Corsair iCUE H115i RGB PRO XT Overview
As we mentioned in our introduction, the iCUE H115i RGB PRO XT is a 280mm AIO, which pairs up two of Corsair’s 140mm ML series fans with a 27mm thick 280mm radiator. Connected to the radiator via braided cooling lines is Corsair’s current pump and CPU water block combination unit that continues with similar design trends as Corsair’s previous AIO offerings.
Starting off with the radiator, we find an aluminum design with a 27mm thickness, which we have found to be on the thin side off our latest round of AIO review units.
With 20 fins-per-inch, the tight fin density is able to provide adequate surface area while still confined to a 27mm thickness. There is a fine balance in the ratio of FPI to radiator thickness, and we think Corsair’s design choices with the H115i make sense, considering the 280mm radiator size compared to a 240mm.
The entire radiator exterior is dressed in a satin black paint job, and centered along each of the long sides of the radiator is a chrome Corsair logo and nameplate.
Each braided cooling line exits from one end of the radiator’s end cap, and these lines are connected to the radiator via crimped connectors. We found the cooling lines, as with previous Corsair AIOs, to be quite flexible during installation, and their soft braided cover is some of our favorite we have seen on AIOs.
Included with the H115i RGB PRO XT, though not attached, are two of Corsairs ML series fans. Corsair leaves these fans off of the radiator so that you can choose whether to use a push or pull fan configuration. Of course, all of the necessary hardware is included to mount the fans to the radiator, and their installation is as easy as screwing in eight screws. A far as specifications go, these seven-blade fans have an operating range of 400-2200 RPM, and are capable of pushing up to 63 CFM of airflow.
The ML140 PWM Premium Magnetic Levitation fans that are included with the H115i RGB PRO XT are quite plain to be honest, and we are a bit surprised that Corsair didn’t outfit this kit with their RGB version of these fans. Considering the emphasis on iCUE in the name of this AIO, we would have expected to have RGB lighting on the fans as well, to really show the power of iCUE, especially when synchronizing across multiple products. The RGB version also include a rubber pad at each corner to reduce any vibrations, something the included Premium version of the fans do not offer. That being said, the RGB version of these fans are quite a bit more expensive, and this was most likely the reason why they weren’t included with this kit.
Taking a look at the CPU water block and pump combination unit, we immediately recognize this as a Corsiar product, even if we ignore the prominent logo and nameplate. Corsair has been using the same general shape for their coolers for many iterations, and it seems to be working for them. From the top down we see an eight-sided design dressed in glossy plastic.
An outer black ring surrounds a thin strip of semi-transparent plastic that conceals 12 addressable RGB LEDs. The center portion of the top of the cooler is again gloss black, and features the same semi-transparent plastic, but this time in the form of a Corsair logo and nameplate. The center portion of the block is home to four addressable RGB LEDs.
Making our way around the cooler, exiting from the right side we have the two cooling lines. Each line is paired up with a swiveling fitting to make installation and fitment much easier than with fixed connections.
Along the top side of the cooler we find two ribbon cables that exit the pump body. One cable provides two PWM connectors for the fans, while the other ribbon cable is used for SATA power and RPM monitoring of the pump.
The left side of the cooler is home to a Micro USB port that is used to connect the included cable to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard. This connectivity is what allows the AIO to be controlled and monitored within iCUE.
Taking a look at the underside of the cooler, we see a copper cold plate, secured to the pump via eight screws. While there is a bit of machining visible on the surface of the water block, these lines were not noticeable to the touch
Corsair has preapplied thermal interface material to the cooler for quicker installation, so if there are any problems during installation that require the removal of the cooler from your CPU, you will need to supply your own TIM.
