Introduction

It feels like forever since we had a new generation of CPU blocks and, thanks to Intel going with a new socket for its mainstream CPU line, I have seen PC DIY watercooling companies release new products that merited a new roundup. This review series began with the EK-Quantum Velocity², and today we examine the CORSAIR Hydro X Series XC7 RGB PRO that I will henceforth refer to simply as CORSAIR Hydro XC7 RGB PRO for convenience.


The original CORSAIR Hydro XC7 RGB was a more budget-friendly option to the older Hydro XC9 RGB. Since then the company has decided to use 5 and 7 numbers for its CPU blocks to bring them on par with the radiators too, and thus we now have the XC5 RGB PRO for AMD and the XC7 RGB PRO for both Intel and AMD. This PRO version builds upon the older block by having a larger cold plate and active heat transfer area, in addition to ensuring support for Intel's LGA 1700 platform that we will be using today. I will also note that this very block was previously covered briefly on the LGA 1151 platform before so this is a redux with more details and updated testing. It comes in three colors—black, white, and silver—with the silver version used for the thumbnail and the black version provided kindly by CORSAIR to TechPowerUp for this review, which begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below!

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

Packaging for the CORSAIR Hydro XC7 RGB PRO block is in line with other recent CORSAIR Hydro X Series products, with a yellow and black cardboard box wrapped in plastic. On the front is the company logo and product name, along with a render of the block to show you how it looks. CORSAIR's iCUE is also supported here and I appreciate the CPU compatibility being listed on the front for those opting to purchase a CPU block in a brick and mortar store. On the back is another render with the block now lit up to show off its RGB prowess and then we get more marketing features in multiple languages. Side flaps help keep the contents in place during transit and a sticker here also confirms the exact SKU inside.


Open the box to reveal a 2-piece plastic clamshell that holds the various items of interest in separate molded compartments. CORSAIR also provides paperwork on top, in the form of a handy user manual going over the package contents, and installation methods on various supported CPU platforms. This is an increasingly rare occurrence, most competitors go with QR codes and online manuals and I still think that's expecting a lot of users, forcing them to use a second PC/smartphone to access the manuals. There's also a warranty policy guide here for those interested.


The Hydro XC7 RGB PRO is flexible on CPU compatibility, thus we get also an AMD mounting bracket in the box with installation hardware pre-attached on the corners. There is also an Intel backplate with specific locations marked for the locking nuts to be positioned at, depending on whether you will be cooling a CPU on the LGA 1200 or LGA 1700 platform and an insulating film to prevent the metal plate from shorting out the PCB. The block itself comes with the Intel mounting bracket already installed and with a plastic cover on the back to protect the pre-applied thermal paste too—CORSAIR goes a long way to make the installation as user-friendly as possible while still retaining support for other CPUs too! Lastly, we get an adapter cable to allow for CORSAIR's RGB connector to go to a standard 3-pin, 5 V DC addressable RGB header on your motherboard or standalone LED controller.