Corsair H50 Liquid CPU Cooler

[mpcrsc562]

I agree with what Fumz is stating -- but one thing is kind of missing in the whole thing with this good air cooling solutions vs the H50: the size of the heat sink.

Prior to my purchase, I did do some research. However, I bought the H50 some time ago, at a time when the research results I found showed that the H50 was neck-to-neck with the best air coolers and in some cases, better than the best air coolers.

These companies don't sit on their laurels; they are always refining their product and looking for better ways to rid the processor of heat.

So, back to my main point: size. A lot of the very good air coolers are good because of the fact that because of the size of the heat sink, there is an incredible amount of surface area for the moving air to remove the heat. But, being so tall, some of those same air coolers will not fit in mid-tower pc's and definitely not any small form factor chassis.

This post is subjective: for me, the H50 cooled my processor a great deal over the air cooler I had. Yes, springing a leak poses a little worry--but very little for me. For the cooling it does do and the minuscule worry I have about a leak, the H50 relieves me of other worries associated with full-blown water cooling solutions: bubbles, algae, and the fact that I have to change the coolant every so often.

My 2 1/2 cents.

 

[smarteyeball]

Fumz has made same very valid and correct points.

So too have others.

It performs better than some air coolers, while performing worse than others and in some cases, it's not without it's risks.

The OP has his mind made up.

Not really much debating the pros and cons any further tbh.

 

[bobkn]

One thing that I haven't seen in the thread: the fan on the H50 is intended to draw outside air into the case, through its radiator. Normally, fans in that location blow air out of the case, and the airflow in the case is front to back.

It's not clear to me how large a problem that would be in practice, but my expectation would be that while the CPU might be cooled well, everything else would run at least a little hotter.

I suppose that some compromise should be expected with a compact, inexpensive system, that has no components mounted outside the case.

 

[blackroseMD1]

One thing that I haven't seen in the thread: the fan on the H50 is intended to draw outside air into the case, through its radiator. Normally, fans in that location blow air out of the case, and the airflow in the case is front to back.

It's not clear to me how large a problem that would be in practice, but my expectation would be that while the CPU might be cooled well, everything else would run at least a little hotter.

I suppose that some compromise should be expected with a compact, inexpensive system, that has no components mounted outside the case.

Yeah, it's definitely something to consider. In my case, I have 4 fans in my case...2 pushing air out and 2 pulling air in. I wouldn't recommend it in cases where you only have the 1 120mm fan in the back, but most cases these days have more than one fan. So you can have at least one pulling and one pushing.

 

[OneSerious]

Okay, lots of good points for and against here. My situation is as such, I'm currently putting money aside for a 5870 Vapor-X OC which is going to cost me the guts of £400. So right now I'm not rolling in it. My case is only a cheap CoolerMaster Elite 335 Mid.

Now with the summer coming in my room is getting really warm, and my system is idling at around 40C, under load it's hitting 60C. As far as I'm aware AMD recommend no more than 62C. Also, since it's getting that warm the fan is going buck wild and making a lot of noise.

So I want a good cooler for the CPU. As much as I would like to, I don't have the money or will to drop £150+ on a new case. Given my lack of space I can pretty much rule most good air coolers out. The H50 however should fit and offer good temps. I'm not to worried about a leak because any Corsair product I've used has been 100% and I've only heard good things about their customer service if something does go wrong.

I would like to double check with the guys who already own them. There are two cables which go to the mobo, one to the CPU Fan header. What is the other cable?

And if anybody could offer up some advice in regards to removing a heat sink with thermal pad rather than paste. I know with paste the heat ink just lifts off? Is the pad the same? I sort of imagine it would be well stuck.

If anybody can come up with a better air solution which will fit in my mid case and cost around the same, I'm all ears.

Cheers for the replies guys.

 

[Dixon Butz]

The other cable is for the radiator fan which is very quiet.

 

[OneSerious]

The other cable is for the radiator fan which is very quiet.

So it just goes to the 3 pin fan socket then?

 

[Dixon Butz]

Yes, 3 pin.

 

[OneSerious]

Yes, 3 pin.

Good stuff. I'm temped to order it today...

 

[Fumz]

If anybody can come up with a better air solution which will fit in my mid case and cost around the same, I'm all ears.

The H50 is $80.00, and your case is 7.28" in width.

Alternatives:
Tuniq 120 Extreme, $54.99. It's only 150mm in height, 6.18". That would easily clear your case. Tuniq 120 Extreme CPU Cooler: CrazyPC Computers

Scythe Yasya, at $44.99 is about half the price of the H50, and is only 149mm, 5.87". Scythe Yasya CPU Cooler SCYS-1000: CrazyPC Computers

Really, your biggest issue is getting rid of the stock cooler, along with the stock thermal pad/paste. Whichever way you go, H50 or these air solutions, you'll notice a significant drop in temps.

 

[Dixon Butz]

If anybody can come up with a better air solution which will fit in my mid case and cost around the same, I'm all ears.

The H50 is $80.00, and your case is 7.28" in width.

Alternatives:
Tuniq 120 Extreme, $54.99. It's only 150mm in height, 6.18". That would easily clear your case. Tuniq 120 Extreme CPU Cooler: CrazyPC Computers

Scythe Yasya, at $44.99 is about half the price of the H50, and is only 149mm, 5.87". Scythe Yasya CPU Cooler SCYS-1000: CrazyPC Computers

Really, your biggest issue is getting rid of the stock cooler, along with the stock thermal pad/paste. Whichever way you go, H50 or these air solutions, you'll notice a significant drop in temps.

Don't move your pc if you do use these unless you take off the heatsink.

 

[Fumz]

If anybody can come up with a better air solution which will fit in my mid case and cost around the same, I'm all ears.

The H50 is $80.00, and your case is 7.28" in width.

Alternatives:
Tuniq 120 Extreme, $54.99. It's only 150mm in height, 6.18". That would easily clear your case. Tuniq 120 Extreme CPU Cooler: CrazyPC Computers

Scythe Yasya, at $44.99 is about half the price of the H50, and is only 149mm, 5.87". Scythe Yasya CPU Cooler SCYS-1000: CrazyPC Computers

Really, your biggest issue is getting rid of the stock cooler, along with the stock thermal pad/paste. Whichever way you go, H50 or these air solutions, you'll notice a significant drop in temps.

Don't move your pc if you do use these unless you take off the heatsink.

*sigh*

If by that you mean, don't box up your machine and ship it somewhere via UPS, then yeah sure, take off the heatsink... but otherwise, this is just more nonsense.

 

[Dixon Butz]

With 848 grams hanging off you mb, great care should be taken to move it across a room.

 

[Fumz]

With 848 grams hanging off you mb, great care should be taken to move it across a room.

They have these nifty little things called back plates these days; perhaps you've heard of them? No longer does the heatsink attach to the socket and the socket only.

Besides, one should take care moving his or her PC across the room regardless of whether or not a large heatsink is installed, right? Unless you're suggesting that a "selling point" of the H50 is that you're now free to toss your machine about the room without fear of any internal damage...

 

[Dixon Butz]

884 grams is way over any motherboards max weight specification. Don't be an ***hat.

 

[Fumz]

884 grams is way over any motherboards max weight specification. Don't be an ***hat.

Perhaps before you go any further, you might want to brush up on these? http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/8-forum-rules-please-read.html

I'd respond to your comment, but, like other posts of yours in this thread, it's misleading. Once again you've omitted very relevant information in order to attempt to make an argument. "way better than air", only if you ignore all the air coolers that are better. "way over any motherboard max weight spec", only if you ignore the backplate in place.

Seriously, if you can't make an honest argument, why bother?

 

[Dixon Butz]

Welcome to my ignore list

 

[Fumz]

I'm crushed.

 

[OneSerious]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to go away and have a wee bit of a think. I'm still leaning toward the H50. But I'll post back once I get it sorted.

 

[Dave76]

kylehimself,

Well looks like you got a couple of points of view.

The decision is ultimately yours, of coarse.

Since you asked for alternate air cooling ideas, I have the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus, it's been working very well.
It's compatible with your AMD Phenom II X4.

Idle temps are 29c, running Prime95 was at 59c.
Dimensions 120 x 79.7 x 158.5 mm (L x W x H)
It's not small, you would need to measure your case.

Review from Tom's Hardware, rated it highest on cooling value.
It's a very good air cooler for a good price.

In the US it's $29, you'll have to check for availability and price in your area.

Someday I'll probably get a water cooler, but the thought of having water pumped around my computer case makes me shiver.

I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you get, it will be better than stock coolers.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.