The Corsair H150i Pro RGB AIO Cooler Review: The Quiet Giant
by E. Fylladitakis on August 16, 2018 8:00 AM ESTThermal Resistance VS Sound Pressure Level
During our thermal resistance vs. sound pressure level test, we maintain a steady 100W thermal load and assess the overall performance of the coolers by taking multiple temperature and sound pressure level readings within the operating range of the stock cooling fans. The result is a graph that depicts the absolute thermal resistance of the cooler in comparison to the noise generated. For both the sound pressure level and absolute thermal resistance readings, lower figures are better.
This graph clearly reveals the strength of Corsair's H150i Pro RGB, which is the delivery of good thermal performance at very low noise levels. Coolers that match the noise levels of the H150i Pro RGB deliver significantly inferior thermal performance, whereas coolers that can offer the same levels of thermal performance are significantly louder. The only product that can match the thermal performance of the H150i Pro RGB at low noise levels is Alphacool's massive Cool Answer 360 kit, a much larger and greatly more expensive product. One can also notice that the H150i Pro RGB reacts poorly to high fan speeds, with the noise figures increasing significantly for a minimal impact on the cooler's thermal performance.
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FireSnake - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
Nice review, thanks!Orange14 - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
So I can pay over $150 for a liquid cooler that will not out perform top of the line air coolers that are half the price or less. This is the height of madness.mkaibear - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
That's not entirely true - there's still a measurable and significant (>10%) difference between this and top end air coolers.Top end air coolers approach 0.1 C/W but this manages 0.07, for example.
It's not worth it to me, I'm happier with a high end air cooler every time - but for those who like running their systems on the edge for whatever reason there is a difference.
qlum - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
from what I understand tower coolers can start to rise in resistance when the the load exceeds the capacity of the heatpipes. Until that point they can be fine. They also depend more on the case than aio's.Or at leadt so I heard.
Gasaraki88 - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
Really? You got all that from this review?Stuka87 - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
In my experience to get a standard heat/sink fan cooler to beat an AIO you have to run them at very high fan speeds which also makes them very loud. Plus the AIO's get the heat out of the case, instead of just pushing it around inside. I switched to an H100i 4 years ago and it has been flawless. You can't hardly hear it running, and keeps my 4.5GHz 4690K plenty cool (In the 40's most of the time). If you are going to come here and make claims, its best to have data to back up what you are saying.Orange14 - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
There is alot of data collated over on Overclock.net Most of the issues seen with overheating are a function of inadequate airflow irrespective of whether one uses an AIO or air cooler. Air coolers don't face pump failure with is an issue with AIOs. Large twin fan air coolers run quiet. The one thing AIOs have is that they don't put stress on the MB which is only an issue with shipping computers. For those are DIY builders there should be no difference between AIOs and air coolers if they properly address case airflow.Shlong - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
I have an AIO (generic Asetek 120mm) that I purchased 8 years ago in 2011 for an i7 2600K and it's still working fine. I purchased 3 more since then from Corsair, NZXT and haven't had any issues yet. The systems run quietly when fans would usually be noisy at full load and the ambient temperature in the case is lower.Shlong - Thursday, August 16, 2018 - link
7* not 8*Icehawk - Saturday, August 18, 2018 - link
Ditto, have an H80 on a 3770 from 6-7 years ago runs perfectly and silently with a good O/C. Got another one for my 8700 and it’s not quite as silent but better than a tower would be. Cost is the main thing and I can afford the price differential.