Tom's Hardware Verdict
Corsair’s H100i RGB PRO XT entices system builders with an attractive, right-priced $120 thermal solution for nearly every Intel and AMD CPU available in 2020.
Pros
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High-performing 240mm AIO cooling
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iCUE software suite allows for customized cooler and lighting control
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Priced well for premium performance
Cons
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Noisy fans at 100% speed
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Awkward, small screws used to secure fans to radiator
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RGB lighting is pump-only
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware
Corsair recently updated its enthusiast-grade H100i Pro liquid cooler with a glossier front face to go along with its minimal RGB lighting and rebirthed the cooler as the H100i RGB PRO XT. While the changes may be minor, the new product continues forward with the tradition of excellent thermal performance dressed in a 240mm AIO package and minimal RGB lighting. The age-old adage of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” might have been an unofficial mission statement here -- and we’re OK with that.
Specifications
Thickness | 1.0" / 27mm (2.125" / 54mm w/fans) |
Width | 4.75" / 120.65mm |
Depth | 10.9" / 277mm |
Pump Height | 1.5" / 38mm |
Speed Controller | BIOS/Software |
Cooling Fans | (2) 120 x 25mm |
Connectors | (2) 4-Pin PWM, (1) 3-Pin RGB (w/splitter), (1) SATA, Micro-B USB to 9-pin header |
Weight | 42.9 oz / 1216g |
Intel Sockets | 2066, 2011x, 1366, 115x |
AMD Sockets | AM2, AM3, AM4, FM1, FM2, TR4, TRX4 |
Warranty | 5 years |
Web Price | $120 |
Features
Corsair provides an impressive list of CPU sockets supported by the H100i RGB PRO XT, including AMD’s Threadripper TR4 and TRX4 processors,but note that this cooler does not support Intel’s aging socket 775. Pairs of snap-fit mounting brackets allow for simple adjustment for your system build and an Intel backplate is included for 115x boards. Standard-fare for Corsair H-Series liquid cooling brings the usual Micro-B-USB-to-9-pin (USB 2.0) motherboard header to provide integration of the H100i RGB PRO XT with iCUE software.
Corsair covers the H100i RGB PRO XT with its standard, 5-year warranty for AIO liquid coolers.
The pump and face of H100i RGB PRO XT looks as if a highly polished pebble was collected and then somehow altered by alien technology. Multi-zone RGB accents shine through backlit trim and the Corsair logo for the only lighting provided from the factory for the H100i RGB PRO XT--the included fans lack any lighting. A pair of 90-degree swivel fittings offer flexibility for positioning of the nylon-sleeved tubing during installation.
The H100i RGB PRO XT ships with a patch of thermal compound pre-applied to the milled-copper cold plate. As previously mentioned, the snap-fit mounting brackets slip around a groove near the base of the pump unit and can be easily swapped to fit any of the supported motherboard CPU sockets.
Since the pump acts as a centralized cooler hub, A Micro-B USB header graces the left side of the pump module while 4-pin PWM fan headers, 3-pin pump speed and SATA power extend out the top.
Corsair utilizes a 240mm dual-pass aluminum radiator on the H100i RGB PRO XT, while airflow is provided by a pair of 2400 RPM 4-pin PWM fans rated to 75 CFM. While RGB fans have become commonplace on most AIO coolers, these features are notably absent here.
Both 120mm cooling fans ship with rubberized mounting pads on all four corners to minimize vibration noise.
The set of Phillips-head machine screws used for mounting fans to the H100i’s radiator feature a smaller size than most mounting screws we’ve encountered. Shown here is a screw from the NZXT Z73 [left] and the Corsair H100i RGB PRO XT [right]. The difference between them is a relatively standard Phillips #2 for the NZXT screw while the Corsair is more of a smaller, Phillips #1 which could mean some frustration if your toolkit lacks a driver to fit the smaller fastener head.
The Corsair H100i RGB PRO XT installs easily in chassis that support 240mm radiators. Routing of the Micro-B USB cable to the motherboard 9-pin header might require some planning, but the cable length provides enough clearance to get creative.
Garrett Carver is a contributor for Tom’s Hardware, primarily covering thermal compound comparisons and CPU cooling reviews; both air and liquid, including multiple variations of each.
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Phaaze88
That specific unit uses 2x ML120 Pro, which is rated for 0.225A of power.Puffy23 said:Any information on the maximum current each of the fan channels can support?
Most motherboard headers are designed for 1A of power, with the liquid cooling headers usually being 2A.
Hopefully this answers your question. -
Puffy23
Thank for the reply.Phaaze88 said:That specific unit uses 2x ML120 Pro, which is rated for 0.225A of power.
Most motherboard headers are designed for 1A of power, with the liquid cooling headers usually being 2A.
Hopefully this answers your question.
The reason I'm asking the question is that I picked up two more ML120 fans for push/pull. To keep things simple I would like to run a splitter on each of the pump's fan channels so that each is powering two fans.
I've found information on all the previous models with respect to the max current of the controller and they vary from 1A to 4A. I didn't want to just assume it was 2A as the 4 fans together pull just over 1A (the two pull fans are the red RGB variant of the ML120 pro series rated at 0.299A).
I currently have the pull fans on a separate fan controller, but that is just a stop gap. I would like to run them with the push fans on the pump fan controller. -
Phaaze88
I see now.Puffy23 said:Thank for the reply.
The reason I'm asking the question is that I picked up two more ML120 fans for push/pull. To keep things simple I would like to run a splitter on each of the pump's fan channels so that each is powering two fans.
I've found information on all the previous models with respect to the max current of the controller and they vary from 1A to 4A. I didn't want to just assume it was 2A as the 4 fans together pull just over 1A (the two pull fans are the red RGB variant of the ML120 pro series rated at 0.299A).
I currently have the pull fans on a separate fan controller, but that is just a stop gap. I would like to run them with the push fans on the pump fan controller.
I did manage to find this - but perhaps you already did too: https://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?p=839688&p=839688-The RGB Pro XT's pump is CoolIT made
-It has 2x fan headers, so they have to be 1A each
-The pump is for 2A
It's got to be a 4A controller. So you should be able to run 2 fans to each header. -
Puffy23
Yeah, I did run across that as well. The Pro Xt is not listed, but as you said, these are CoolIt pumps. At first I felt safe seeing that historically CoolIt uses 1A channels, but out of an abundance of caution I thought I would ask.Phaaze88 said:I see now.
I did manage to find this - but perhaps you already did too: https://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?p=839688&p=839688-The RGB Pro XT's pump is CoolIT made
-It has 2x fan headers, so they have to be 1A each
-The pump is for 2A
It's got to be a 4A controller. So you should be able to run 2 fans to each header.
It made me slightly nervous that the two channels are pre-wired (not a port on the pump) and the cables are pretty cheap and flimsy. It crossed my mind that it might actually be a single channel split in the pump housing, but the spec sheet does specifically state two channels so that seems unlikely.
I have submitted a ticket to Corsair support as well. I can update when I hear back from them. If I get bored waiting I might just plug the other two fans into the pump controller and see what happens. Worst case scenario it fries and I pick up something more robust.
Thanks again for your help, it's nice to see someone else thinking along similar lines. -
Phaaze88
I'm glad I could help.Puffy23 said:Thanks again for your help, it's nice to see someone else thinking along similar lines. -
Puffy23 Just an update. I have not heard back from Corsair (on account of COVID19 staffing levels). I have all 4 fans running on the 2 channels no problem.Reply -
Hannibull I was thinking of buying a Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT, 240mm Radiator to reduce the noise on my i5-750.Reply
Its running at stock 2.66ghz with stock fan, around 80 degree C with about 10 Chrome Windows open.
I wanted to check if I was reading the chart below right...
Is the red and black charts the CPU running with a stock fan? Does that mean stock cpu is running at 55.5 degrees, and 61.9 degrees, but with the Corsair H100i Pro instead of the stock cpu it runs at 14.7 and 20.4 respectlively?
If I purchased a Corsair H100i Pro would my CPU temp of 80 degrees drop to around 20-30 degrees instead?