most major CPU sockets, the H100i makes it easy to cool your system in silence and style.”

The RGB lighting effect can be adjusted to any color using the iCUE software


Specifications from Corsair:

  • Coldplate Material: Copper
  • Tubing Material: Low permeation with black sleeving
  • Radiator Material: Aluminum
  • Radiator Size: 276mm x 120mm x 27mm
  • Fan(s) included: 2x ML Series 120mm PWM Fans
  • Fan Max Speed: 2400 RPM
  • Fan Airflow: 75 CFM
  • Fan Static Pressure: 4.2 mm-H2O
  • Fan Noise Level: 37 dB(A)

Pricing and Availability:

First Impressions

First a quick look at packaging:

The last 240 mm Corsair cooler I reviewed was the H100i GTX way back in 2015, and in appearance and feel there are noticeable differences with the new H100i PRO.

Most obvious among these changes is the new water block/pump assembly design, which features RGB lighting effects.

The cooler offers pre-applied thermal paste behind a protective plastic guard

The fans are also different and feature magnetic levitation bearings, and there is a new zero-RPM fan mode to eliminate fan noise at low CPU temps.

The hoses are more pliable – a welcome change as the H100i GTX hosed were very stiff and at times frustrating to install in cramped cases, and the radiator has a simplified frame and single printed logo.

The cables attached to the pump assembly include a SATA power connector, 3-pin CPU fan cable, and dual 4-pin PWM Y-cable for the included 120 mm fans.

Looking over the included hardware we see that the retention system is unchanged, and you will still be using the familiar black plastic rear bracket for Intel LGA 115x processors, though the AMD bracket has a new design and supports Ryzen out of the box (with ThreadRipper requiring an optional bracket accessory from Corsair).

On the next page we’ll see how the cooler performed and check out the RGB lighting and software control.

Review Terms and Disclosure
All Information as of the Date of Publication
How product was obtained: The product is on loan from Corsair for the purpose of this review.
What happens to the product after review: The product remains the property of Corsair but is on extended loan for future testing and product comparisons.
Company involvement: Corsair had no control over the content of the review and was not consulted prior to publication.
PC Perspective Compensation: Neither PC Perspective nor any of its staff were paid or compensated in any way by XX for this review.
Advertising Disclosure: Corsair has purchased advertising at PC Perspective during the past twelve months.
Affiliate links: This article contains affiliate links to online retailers. PC Perspective may receive compensation for purchases through those links.
Consulting Disclosure: Corsair is not a current client of Shrout Research for products or services related to this review. 
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