- Back to homepage
- Related articles
  Related articles

Corsair Hydro 90 & H110 Review - 140mm Cooling Power

Cooling/Water Cooling by leeghoofd @ 2013-01-28

Corsair just recently launched a brand new Hydro series with the H80i and H100i units, both coolers being updated versions of their predecessors, not alone being overhauled in the cooling/pump block design, but also the addition of the new CORSAIR AIR Static Pressure fans was a big plus for the new Hydro i series. Secondly the LINK software was now directly supported, without the need of buying the optional Command Control set. The new features boosted the cooling performance and versatility for end-user adjustment. To our big surprise, two brand new Hydro units arrived on our doorstep. The Hydro 90 and 110, both being optimized for extreme cooling performances. Weirdly enough these brand new coolers are not based on the latest Hydro I series, but seem at first glance a revamp of the older Hydro 70 design, manufactured by ASETEK for CORSAIR. Biggest innovation is the usage of a 140mm radiator and ditto fan, instead of the 120mm version we are so accustomed too. More radiator surface should enhance the cooling capacity. Let's find out how these two Hydro units perform...

To Reverse or Not ?

With the older ASETEK based Hydro models (read pre H80) CORSAIR advised to install the fan setup to suck in ambient air from the outside of the case. This allows for better cooling performance, yet has got one big disadvantage. All the heat is dumped inside the case. Depending on the CPU type used, this could have a minimalistic temperature effect on the used components. Our X79 platform is a hot scorcher, but it's not alone the CPU that gets affected by the stress testing. Also some mainboard components heat up, especially the VRM ( voltage regulation of the CPU ) get close to 90°C and beyond. Don't get too alarmed, as some of these components are designed to sustain these temperatures during long periods.

Let's take a look at the Thermal RADAR readout of our ASUS X79 Sabretooth.

STOCK INSTALLATION H90:

REVERSED INSTALLATION H90:

STOCK INSTALLATION H110:

REVERSED INSTALLATION H110:

I think the above results speak for themselves and need close to no explanation whatsoever. Like mentioned, the obtained gains, are dependant on the used components. However I tend to favour an optimal air flow when building my PC. Dumping the heat inside your case does't seem logic. Also most recent cases have the power supply installed in the bottom compartment, thus barely aiding to exhaust the hot air. Hot air gets trapped inside the top of your case, especially with the H90, this if being installed as a rear fan. The installation of a top air fan almost becomes a necessity, to ensure the hot air gets sucked out. But these are just my 5 cents input.

I'll leave our readers to be the judge of how to best install your Hydro unit. I opt to go for the reversed installation method and maybe take into account a small CPU temp increase. However the rest of the installed PC components run far cooler, thus enhancing longevity and stability during long gaming sessions...

No comments available.

All information and graphics contained in Madshrimps are sole property of the Madshrimps crew and may not be reproduced or copied in any manner without written permission from us.