Packaging and Accessories

I received one of 50 special kits sent in two boxes, one of which contained a Pelican case which had custom-fit foam around the core components of CORSAIR's Hydro X series—the CPU block, GPU block(s), and reservoir/pump unit. I figured TechPowerUp readers might be interested in seeing this, but note that retail units will be sold individually as seen below.


CORSAIR has adopted a black and yellow color scheme for most of their new products, DIY or otherwise, and the Hydro X Series XC9 (simply XC9 henceforth) water block is no exception. The packaging gets a plastic cover, and a matte cardboard wrap helps with aesthetics and information alike, especially given the retail channels these will be stocked in. On the front is the company and product name, a printed render of the block with the LEDs in action, and the CPU socket compatibility list to ensure no buyer's regret on that front. Marketing features and specifications greet us on the back and sides, and in multiple languages as well.


Single flaps and seals on the top and bottom help keep the contents inside in place, and opening either side helps access them. I appreciate that CORSAIR has gone with a closed two-layer plastic clamshell for the primary components, which results in them arriving in top condition. Inside the box, we also find a handy quick-start guide (online copy here), again in multiple languages, as well as a warranty notice. Do go through the guide if this is your first time with a custom watercooling loop. CORSAIR has done a good job of keeping it user friendly.


There are really only two other products to look at here, which takes us back to the user-friendly nature of the XC9 water block. If you are using it with the AMD sTR4 CPU socket (Threadripper), the optional mounting bracket will be of interest to you. This, as with the Intel mounting bracket pre-installed, has mounting hardware already installed in the four corners to make things very easy when it comes to installation (more on this in due time). Build quality is excellent here, and the attention to detail leaves me with no complaints and only praise thus far.