Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro

[crazyeyesreaper]

Corsair looks to reassert their dominance in the all-in-one liquid cooler market with the launch of the H150i Pro. Taking the "go big or go home" approach, it packs an RGB pump block and 360 mm radiator. The cherry on top is the inclusion of Corsair's much vaunted ML series fans.

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[Assimilator]

While the ML fans are very performant and quiet, I don't think their inclusion justifies the extra $50 over the Fractal S36. That unit is a few degrees hotter and a few dBa louder, but it has that nifty fan hub on the radiator itself (and doesn't come with RGBling).

I don't see any specific mention of whether or not the fans included with this unit have LEDs or not. If not, it feels like a bit of a waste from Corsair's side; if you're gonna bling it up, why not go all the way?

 

[Ruru]

Damn, ML:s bundled! I have four of those on my Eisbaer 240, and they just rock.

 

[BadFrog]

Is okay.... waiting to see what the new ex-ekwb executives will bring to the table for Corsair that were hired just a few months ago.

 

[DanteAlighieri]

Another asetek unit..

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

get your RGB on!

 

[mgstraze]

I find Corsair Link's cpu usage a bit high for a background application. Been reinstalling it from time to time to see if anything improved. Wondering if this is model related. What are your impressions on this about H150i Pro?

 

[Ruru]

I find Corsair Link's cpu usage a bit high for a background application. Been reinstalling it from time to time to see if anything improved. Wondering if this is model related. What are your impressions on this about H150i Pro?

I had H100i like 3 years ago and didn't see anything special. Good old i7 920 @ 4GHz back in the day. Maybe you have something else installed which causes conflicts with Corsair Link which uses CPU?

 

[xkm1948]

I wonder when will TPU review the new EKWB MLC. Seeing the Predator 280 still sits on top.

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

I wonder when will TPU review the new EKWB MLC. Seeing the Predator 280 still sits on top.

I would gladly look at one but at $260 for a 240mm + cpu block its a bit pricey. I will look into for the future but don't hold your breath.

While the ML fans are very performant and quiet, I don't think their inclusion justifies the extra $50 over the Fractal S36. That unit is a few degrees hotter and a few dBa louder, but it has that nifty fan hub on the radiator itself (and doesn't come with RGBling).

I don't see any specific mention of whether or not the fans included with this unit have LEDs or not. If not, it feels like a bit of a waste from Corsair's side; if you're gonna bling it up, why not go all the way?

The pump block is the only RGB component. For future reference if it lights up it will have photos in the Finished looks page. I only show off what actually lights up.

I find Corsair Link's cpu usage a bit high for a background application. Been reinstalling it from time to time to see if anything improved. Wondering if this is model related. What are your impressions on this about H150i Pro?

I didn't notice high CPU usage but overall I am not a huge fan of software applications they can be useful for sure but my biggest gripe with Corsair link is its cluttered and feels ancient. Generally speaking it feels unnecessary except for the RGB functionality.

 

[Dave65]

Software is turning into bloatware, with all this RGB and fan and pump control, just getting to be to much IMO.

 

[Ravenas]

Corsair rebranding an Asetek is fine and all, but why not put effort in to programming your own software? This seems like Asetek's software with their branding slapped on it.

 

[mgstraze]

I had H100i like 3 years ago and didn't see anything special. Good old i7 920 @ 4GHz back in the day. Maybe you have something else installed which causes conflicts with Corsair Link which uses CPU?

Just MSI Afterburner to fit a custom curve to gpu fans, shouldn't interfere with Corsair since it has its own driver to report and uses internal temp sensor for fan control. Maybe my H110i can only use internal temp sensor for that.

Btw yes latest version seems to be ok with default settings (even with bloaty "debug logging to hard drive" options turned on, why would that be on by default anyways). Probably i had something else messing with it at that time.

Now i ask myself why didn't i just plug those radiator fans to MB and use anything i want if i wanted more freedom of control.

 

[Ruru]

Corsair rebranding an Asetek is fine and all, but why not put effort in to programming your own software? This seems like Asetek's software with their branding slapped on it.

Maybe kids would think that it's cool that it's Corsair's software instead of Asetek's.

 

[hapkiman]

I've been using my Corsair H115i for over a year now WITHOUT the Corsair Link sw. Used the sw for about a week and uninstalled it. I never looked back. Thought it was buggy from the get-go. The cooler is outstanding though and the fans can be controlled through a fan controller or the mobo's BIOS. I have been very impressed with the H115i so I can imagine the H150i is crazy good providing you can fit it in your case. I look forward to seeing more of this H150i cooler, just hope the price drops about $40 bucks over the next few months.

Thanks for the review.

 

[Ravenas]

I've been using my Corsair H115i for over a year now WITHOUT the Corsair Link sw. Used the sw for about a week and uninstalled it. I never looked back. Thought it was buggy from the get-go. The cooler is outstanding though and the fans can be controlled through a fan controller or the mobo's BIOS. I have been very impressed with the H115i so I can imagine the H150i is crazy good providing you can fit it in your case. I look forward to seeing more of this H150i cooler, just hope the price drops about $40 bucks over the next few months.

Thanks for the review.

I am considering a Corsair cooler for my next build because I completely trust Asetek designs (i.e. my current cooler listed in my system specifications)... Question for you regarding the cooler... Does it have complete functionality regarding the fans through your BIOS? I don't care for the software distributed by Asetek because it's really not their strong suite.

 

[hapkiman]

I can control the fans but the pump on runs at one set speed. But it's not noisy or noticeable to me at all. But I realize that complete silence is a thing for some people. But its not bad at all.

It really does a fine job and is a well made product.

 

[Mighty-Lu-Bu]

I just wish your guys' reviews were more consistent. For example, you knocked points off this review saying that "RGB is the current fad", but when something doesn't have RGB you knock points off for not having RGB.

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

I just wish your guys' reviews were more consistent. For example, you knocked points off this review saying that "RGB is the current fad", but when something doesn't have RGB you knock points off for not having RGB.

Who said I took points off for that? Your applying your own views.

I list the RGB aspect in both as it cancels out. In some situation it will not cancel out because your unable to disable said LEDs or the software / hardware features may not work well and that will be talked about in said review. Rather than focusing on bullet points read the conclusion. Only so much info can be gleaned by a couple words after a bullet point.

That said, some people like the feature others detest it. In some cases like here you end up paying a high price for LED functionality and some nicer fans. Someone may prefer corsair to other companies but the RGB may be ugly and cost prohibitive $160+ vs a typical non RGB 360 mm AIO at $120-130

bullet points alone do not result in a score on its own. They are simply a list of the more recognizable pros or cons.

Simple fact most people on these forums seem to hate the RGB fad however industry wide its helping selling products thus why its popular. It is a Pro and a Con depending on the consumer.

 

[Mighty-Lu-Bu]

That was a very good breakdown and it makes a lot more sense now.

Thanks!