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To test the performance of the Corsair H100 and H100i, we built a powerful Z77 based system to push the cooler to its limits. It features an Intel Core i7-3770K which was overclocked to 4.7 GHz using a core voltage of 1.3 V.
We tested each unit with both the quiet and high performance edition SP120 fans in push and push-pull configurations, as well as with the stock fans in push configurations.
Test System
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3770K
- Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX
- Memory: 8 GB Mushkin Blackline 1333 MHz
- Thermal Paste: Arctic Cooling MX-2
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 7950
- Graphics Card (noise tests): HIS Radeon HD 5550 Silence
Software
- Prime 95 (64-bit)
- CPUID Hardware Monitor
- Corsair Link V2.2.0
That is quite a lot of testing Henry, much appreciated. Very useful too. I might get 4 of the quiet fans after christmas. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too!!
Excelent review! I was wondering the difference in performing between these two Corsair. This is much more that I was looking for. Thanks! Now I know which one to buy and what coolers have to go with it.
Great review Henry!:)
Question though, when you say “Performance” regarding the stock H100i fans, does that mean you have it set to “performance” mode in the Corsair Link software? If so, those RPMs on that mode are only around 16xx, if you put them on ‘maximum’ they are around 2600 RPMs. I usually have mine on “maximum” because I want the best cooling I can get, but after reading this, should I just keep them on “Performance”?
I just replaced the stock fans on my H100i with SP120 Quiet Editions, and now my cpu pump led is constantly changing colour – even though I have it set to change on colour temperature. It seems to have thrown out the H100i’s ability to monitor the cpu temp accurately. Is this a known issue? As I’m tempted to go back to the stock fans. It might be because the SP120 has a 3 pin tail, rather than a 4 pin one?
Air Series SP120 High Performance Edition will only spin at very high speed on the h100i at 1600rpm lowest so they are hard to control and keep quite. I had to connect them to mobo headers.