Well Corsair has pulled it off again and created a nice looking liquid cooling kit. Performance as expected, is in between the H50 and H70 units. What I like a lot is the new mounting system. Being very practical to use and allows for a perfect TIM contact time after time. With the previous models you had to insert the unit into the pressure ring and then slightly twist it, before screwing it down. Sometimes the thermal paste was already a bit messed up before even using the unit. This is no longer the case. Plus the versatility of the new bracket for the Intel socket is well executed. No more extra brackets or inserting screw mountings. One bracket size fits all.

So why should you opt for this Hydro 60 ? In case you are already a Hydro user : For the H50 users, they will get a slightly better performing cooling device. For the H70 users that already opted for maximum cooling performance , performance wise this is no real option. But the H60 has got something up it's sleave. And that ladies and gentlemen will be the upcoming LINK software from Corsair. For the ones that heard of CoolIT's Maestro software, this is almost the same. If not the same. What does LINK do for you ? It allows you to monitor all devices ; fluid, HD, GPU temperatures, fan speeds,...  ( some via optional sensor units ), allowing LED control ( to any RGB colour ) again via optional available parts. The LINK software in fact allows you to steer, read out any piece of hardware that allows it. If you wish it can even text you on your fav cellphone if some critical temperature level is reached. But there is a but. CoolIT has beeen developping their Maestro soft for more than a year now. It still hasn't realeased the final version. I really hope with the input of Corsair that the LINK software will be available soon (estimate is Q3 2011). As it's a vital part if people opt for this Hydro 60 cooler.

Zero maintenance, easy install and good cooling performance are still in favour of any Hydro kit out there. Backed up by a two year warranty from Corsair.

At CeBIT 2011 we got some insights on how and what of the LINK software.  Here are some pictures of their H60 on display (with optional sensor and LED RGB control black boxes connected) :

Pros :

Easy install and socket versatility

Decent cooling performance for +/- 65 euros

very low pump noise

Cons :

no 2nd fan

LINK estimated for Q3 2011

With the insight of the future LINK software and optional temperature monitoring & LED boxes,... this H60 could be the start into a niche market for Corsair. 

Therefore I  would give this Corsair Hydro 60 the Novelty award. As the H60 has got a lot coming for it, once LINK is happily available. The cooling performance is decent.  On par with a high end air cooler, if you equip the unit with a 2nd fan. (I know Noctua DH14 users will have better performance, but try to fit that monstrocity inside a cramped case plz )

Thx for reading...

I wish to thank  :

Gareth Ogden from Corsair for the Hydro 60 unit 

Rogier and Milan from Asus for their continuous support

C Schultze from Aquatuning company for the two CoolIT coolers

And Manu from Tones for the i7 2600K CPU