When it comes to high-performance PC builds, keeping temperatures under control is crucial. With the summer heat pushing my system to its limits, I decided it was time to upgrade my cooling solution. Enter the Corsair H150i Elite liquid cooler, a 360mm radiator powerhouse designed to enhance cooling performance and add a touch of style with its customizable LCD screen.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience upgrading to this cooler, including installation tips, performance comparisons, and product recommendations for anyone considering a similar upgrade.
Why Upgrade to the Corsair H150i Elite?
The Corsair H150i Elite offers several advantages over standard 240mm liquid coolers like my previous Fractal S24 Plus. Its features include:
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: A larger 360mm radiator and three high-performance fans allow for better heat dissipation.
- Customizable LCD Display: Personalize the look with GIFs, system metrics, or memes (Essential).
- Improved Build Quality: High-quality braided cables and a robust design ensure durability.
- Advanced Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Corsair’s iCUE ecosystem, whether that’s a good or a bad thing, I don’t hate it, especially compared to Razer Synapse and other software, but it does need improvement. Installing this however will enable control over lighting, fan speeds, and more.
I turned a video into a GIF and added it to the CPU Cooler and the quality was amazing!
If you’re interested in upgrading, the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD XT is an excellent option.
Unboxing the H150i Elite
The Corsair H150i Elite comes well-packaged with everything you need:
- Multiple Mounting Brackets: Supports Intel and AMD platforms, including AM5 and LGA 1700.
- Thermal Paste Pre-applied: While pre-applied paste is fine, I prefer using my own for consistent application, I also have a hot Ryzen 9 that does power cycles regularly causing heat spikes, so I like to use the recommended thermals for that CPU, not the cooler.
- iCUE Link Hub: Connect up to 14 Corsair devices through a single hub.
- Premium Braided Cables: Durable and easy to route for a clean build aesthetic.
This cooler feels solid and well-made, with a sleek design that suits modern PC builds, thanks to its integrated CPU 4pin cable, meaning one less wire on your motherboard, BONUS!
Installation and Build Process
Upgrading to the H150i Elite was straightforward but not without its challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Remove the Old Cooler: Start by powering down your system and carefully detaching your existing cooler. Clean off the old thermal paste with a thermal cleaning kit like this one to ensure a clean surface for the new cooler.
- Prepare the Radiator: The Corsair H150i’s larger size means you’ll need a case that supports 360mm radiators. I mounted it as an exhaust to optimize airflow in my system.
- Reapply Thermal Paste: While the cooler comes with pre-applied thermal paste, I opted for Arctic MX-6 paste, applying an X-pattern for even coverage.
- Fit the CPU Block: The H150i’s CPU block includes a removable LCD screen, making installation easier in tight spaces. Ensure the mounting bracket is compatible with your motherboard socket.
- Connect the Hub and Cables: The iCUE Link Hub powers the fans, lighting, and LCD display. It requires a 6-pin PCIe cable for power, which your PSU may or may not include. If you’re in the same situation, consider upgrading to a Corsair RM850x PSU for better compatibility.
Performance Results – SHOW ME THE STATS TIC!
To test the H150i Elite, I compared it against my old Fractal S24 Plus under idle and stress conditions:
| Cooler | Idle Temp (°C) | Stress Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Fractal S24 Plus* | 56.5 | 64.4 |
| Corsair H150i | 54.8 | 62.0 |
The H150i showed a noticeable improvement, keeping my Ryzen 9 7950X cooler, especially under heavy loads. While the idle difference was small, the stress test results highlight the efficiency of the larger radiator.
Addressing Installation Challenges
During installation, I ran into a common issue: the USB splitter included with the hub caused intermittent disconnects. After researching solutions, I upgraded to a Corsair internal USB hub but others recommended the NZXT Internal USB Hub 3, which resolved the problem entirely.
Final Thoughts
The Corsair H150i Elite delivers exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig or upgrading an existing setup, this cooler is a fantastic investment. While it’s not without minor challenges, the overall quality and cooling capability make it worth every penny.
If you’re considering a similar build, here’s a quick list of products to you might need beforehand:
- Corsair iCUE H150i Elite (Liquid Cooler)
- Corsair RM850x (Power Supply)
- NZXT Internal USB Hub 3 (Because the included one is rubbish!)
- Thermal Cleaning Kit
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with the H150i, drop a comment below!