A Closer Look

The radiator has a square design with no indents or accents other than the Corsair name and logo on the side in silver. Taking a closer look at the radiator itself, I found no bent fins or other quality control issues. Simply put, it was clean and 100% functional, which is as it should be. It has a measured FPI (fins-per-inch) of 21, which is rather dense, but par the course for Asetek-based units. The tubing, much like on the H150i PRO, is sleeved, giving it a nicer appearance than the plain black rubber tubing. It is also a huge improvement over the ugly corrugated offerings still used by a some of Corsair's competitors.


Much like its larger sibling, the H100i PRO uses the same pump. It is quite small and lightweight in regards to its design when compared to some of the hulking offerings some of the competition is using. The pump also features a gray aluminium accent that goes around the RGB LED illuminated logo and ties it in with the silver logo on the radiator. The wiring is placed between the two swivel fittings on the block. Meanwhile, the Corsair link/iCUE software control is enabled via the USB port on the other side. In regards to the copper cold plate, it comes with thermal paste pre-applied, as is the norm for a Corsair liquid cooler. Removing said thermal paste shows the cold plate to be quite smooth. While some very light machining marks are visible, they were not noticeable to the touch.


Corsair is of course using their high quality magnetic levitation fans on this unit as well. Specifications show a PWM range of 400–2400 and a maximum CFM of 75.

Installation

Installing the Corsair H100i PRO is rather easy and begins with securing the backplate to the motherboard with the proper standoffs.


If you're using the pre-applied thermal paste, just position the cooler in place and secure it with the Phillips head thumb screws. Otherwise, apply your preferred thermal paste and then mount the pump.


Next, secure the radiator to the chassis to then install the fans once it is mounted.


Finally, connect all the various wires and Corsair Link cable.

The Hydro Series H100i PRO is relatively easy to install, and I would rate it an 8 on a scale of 1 (hardest) to 10 (easiest) in terms of installation. The only thing I dislike, having worked with two of these units, is how the mounting plates attach to the pump. It's a simple twist and lock mechanism. I myself prefer mounting hardware that is firmly attached as the current mounting bracket design can pop free of the pump. Granted, it's a rare, but is still an unexpected annoyance if it happens.

Finished Looks

The H100i PRO keeps the same black and gray color scheme of its larger sibling, which, when paired with the smaller pump design and square radiator, results in a clean and attractive design. While it does have RGB LEDs built into the pump block, they can be turned off via software if you are not a fan of that particular feature. Otherwise, load up the iCUE software and pick your favorite color.


Like most all-in-one liquid coolers, clearance around the socket is perfect. The Hydro Series H100i PRO does not conflict with graphics cards or cause memory clearance issues on the test bench.


As can been seen, making the Corsair H100i PRO match any system theme is not a problem. Any color imaginable is available due to the RGB LEDs and Corsair Link/iCUE software.