Corsair H50 Liquid CPU Cooler

OneSerious · Jun 21, 2010

So what do you guys think of this unit or others like it?

I've noticed my Phenom II x4 965 running hotter and hotter recently. The stock fan with little thermal pad thing doesn't seem to be doing it's job. As a result the fan is ramping up and making a lot of noise. With the hot days coming in to the summer my room is constantly roasting even with windows wide open and the cpu is sitting at 40C idle. I know a good heat sink will cost a decent amount of money so for £60 can you go wrong with one of these?

Fumz · Jun 21, 2010

Imho, the H50 offers zero benefits of water cooling, yet all the risks of water cooling. Thermalright, Noctua, Prolimatech, Tunique and Zalman all offer better results on air, with no risk of spilling water all over your rig, which the H50 has been known to do. Granted, Corsair has been very good about replacing (for free) all damaged parts, but still...

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1025/6/

If you're going to go water, do it right. They're expensive, but they deliver the results: Let us help you be cool!

Dixon Butz · Jun 21, 2010

32 idle, 48c full load with prime on my Phenom II 1090T. Way better solution then those monster air coolers.

mpcrsc562 · Jun 21, 2010

Obviously, if you're going to go the water route, a leak will always be something that could happen.

I have a Phenom II X4 940 (right now not overclocked). Prior to using the H50, I had a Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer cooling this processor. The last time I used the CCF and overclocked the processor to 3.5GHz, I consistently had temps about 45C -- the same clock speed using the H50 has seen temps consistently at 37C. As previously stated, my processor is not overclocked and my consistent idle temp is 30C and load temp is 36C -- obviously, the lower the load temp the better.

That's me -- your results may vary!

OneSerious · Jun 21, 2010

Fumz said:
Imho, the H50 offers zero benefits of water cooling, yet all the risks of water cooling. Thermalright, Noctua, Prolimatech, Tunique and Zalman all offer better results on air, with no risk of spilling water all over your rig, which the H50 has been known to do. Granted, Corsair has been very good about replacing (for free) all damaged parts, but still...

Corsair Hydro Series H50 CPU Water Cooling Kit Review - Results, and a "What If" Scenario - Legit Reviews

If you're going to go water, do it right. They're expensive, but they deliver the results: Let us help you be cool!

Thing is I don't want to go expensive, well I do, but can't afford to. My thinking is more along the lines of price and space. I have this case which isn't exactly huge, so some of the large air coolers just aren't going to fit.

Dixon Butz said:
32 idle, 48c full load with prime on my Phenom II 1090T. Way better solution then those monster air coolers.

How did you find the fitting? the video Corsair have makes it look easy, but they have one of those cases that has an opening behind the CPU section of the mobo.

mpcrsc562 said:
Obviously, if you're going to go the water route, a leak will always be something that could happen.

I have a Phenom II X4 940 (right now not overclocked). Prior to using the H50, I had a Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer cooling this processor. The last time I used the CCF and overclocked the processor to 3.5GHz, I consistently had temps about 45C -- the same clock speed using the H50 has seen temps consistently at 37C. As previously stated, my processor is not overclocked and my consistent idle temp is 30C and load temp is 36C -- obviously, the lower the load temp the better.

That's me -- your results may vary!

Same question, how did you find fitting. Also, I noticed they said it comes with thermal compound on it. Did you use their stuff or apply your own?

mpcrsc562 · Jun 21, 2010

kylehimself said:
Same question, how did you find fitting. Also, I noticed they said it comes with thermal compound on it. Did you use their stuff or apply your own?

I used the thermal compound already on the pump unit.

Installation was a snap. Unfortunately, I did have to remove the motherboard. Even though my case has a motherboard tray cpu cut-out (CM HAF932), the cut-out still didn't quite match up to the motherboard backing mounts. But still, it was easy. You will have to do some radiator placement tests to see what actually give you the best temps. The instructions state to mount in the back with the fan pulling air into the case. I mounted mine in the back with the air blowing out. Worked better for me.

blackroseMD1 · Jun 21, 2010

Yeah, installation is really easy, even if you have to remove the mobo. I've noticed a massive drop in temps on my i5-750. The H50 is a good unit and, even if the worst does happen, Corsair is awesome about replacing your parts. I'd recommend it.

OneSerious · Jun 21, 2010

mpcrsc562 said:
I used the thermal compound already on the pump unit.

Installation was a snap. Unfortunately, I did have to remove the motherboard. Even though my case has a motherboard tray cpu cut-out (CM HAF932), the cut-out still didn't quite match up to the motherboard backing mounts. But still, it was easy. You will have to do some radiator placement tests to see what actually give you the best temps. The instructions state to mount in the back with the fan pulling air into the case. I mounted mine in the back with the air blowing out. Worked better for me.

Well your temps seem good and you seem to think the installation was as easy as their instructions made out. Think I might just go for it, seems like the best bang for buck.

Another question which you may be able to help me with. My Phenom II heat sink came with a little thermal pad on. Do these pads stick to the CPU? or should it just lift off when removing? I've only fitted a CPU with thermal compound and removed one that used compound so have no experience with these pads.

blackroseMD1 said:
Yeah, installation is really easy, even if you have to remove the mobo. I've noticed a massive drop in temps on my i5-750. The H50 is a good unit and, even if the worst does happen, Corsair is awesome about replacing your parts. I'd recommend it.

It's all so tempting.

blackroseMD1 · Jun 21, 2010

kylehimself said:
blackroseMD1 said:

Yeah, installation is really easy, even if you have to remove the mobo. I've noticed a massive drop in temps on my i5-750. The H50 is a good unit and, even if the worst does happen, Corsair is awesome about replacing your parts. I'd recommend it.

Click to expand...

It's all so tempting.

I would go for it. It's a cheap alternative to those massive water cooling systems, and it really does improve temps. Before, my CPU oc'd to 3.0 was idling at 50c, now it's idling between 28-32c.

OneSerious · Jun 21, 2010

blackroseMD1 said:
I would go for it. It's a cheap alternative to those massive water cooling systems, and it really does improve temps. Before, my CPU oc'd to 3.0 was idling at 50c, now it's idling between 28-32c.

My only fear is removing the heat sink thermal pad.

blackroseMD1 · Jun 21, 2010

kylehimself said:
blackroseMD1 said:

I would go for it. It's a cheap alternative to those massive water cooling systems, and it really does improve temps. Before, my CPU oc'd to 3.0 was idling at 50c, now it's idling between 28-32c.

Click to expand...

My only fear is removing the heat sink thermal pad.

I'm thinking the thermal pad should at least mostly come off when you remove the heat sink (on the heat sink, not the CPU). Whatever is left on the CPU, you should just be able to scrape off with a card, as you would with thermal paste. This is just from what I've read on the net...I don't have any experience with AMD processors.

Fumz · Jun 21, 2010

Dixon Butz said:
32 idle, 48c full load with prime on my Phenom II 1090T. Way better solution then those monster air coolers.

Way better? If by that you mean, "almost as good", then yeah, sure.

If you're suggesting the size of air coolers is a problem, then I'd suggest measuring the radiator. It too is "large", relatively speaking.

Fumz said:
... Corsair Hydro Series H50 CPU Water Cooling Kit Review - Results, and a "What If" Scenario - Legit Reviews

Dixon Butz · Jun 21, 2010

Fumz said:
Dixon Butz said:

32 idle, 48c full load with prime on my Phenom II 1090T. Way better solution then those monster air coolers.

Click to expand...

Way better? If by that you mean, "almost as good", then yeah, sure. If you're suggesting the size of air coolers is a problem, then I'd suggest measuring the radiator. It too is "large", relatively speaking.

Fumz said:

... Corsair Hydro Series H50 CPU Water Cooling Kit Review - Results, and a "What If" Scenario - Legit Reviews

Click to expand...

It cools just as good as any air cooler without the bulk and weight.
Radiator is only the size of a 120mm fan. Not very big.

Fumz · Jun 21, 2010

Did you even bother clicking the link? The H50 is up to 10C warmer than some of the better air coolers. That's not, "just as good".

I know the radiator is the size of a 120mm fan, but then again, so are most air coolers. Air coolers are thicker, and I readily cede the point. However, my input here is solely based on performance... and as far as pure performance goes, the H50 isn't as good as the top air coolers, thus my comment that it offers zero benefits of water cooling, and for obvious reasons, all of the risks.

blackroseMD1 · Jun 21, 2010

Fumz said:
Did you even bother clicking the link? The H50 is up to 10C warmer than some of the better air coolers. That's not, "just as good".

I know the radiator is the size of a 120mm fan, but then again, so are most air coolers. Air coolers are thicker, and I readily cede the point. However, my input here is solely based on performance... and as far as pure performance goes, the H50 isn't as good as the top air coolers, thus my comment that it offers zero benefits of water cooling, and for obvious reasons, all of the risks.

I think a big factor here is price. A lot of people these days can't afford to go out and spend $150-200 on a high end air cooler. The H50 runs for around $80, and decreases temps quite a bit. Maybe not as much as the high end air coolers, but enough to where I can OC now without my temps jumping up towards 80c.

In the end, it comes down to how much money you have to spend and personal preference.

Dixon Butz · Jun 21, 2010

Fumz said:
Did you even bother clicking the link? The H50 is up to 10C warmer than some of the better air coolers. That's not, "just as good".

I know the radiator is the size of a 120mm fan, but then again, so are most air coolers. Air coolers are thicker, and I readily cede the point. However, my input here is solely based on performance... and as far as pure performance goes, the H50 isn't as good as the top air coolers, thus my comment that it offers zero benefits of water cooling, and for obvious reasons, all of the risks.

I did click the link. Seen it before too.
I use dual fans and according to that review, using dual fans put the 3.5 oc'd cpu at 63.88. That beats that stupid looking V10.
Risk...LOL

xarden · Jun 21, 2010

One of the guys on this thread is using the H50, and is pretty chuffed with it.

Fumz · Jun 21, 2010

Dixon Butz said:
Fumz said:

Did you even bother clicking the link? The H50 is up to 10C warmer than some of the better air coolers. That's not, "just as good".

I know the radiator is the size of a 120mm fan, but then again, so are most air coolers. Air coolers are thicker, and I readily cede the point. However, my input here is solely based on performance... and as far as pure performance goes, the H50 isn't as good as the top air coolers, thus my comment that it offers zero benefits of water cooling, and for obvious reasons, all of the risks.

Click to expand...

I did click the link. Seen it before too.
I use dual fans and according to that review, using dual fans put the 3.5 oc'd cpu at 63.88. That beats that stupid looking V10.
Risk...LOL

Yes, the H50 cools better than some. However, one cannot avoid the reality that it doesn't cool as well as others. Let's not let our own personal bias for products we happen to own blind us to the reality of the results; results which speak for themselves. Clearly, the H50 isn't as good as some air coolers.

It's a good price, and it does do a fairly good job, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking it's something other than what it is: an inexpensive decent cooler. Not great, but not bad either.

As for the risk, which you summarily dismiss, go tell your story about the lack of risk to these guys. I'm sure they'll enjoy it:

H50 leak - The Corsair Support Forums

H50 leaked - The Corsair Support Forums

H50 leak - The Corsair Support Forums

H50 leaked and filled my pci-e slots 378MB of pics - The Corsair Support Forums

blackroseMD1 said:
I think a big factor here is price. A lot of people these days can't afford to go out and spend $150-200 on a high end air cooler. The H50 runs for around $80, and decreases temps quite a bit. Maybe not as much as the high end air coolers, but enough to where I can OC now without my temps jumping up towards 80c.

In the end, it comes down to how much money you have to spend and personal preference.

I can see the appeal of the H50, but I'm not sure price is a factor? If the H50 is $80.00, then that's the same, or higher price than some of the top performers: http://www.crazypc.com/products/intel_socket_1156.html

Dixon Butz · Jun 21, 2010

The H50 is a good cooler period. I could care less about reviews or leaks. My next system will be full water.

Fumz · Jun 21, 2010

Dixon Butz said:
I could care less about reviews or leaks.

Clearly.

Corsair H50 Liquid CPU Cooler

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