Corsair Hydro Series H100 Liquid CPU Cooler Review

We recently witnessed first hand the amount of performance, features and customizability that the CoolIT and Corsair partnership could bring to the table with their all new H80 liquid CPU cooler. With very little room left for improvement on their single fan radiator design, it came as no surprise that – unlike the H70 before it - the H80 wasn't actually meant to be Corsair's flagship model. That's where the H100 Extreme Performance CPU cooler comes into the equation.

Instead of trying for minor modifications to distinguish the High Performance branded H80 from the Extreme Performance H100, Corsair took a different approach and went straight for the brute force method of improving cooling potential. This was done by using a large dual height (240mm) radiator to exponentially improve upon heat dissipation. This all by itself should put the H100 into an entirely different performance (and price) bracket.

Naturally, by doubling radiator's length in the search for even more performance means that Corsair has somewhat moved away from the easy to install mantra that has graced past all in one coolers. This thing does indeed take up a ton of room and will not fit into some cases but will enthusiasts be able to overlook this and focus upon its performance? We certainly think so. On the flip side of that coin, first time water cooling buyers may also be daunted by the H100's price of about $110 but if it lives up to expectations, this could still be a less expensive option than going with a custom loop. So with that being said, let's see if the new H100 can hit all the right points and usher in a new era for all in one water cooling solutions.