Skip to Content

Comparing h100i vs h115i: Performance, Cooling Efficiency, and Noise Levels

Comparing h100i vs h115i: Performance, Cooling Efficiency, and Noise Levels

When it comes to choosing the perfect cooling solution for your PC, it’s crucial to consider all the options available. Two popular contenders in the world of liquid CPU coolers are the h100i and the h115i. These two models from Corsair have gained a reputation for their exceptional cooling performance and reliability. In this article, I’ll delve into the key differences between the h100i and the h115i, helping you make an informed decision for your cooling needs. So, let’s dive in and explore the battle of the h100i vs h115i!

Performance Comparison

When it comes to choosing a liquid CPU cooler, performance is a crucial factor to consider. Both the h100i and the h115i from Corsair are known for their exceptional cooling capabilities, but let’s take a closer look at how they stack up against each other.

Cooling Efficiency:

  • The h100i features a 240mm radiator, while the h115i boasts a larger 280mm radiator. This means that the h115i has a larger surface area for dissipating heat, potentially leading to better cooling performance.
  • Moreover, the h115i comes equipped with Corsair’s advanced ML series magnetic levitation fans. These fans are designed to deliver high static pressure and impressive airflow, enhancing the cooling efficiency of the cooler.

Noise Levels:

  • In terms of noise levels, both the h100i and the h115i are designed to operate quietly. However, the larger radiator of the h115i allows for better heat dissipation, which can result in lower fan speeds and subsequently quieter operation.
  • Additionally, the ML series fans of the h115i are known for their quiet operation, even at higher speeds, making it an excellent option for those seeking a quieter computing experience.

Compatibility:

  • Both coolers are compatible with a wide range of socket types, including Intel’s LGA 115x, 1366, and 2011/2066, as well as AMD’s AM3/AM2, AM4, and TR4. This ensures that you can easily install either cooler on most modern CPU architectures.
  • Both the h100i and the h115i are compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software. This allows you to monitor and control various aspects of the cooler, such as fan speeds and RGB lighting, right from your desktop. The software also provides access to advanced features like customizable fan curves and performance monitoring.

Both the h100i and the h115i offer excellent cooling performance, but the h115i comes with a larger radiator and advanced ML series fans, potentially leading to better cooling efficiency and lower noise levels. Additionally, both coolers are highly compatible and offer seamless integration with Corsair’s iCUE software. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.

Design and Dimensions

When it comes to the design and dimensions of the h100i and the h115i, there are a few notable differences to consider. Let’s take a closer look at each cooler’s design and dimensions:

h100i:

  • The h100i features a compact design, making it an excellent choice for users with limited space in their PC cases.
  • It comes with a 240mm radiator, capable of efficiently dissipating heat from the CPU.
  • The cooler has a black aluminum cover, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance.
  • It is equipped with two 120mm fans, ensuring sufficient airflow for effective cooling.
  • On the other hand, the h115i is a slightly larger cooler with a 280mm radiator. This larger radiator allows for greater cooling performance as it has a larger surface area for heat dissipation.
  • The h115i also comes with advanced ML series fans, which are designed for high static pressure and low noise levels. These fans contribute to a quieter operation and improved cooling efficiency.
  • The cooler’s design features a white LED-lit Corsair logo, adding a touch of visual appeal to your PC build.

In terms of dimensions, the h100i measures 276mm x 125mm x 30mm (L x W x H), while the h115i measures 315mm x 143mm x 29mm (L x W x H). It’s important to consider these measurements when determining if the cooler will fit properly in your PC case.

Overall, both the h100i and the h115i have well-designed exteriors and offer different dimensions to accommodate different PC configurations. Whether you prefer a more compact design with the h100i or want to take advantage of the larger radiator and advanced ML series fans with the h115i, both options provide excellent cooling performance. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences, as well as the available space in your PC case.

Installation Process

When it comes to the installation process, both the h100i and the h115i have user-friendly designs that make them relatively easy to install. Here’s a breakdown of the installation process for each cooler:

  1. h100i Installation Process:
  • Step 1: Begin by preparing the CPU socket on your motherboard. Ensure that it is clean and free of any dust or debris.
  • Step 2: Apply a small amount of thermal paste onto the CPU.
  • Step 3: Carefully align the cooler’s backplate with the mounting holes on the motherboard.
  • Step 4: Secure the backplate in place using the provided screws.
  • Step 5: Attach the CPU block to the cooler’s pump using the provided bracket.
  • Step 6: Carefully place the radiator in the desired location inside your PC case.
  • Step 7: Connect the fan cables to the appropriate fan headers on your motherboard.
  • Step 8: Finally, connect the CPU pump cable to a USB header on your motherboard for control and monitoring.
  1. h115i Installation Process:
  • Step 1: Like with the h100i, start by preparing the CPU socket on your motherboard by cleaning it thoroughly.
  • Step 2: Apply thermal paste onto the CPU, ensuring to spread it evenly.
  • Step 3: Attach the backplate to the motherboard, aligning it with the mounting holes.
  • Step 4: Secure the backplate in place using the provided screws.
  • Step 5: Attach the CPU block to the cooler’s pump using the provided bracket.
  • Step 6: Install the radiator in your desired location, considering the larger size of the h115i.
  • Step 7: Connect the fan cables to the appropriate fan headers on the motherboard.
  • Step 8: Lastly, connect the pump cable to a USB header on your motherboard for control and monitoring.

The installation process for both coolers is straightforward and shouldn’t pose a challenge to most users. However, it’s always recommended to consult the manual specific to your model for detailed instructions.

Fan and Radiator Specifications

When it comes to liquid CPU coolers, the fan and radiator specifications play a crucial role in determining their cooling efficiency and performance. Let’s dive into the details of the h100i and the h115i to see how they differ in this aspect.

h100i:

The h100i features a compact design with a 240mm radiator and two 120mm fans. These fans are designed to provide exceptional airflow and cooling capabilities, allowing for effective heat dissipation from your CPU. With their optimized blade design and high static pressure, they ensure maximum cooling performance even under heavy workloads.

h115i:

On the other hand, the h115i takes it a step further with its larger 280mm radiator and advanced ML series fans. These fans are not only larger in size but also feature magnetic levitation technology, which reduces friction and noise while improving overall performance. The larger radiator surface area provides more room for heat exchange, resulting in improved cooling efficiency.

Let’s compare the specifications side by side:

h100i h115i
Radiator Size 240mm 280mm
Fan Size 120mm 140mm
Fan Type Standard ML Series (Magnetic Levitation)
Airflow Good Excellent
Static Pressure High High
Noise Levels Moderate Low

As you can see from the table above, the h115i outshines the h100i in terms of radiator size, fan size, and overall cooling performance. The larger radiator and advanced ML series fans of the h115i contribute to better heat dissipation, lower noise levels, and overall improved cooling efficiency.

However, it’s important to note that the h100i still offers solid performance with its 240mm radiator and standard fans. It’s a great option for those looking for a more compact cooler without compromising on performance.

In the next section, we will explore the installation process for both the h100i and the h115i coolers, ensuring that you’ll be able to set up your new cooler with ease.

Noise Level and Cooling Efficiency

When it comes to liquid CPU coolers, noise level and cooling efficiency are two important factors to consider. In this section, I’ll compare the noise levels and cooling performance of the h100i and the h115i to help you make an informed decision.

Noise Levels:

  • The h100i is equipped with two 120mm fans, while the h115i features advanced ML series fans.
  • The ML series fans are known for their quiet operation due to their innovative magnetic levitation technology.
  • This technology allows the fans to float on a magnetic field, reducing friction and noise.
  • As a result, the h115i boasts lower noise levels compared to the h100i.
  • If you’re someone who values a quiet computing environment, the h115i is the way to go.
  • The h100i comes with a 240mm radiator, while the h115i sports a larger 280mm radiator.
  • The larger radiator on the h115i allows for more surface area, which leads to better heat dissipation.
  • As a result, the h115i offers improved cooling performance compared to the h100i.
  • This makes the h115i a great choice for users who overclock their processors or engage in intensive tasks that generate a lot of heat.

Overall, the h115i excels in both noise level and cooling efficiency categories. Its advanced ML series fans ensure a quieter operation, while the larger radiator allows for better cooling performance. However, it’s worth noting that the h100i still offers solid performance with its 240mm radiator and standard fans. It is a reliable option for those seeking a more compact liquid CPU cooler without compromising on performance.

With this breakdown of the noise levels and cooling efficiency, you can now make an educated decision based on your specific needs and preferences. Let’s move on to the next section where I’ll discuss the design and dimensions of these coolers.

Key Takeaways

  • The h100i and h115i are both popular liquid CPU coolers from Corsair known for their exceptional cooling performance and reliability.
  • The h115i has a larger 280mm radiator, which potentially leads to better cooling performance compared to the h100i’s 240mm radiator.
  • The h115i comes with advanced ML series fans, designed for high static pressure and low noise levels, making it quieter than the h100i.
  • Both coolers are compatible with a wide range of socket types and offer seamless integration with Corsair’s iCUE software for monitoring and control.
  • The h100i has a compact design, making it suitable for limited space, while the h115i is slightly larger with a white LED-lit Corsair logo for visual appeal.
  • The installation process for both coolers is user-friendly and straightforward.
  • The h115i outperforms the h100i in terms of radiator size, fan size, and cooling performance, but the h100i still offers solid performance in a more compact design.

Conclusion

Based on the comparison between the h100i and the h115i liquid CPU coolers from Corsair, it is clear that both models offer excellent performance and cooling capabilities. The h115i, with its larger radiator and advanced ML series fans, stands out as the superior option in terms of cooling efficiency and noise levels. However, the h100i still holds its own with its compact design and standard fans, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize space-saving without sacrificing performance.

The dimensions of both coolers provide flexibility to accommodate different PC configurations, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of setups. The installation process for both models is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge.

Ultimately, the choice between the h100i and the h115i comes down to individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize maximum cooling performance and quieter operation, the h115i is the recommended choice. However, if space is a concern and you still want solid performance, the h100i is a reliable option.

Both the h100i and the h115i are excellent liquid CPU coolers from Corsair, offering different features to cater to different user requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the h100i and the h115i liquid CPU coolers from Corsair?

The h115i has a larger radiator and advanced ML series fans, potentially leading to better cooling performance and quieter operation compared to the h100i.

2. What are the dimensions of the h100i and the h115i coolers?

The h100i measures 276mm x 125mm x 30mm (L x W x H), while the h115i measures 315mm x 143mm x 29mm (L x W x H).

3. Are the installation processes of both coolers user-friendly?

Yes, the installation processes for both the h100i and the h115i coolers are straightforward and user-friendly. It is recommended to consult the specific manual for detailed instructions.

4. How do the fan and radiator specifications of the h100i and the h115i differ?

The h100i features a 240mm radiator and two 120mm fans, while the h115i has a larger 280mm radiator and advanced ML series fans.

5. Which cooler offers better noise levels and cooling efficiency?

The h115i, equipped with advanced ML series fans, operates quietly due to magnetic levitation technology, resulting in lower noise levels compared to the h100i. The h115i also has a larger radiator, leading to better heat dissipation and improved cooling performance.