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Over recent years, as CPUs have become larger, more powerful, and consequently hotter, traditional air cooling solutions have struggled to keep up. Their increasing size and often less aesthetically pleasing designs have paved the way for all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers to become a viable option, especially for high-end PCs. This influx has led to many new manufacturers entering the market, pushing established brands like Corsair to innovate and maintain their position. Corsair’s response is the iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm, a high-end AIO liquid cooler. Instead of following trends like integrated LCD screens, Corsair focuses on enhancing its intelligent iCUE ecosystem. Let’s delve into a review of this premium cooler.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Packaging

Design and Build Quality

Corsair has consistently delivered high-quality design and construction, and the H150i RGB PRO XT is no exception. The packaging itself reflects this, with a sleek design and clear product information. Inside, the components are neatly organized. The radiator is directly connected to the pump, and three high-speed fans are included. The remaining accessories are packed in smaller bags, along with installation instructions and a warranty card.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Accessories

The cooler comes pre-installed with a mounting bracket for Intel LGA 1151 sockets. Switching to AMD platforms is a simple process involving tool-less bracket adjustments. This ease of installation is a significant improvement over previous generations, which required more intricate adjustments and screws.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Mounting Bracket

Both the radiator and pump are manufactured by Asetek, a leading company in AIO liquid cooling technology. The radiator features a slim design thanks to its finely arranged aluminum fins. The pump block incorporates a new generation of micro-fin copper cold plate for efficient heat transfer.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Pump and Radiator

While utilizing Asetek’s 6th generation pump, Corsair has integrated a digital fan controller within the pump assembly, directly controlling the three included ML 120mm PWM fans. This centralized control simplifies management and allows for precise adjustments through the iCUE software. All system data is transmitted via a Micro USB cable.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Fan Control

This integration further solidifies Corsair’s iCUE ecosystem, bringing all compatible components under a single control interface. Other design elements, such as the braided tubing and reinforced joints, emphasize durability and aesthetics. The pump block boasts a new RGB lighting system with 16 LEDs for enhanced visual effects. However, the included fans are standard, requiring an upgrade for synchronized RGB lighting.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Tubing and Connections

Cooling Performance

The H150i RGB PRO XT, with its three large fans and powerful pump, is capable of handling high-end systems with demanding CPUs. Testing with a mid-range AMD Ryzen 5 3500 revealed the cooler’s efficiency. At idle, the “Zero RPM Mode” kept the fans off, relying on case airflow for cooling, maintaining the CPU temperature at 55°C. Under load, even during stress tests, the CPU temperature remained around 61°C, with the fans operating quietly.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Cooling Performance Test

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Cooling Performance Graph

The magnetic levitation fan technology contributes to the low noise levels, even at higher speeds. According to Corsair, the H150i RGB PRO XT can maintain a temperature of 65.73°C under full load with a power-hungry AMD Threadripper 3970X, suggesting excellent cooling potential for high-end systems.

Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm – Temperature Graph

Conclusion

The Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT 360mm builds upon the strengths of its predecessors, offering premium design and build quality. Its key improvements lie in its seamless integration with the iCUE ecosystem, providing centralized control and enhanced functionality. With impressive cooling performance and quiet operation, this AIO cooler is a compelling choice for high-end PC builds.