CONCLUSION

   Much like CPU Air Coolers it seems that we’ve reached the limit of AIO liquid CPU coolers in terms of cooling efficiency. Of course we do need to realize that radiator technology (or heat-exchange technology as some call it) is not new since it’s been used for over 150 years (although aluminum radiators have been around for roughly 50) so reaching its limit is not something that should surprise anyone. Many manufacturers seem to also be aware of this so the “easiest” way out is to pair a radiator with high-speed fans and pumps and in the case of the H115i this worked like a charm since when tested in performance mode it managed to land right next to the much more expensive EK-XLC Predator 280 while at the same time leaving other similar models far behind. Of course higher RPM almost always translates into higher dBA and so with the two SP140L fans and the high-performance pump rotating at 2400RPM and 2820RPM respectively we recorded noise levels which almost hit 66dBA making the H115i the second loudest AIO model in our charts after the Kuhler H2O 1250 by Antec. This may not be a bad thing for people who place performance above all else (especially since Balanced mode is nowhere near as impressive in terms of cooling performance) but it’s definitely not a positive thing. As for the LINK software I think CORSAIR could have made it slightly easier to use/navigate (a larger LED on top of the pump would be nice to see too) but having control over the speed of the fans and pump is great regardless.

   Currently the Hydro Series H115i Liquid CPU Cooler by CORSAIR retails for just USD139.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 135Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) so once again you can have great cooling efficiency without spending a whole lot in the process (as long as you don’t mind the noise that is). So purely from a price/performance standpoint the Hydro Series H115i is perhaps the best AIO you can get your hands on today. Sure the high noise levels don’t go unnoticed but they are not enough for us to keep our Platinum Award away from it.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Excellent Cooling Efficiency (Performance Mode)
- LINK Control Software
- Temperature Controlled RGB LED (Can Be Adjusted Manually)
- 350mm Long & Large Braided / Sleeved Tubes
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Noise Levels (Performance Mode)