When the mainstream brands started getting into custom watercooling a few years ago, I was skeptical about how it would end up. Some chose to simply re-badge existing products, others used multiple OEMs initially before eventually going exclusive with a factory for their designs, yet others kept tinkering with the design until something either worked out or they gave up. Interestingly, the mainstream brands have mostly all continued to develop their DIY liquid cooling product portfolio whereas many of the niche brands that only worked in this field have stopped operating. Phanteks is an example of a mainstream brand that is known for its cases primarily but it has evolved into adding on PSUs, coolers, fans, and of course liquid cooling products including CPU blocks.

The Glacier C370I released in mid-2023 is an interesting CPU block. The design language and cooling engine have many things in common with the older C350i I reviewed in 2018, perhaps simply a sign of Phanteks being already happy with the base feature set for a passive product such as water blocks. We still have a product that goes for separate Intel and AMD CPU platform compatibility, which can be a positive or negative point depending on how you see it. On one hand, it can allow Phanteks to made more specific cold plate designs—I have not tested the AMD version to confirm this—allowing for increased thermal performance similar to the likes of EKWB with its Velocity line. On the other, it does mean you will have to get a whole new block if you switch to a different camp in the absence of any conversion kits or separately sold components. It's not a deal breaker in itself, especially since the pricing is fairly tame for these blocks, but still something to consider. Do note that there are less expensive blocks out there if you are willing to look towards China (Barrow/Bykski) or even older blocks from the likes of Alphacool, CORSAIR, and Thermaltake. I can only speak for blocks that have been tested here though.

The block top continues to be clear acrylic with aluminium covers although now we see a white body option that looks quite nice too. The POM body integrates LEDs, the mounting bracket, and the jet plate too while using screws to secure the top and the nickel-plated cold plate underneath. It's a relatively simple design that doesn't end up shattering any performance records but does the job enough for the asking price. Those who want something better performing can look at more complex cooling engines from the specialized companies such as Alphacool and EKWB again. For $90/100, I can certainly see people picking the Glacier C370I—especially if it is easier to purchase in countries where the niche brands are less likely to operate.