Corsair Hydro H105 CPU Cooler Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. The Corsair Hydro H1054. Installing the Corsair H1055. Testing Methodology and Overclocking6. Thermal Performance7. Acoustic Performance8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

Corsair haven't strayed from their standard design, consisting of a 240 mm radiator which is connected to a CPU block with an integrated pump.

This particular model is based on an Asetek OEM design, which is slightly different to the CoolIT Systems models such as the H80i and H100i. This means that this particular model doesn't include Corsair Link, making it perfect for those users who want to use fixed speed fans or their own external fan controller.

As we mentioned earlier on in the review, the factor which differentiates the H105 from the competition is the increased thickness of its radiator.  It measures 38 mm thick, meaning it is around 50% thicker than most competing models. This should theoretically let it transfer heat more efficiently, leading to cooler temperatures.

This may compromise the compatibility with some chassis, though, and we would certainly recommend ensuring that your case has enough headroom above the motherboard before a purchase.

With the fans attached, it will need around 65 mm of clearance between the top of the motherboard and case.  This would increase to around 90 mm if you intend to use a push-pull fan configuration.

Like the Corsair Hydro H75 that we reviewed a while ago, the H105 features a circular copper CPU block which is pre-applied with thermal paste to facilitate installation.

We replaced this with our own for testing. This will ensure that our thermal results are consistent with other coolers we have tested previously.

As with most all-in-one liquid CPU coolers these days, the pump is integrated in the CPU block.  This isn't immediately obvious, though, as it is remarkably low profile considering.

In fact, it would barely overshadow low-profile memory, although the coolant tubes do require a little more space.

The integrated pump is powered via a 3-pin fan header, although we would recommend attaching this straight to your power supply rather than your motherboard to ensure a consistent voltage.

Corsair have clearly thought about the audience who like to colour co-ordinate their system.  Even though the black design will fit in with most colours, they have included a set of replacement rings for the CPU block which can easily be interchanged to change the appearance.

The replacement rings are red and blue, or you can simply leave the more subtle grey one which is preinstalled.  The Corsair logo in the top of the CPU block is illuminated in white, which shouldn't be offensive to any colour scheme.

The H105 is supplied with two Corsair SP120L PWM fans, which we believe are some of the best stock fans that you're likely to get with a cooler.

They share the same basic design with Corsair SP120 Quiet and Performance edition fans although they don't offer the same interchangeable rings. The SP120L fans are capable of spinning between 800 and 2700 RPM, generating airflow of 73 CFM, while emitting noise @ 37.7 dBa.

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