What's new
  • Please do not post any links until you have 3 posts as they will automatically be rejected to prevent SPAM. Many words are also blocked due to being used in SPAM Messages. Thanks!

Corsair Hydro H110i GT CPU Cooler Review

SKYMTL

HardwareCanuck Review Editor
Staff member
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
12,840
Location
Montreal
When it was launched more than two years ago, Corsair’s original Hydro series H110 met the needs of a relatively narrow but expanding subset of users. Alongside the H90, its design focused on installation into cases that utilized 140mm fan mounts. The end result was a lineup that offered good performance and an installation process that was novice-friendly, though its target clientele were those who cared about extremely quiet acoustics. Since then the AIO market hasn’t changed all that much but the competition has heated up so Corsair is now launching the next generation of 140mm-compatible water cooling units. The first out of the gate is the Hydro Series H110i GT.

While fairly conservative in their approach to AIO design Corsair’s lineup has always featured models for nearly any scenario - and budget. Thanks to its massive radiator, excellent waterblock, and moderate fans the older H110 could still outperform many dual 120mm radiator based designs but its gearing towards low noise tended to stymie performance in some respects. As a result, newer models have been able to surpass it. For example, NZXT’s Kraken X60 and X61, Cooler Master’s Nepton 280L, and even the smaller, 240mm SilverStone Tundra TD02 were all able to compete against or even beat Corsair’s flagship. That’s about to change since the H110i GT is meant to retake the performance crown without sacrificing in other key areas.

intro.jpg


At CES 2015 Corsair announced three new models: a refreshed the H80i (called the H80i GTX) a new H100i - also now with the 'GTX' moniker and finally the H110i GT. In broad terms this new cooler is very similar to the H110 it replaces since once again it uses a 280mm radiator design and a waterblock-mounted pump but this is where the similarities end. Instead of using Asetek as their OEM of choice, Corsair is leveraging their partnership with CoolIT this time around. This leads to updated tubing, easier to install magnetic mounting brackets, improved overall aesthetics, and built-in fan control abilities. In many ways this is a next generation All in One design rather than being a byproduct of designs past.

The built-in fan control is key to understanding the new H110i GT since it plays a pivotal role in its nearly-limitless potential. Instead of worrying about the potential noise created by a pair of high RPM fans since they can be set to optimal levels for quietness, extreme performance or anything in between. Even when compared to the likes of NZXT's current top of the line model, which we praised as having some of the best fans around, the H110i GT's fans boast nearly double the static pressure envelope. How big an impact on overall noise this has remains to be seen, but with Corsair’s LINK software, such worries are rendered nearly moot.

In addition to these new high performance features, Corsair has also taken equal care to not price their new top of the line model outside the budget of its intended consumer base. An online average price of $120 may sound like a lot of money, but it is in keeping with what NZXT, Cooler Master, and most other dual 140mm units command these days. Best of all its only about $10 more than what their older H110 still demands.

Mix in a best in class five year warranty, new aesthetics and it is the sum total of these features that Corsair is counting on to regain lost ground and show the market that they are still a dominant force.

mfg.jpg
 
Last edited:

SKYMTL

HardwareCanuck Review Editor
Staff member
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
12,840
Location
Montreal
Closer Look at the H110i GT

Closer look at the H110i GT


access_sm.jpg

The accessories which accompany the Corsair H110i GT are classic CoolIT components. The mounting system provides broad compatibility for AMD and Intel based motherboards but the actual hardware radically differs from Corsair’ Asetek-based units. Instead of two part mounting brackets which are less than quick to install, the H110i GT makes use of a magnetic setup. These brackets bode well for consumers interested in ease of installation - as they are the easiest to work with of any AIO that we have tested to date. However, actual mounting pressure is less than other designs.

full2_sm.jpg

In previous Hydro series generations Corsair took a very conservative approach to the overall design aesthetics and this time is no different. We happen to like the H110i GT’s looks since, while it isn’t as flashy as Enermax’s red racing stripe, the more neutral looks will likely blend well into most cases. The most visible change between this cooler and its H110 predecessor is the fans which have now been changed to the awesome looking white-on-black SP140L’s. More on these a bit later


full_sm.jpg

Looking at that all-important radiator, CoolIT’s design language is quite plain to the naked eye. It boasts hard 90-degree angles which are supposed to increase the fin array’s surface area without complicating the installation process or narrowing down compatibility. It’s actual water channels are interspersed at regular intervals with additional cooling fins which boosts the surface area meant for heat dissipation without making the design overly dense. This is quite important since it allows the fans to operate at lower speeds without sacrificing performance.

In order to add a small touch of differentiation from the competition, Corsair has added a distinctive strip of brushed aluminum down the radiator’s sides.

ang_sm.jpg

While the radiator may have undergone a makeover the same cannot be said for the underlying technology it uses. It may look different, but it still uses an older bent fin design which has been proven to be less capable than pressed fin radiators. It is also rather thin at just 27mm of the thicker dual 120 radiator equipped models which have come to market recently.

Before continuing, there is one other difference worth pointing out about this rather large radiator. Unlike the Cooler Master Nepton 280L which proved that you can indeed build a dual 140mm radiator which can accommodate smaller 120mm fans, the H110i GT is once again still only compatible with 140mm fans. In our mind this is a minor oversight since most users won’t change out the fans.

ang4_sm.jpg
braid_sm.jpg

Moving on we can see that Corsair has once again opted for their PA 'rubber' tubing which is flexible and extremely easy to deal with. More importantly Corsair now uses a very tight braid covering which looks absolutely phenomenal.

base1_sm.jpg

The H110i GT's waterblock is still a fairly low profile layout that is not as aesthetically impressive as it once was but there’s a lot to say about a sleeker design. While Corsair has improved the overall looks it still is a small waterblock which may not have enough space for some of the more advanced fin designs we’ve been seeing but that’s not to say there isn’t a fair bit of new technology packed into it.

CoolIT has taken the time to engineer a fast-flow internal layout that optimizes heat transfer while retaining a more compact size. The pivoting connectors also provide more flexibility when installing the H110i GT into your system. Also on the positive side the base of the H110i GT is finished with Corsair's usual attention to detail.

fans_sm.jpg

The dual fans that Corsair has included are their own SP140L units. These particular 140mm fans are capable of moving 113CFM at 2100RPM and with static pressure of 3.99mmH2O. In testing these fans are rather loud at full speed, but thanks to the built in fan controller abilities, toning down their overly aggressive speed & noise profile takes mere seconds.

block_sm.jpg


It should also be noted that Corsiar no longer uses small custom fan header cables that attach to the waterblock. Instead there are two flat 4-pin fan header cables that are a few inches long and much easier to deal with.

Overall the Corsair H110i GT looks to be one very impressive 280mm AIO. More importantly this design appears to have been built using all the feedback consumers provided Corsair for the original H110. Thus, the H110i GT should be much more capable across a wide spectrum without necessarily sacrificing the low noise characteristics that made the H110 so unique.
 
Last edited:

SKYMTL

HardwareCanuck Review Editor
Staff member
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
12,840
Location
Montreal
Setup and Installation Issues

Setup and Installation Issues



backplate_sm.jpg

If you have recently installed any CoolIT based, Corsair All In One water cooler the H110i GT will be like slipping on your favorite pair of slippers: comfortable and nearly issue free. The reason for this is the H110i GT does not add anything new on the installation side of the equation; rather it uses the tried and true magnetic mounting bracket that Corsair / CoolIT introduced in 2012.

block2_sm.jpg

For most AIO's recycling installation equipment for three years with no obvious improvements would be very disappointing. The CoolIT-based Corsair units are an exception since there’s really nothing to change with their installation procedure. It is straightforward, quick and best of all, quite secure. Even with the improvements Asetek has done to their installation hardware CoolIT’s designs are still the gold standard. This goes for both Intel and AMD consumers as changing from one system type to another is as easy as removing one magnetic top bracket and using the other included bracket.

inst1_sm.jpg

While it is hard to argue with 'perfection' this installation is still has few minor issues can crop up if you are not careful. The first issue is of course case choice since not every chassis will accept a pair of 140mm fans alongside a suitably large radiator. Corsair has minimized potential missteps by minimizing the radiator’s thickness but other 280mm units also allow for 120mm fans to be installed for even broader compatibility.

inst2_sm.jpg

The H110i GT also makes use of 20mm spacing for the fans, and as such your case will have to support this offset instead of the newer 15mm standard. This could have been avoided if Corsair had included adapter brackets like some other companies do. Simply be careful, do your research on what your case can accept and go from there.

inst3_sm.jpg

Overall these issues are basically the only ones you have to worry about and this really is a tale of us being overly picky. Honestly, if these are the only two hiccups, you know perfection is only a quarter step away.

inst4_sm.jpg
 

SKYMTL

HardwareCanuck Review Editor
Staff member
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
12,840
Location
Montreal
Stock Fan Performance Results

Stock Fan Performance Results


You can find our 2015 CPU Cooler Testing Methodology HERE.
<div align="center">
<img src="http://images.hardwarecanucks.com/image/akg/water_cooling/H110i_GT/stock.jpg" border="0" alt="" />
<img src="http://images.hardwarecanucks.com/image/akg/water_cooling/H110i_GT/oc1.jpg" border="0" alt="" />
<img src="http://images.hardwarecanucks.com/image/akg/water_cooling/H110i_GT/oc2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div>

Phrases like 'night and day' spring to mind when comparing the original H110's performance to that of the new H110i GT. This was not all that surprising as beating the H110's stock performance really does not take much more than using faster fans. However, Corsair's newest cooler easily outclasses the NZXT Kraken X61 and does both at identical RPM levels across every benchmark.

The secret to this new AIO's success is twofold. First and foremost is the stock fans may not be rotating noticeably faster than its competitors, but they are built with static pressure in mind. This in conjunction with all the latest tweaks CoolIT has been able to bake into their waterblock makes for the type of one-two performance punch that Corsair's AIO has been long known for.
 

SKYMTL

HardwareCanuck Review Editor
Staff member
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
12,840
Location
Montreal
Quad Fan Performance Results / Sound Level Testing

Quad Fan Performance Results


<div align="center">
<img src="http://images.hardwarecanucks.com/image/akg/water_cooling/H110i_GT/quad.jpg" border="0" alt="" />
</div>

When you take these fans and double their numbers, performance is rather remarkable to say the least but there will come a point where even the laws of diminishing returns start coming into effect. Basically, very little will be achieved on the CPU frequency front relative to the drastically increased noise output this type of setup can cause.


Sound Level Testing


<i>While everyone "hears" noise differently there is one easy way to remove all subjectivness and easily compare different fans: use a sound level meter. This way you can easily compare the various fans noise envelopes without us coloring the results and see what fans fit within your personal comfort level. Of course, we will endeavor to try and explain the various results (which are taken at a 30 inch distance) to help you our readers get an even better understanding of how loud a cooler's stock fan is, but even if you discount our personal opinions, the fact remains numbers don't lie. All fans are tested with both voltage regulation / PWM turned off. 32 decibels was the background noise level and as such anything below this level is considered inaudible. This is why the bottom of the chart stops at 32.</i>

<div align="center">
<img src="http://images.hardwarecanucks.com/image/akg/water_cooling/H110i_GT/noise.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div>

Put simply the new H110i GT is all about cooling performance but that doesn't mean acoustics are figuratively stuffed in the trunk and forgotten about. While running at full tilt will net a relatively loud noise profile, Corsair's LINK software allows for a wide range of options, from nearly silent to completely noticeable. As we've seen in the performance results, choosing the right balance of cooling performance and noise output is the key to making this AIO Without that adaptability, we'd be left with a lackluster option from an acoustics standpoint.

As we can see, throughout these fans' RPM range they are some of the loudest 140mm units we've come across. However, we also feel they offer a perfect balance of forwards-facing air movement and noise.
 

SKYMTL

HardwareCanuck Review Editor
Staff member
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
12,840
Location
Montreal
Conclusion

Conclusion


Based on what the H110i GT offers consumers we truly are excited to see what the rest of Corsair's Hydro 2015 line-up can offer. While this cooler may not bring anything overtly new to the marketplace, its unique combination of abilities is both impressive and enlightening to see. Corsair has achieved this by listening to what their consumers said about the original H110 and then executed a series of improvements that have updated it to a level that surpassed expectations.

The word “update” is a bit of a misnomer in this situation since the Hydro H110i GT is such a huge departure from its predecessor. While the H110 was a very good cooler back in 2012, it was built for silence instead of raw performance and used an Asetek-based design that had begun showing its age. The competition’s 280mm products had surpassed it in terms of both technology and raw performance. Corsair certainly wasn’t sitting idle and they’ve once again leveraged CoolIT’s know-how to build a class leading cooling solution.

While the H110’s laser-like focus upon quietness was built into its very bones, the H110i GT’s target market is much broader since its performance and acoustical metrics can be modified to fit nearly every situation. Through the use of Corsair’s excellent LINK software suite and those awesome SP140L PWM fans, it can be as loud or quiet as you want and deliver excellent cooling results every step of the way.

Typically an AIO will head into our testing suite and perform well at a given set of temperatures but eventually falls behind when hitting a certain combination of fan RPMs and CPU heat output. It may be due to its sheet dissipation power or a combination of great engineering, excellent fans and some other mojo but whatever it was, the H110i GT remained strong through every test we threw at it, becoming the first 280mm cooler to do so.

Now if performance, adaptability and acoustics were the only metrics we could stop here. However, they’ve also integrated one of the best mounting systems around. It may not be new but the magnetic bracket is an impressive engineering achievement since it allows for novices to approach installation without any apprehension. We even feel like Corsair has nailed down the price which, at $120, is right in line with competing solutions that typically offer less in the way of performance and ease of installation.

What we have here is an excellent answer to the NZXT's Kraken X61, Cooler Master’s Nepton 280L, Antec Kuhler 1250, and all the other truly-performance orientate currently available. Choosing between them will come to down to minor details such as price, which software you prefer and so on. However, Corsair's own take on the enthusiast AIO certainly makes it an optimal choice for a wide range of consumers.

dam_good.jpg

 

Latest posts

Top