Corsair Hydro Series H105 Review 27

Corsair Hydro Series H105 Review

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Introduction

Corsair Logo

From the Corsair website:
Founded as Corsair Microsystems in 1994, Corsair originally developed Level 2 cache modules for OEMs. After Intel incorporated the L2 cache in the processor with the release of its Pentium Pro processor family, Corsair changed its focus to DRAM modules, primarily in the server market. In 2002, Corsair began shipping DRAM modules that were specifically designed to appeal to computer-overclocking enthusiasts. From its roots in high-performance memory, Corsair has expanded its award-winning product portfolio to include ultra-efficient power supplies, builder-friendly cases, ground-breaking CPU coolers, blazing-fast solid-state drives, and other key system components.

You would have to live under a rock not to know about Corsair. They have products in nearly every conceivable category of the DIY PC market; air coolers, liquid coolers, power supplies, keyboards, mice, fans, cases, and memory. They are a true market leader when it comes to PC parts and accessories, but great products and market penetration are only the tip of the iceberg. Let us not forget their fantastic support and exceptional warranties as these have made Corsair one of the go-to brands for almost anything PC related.

Corsair's popularity in the PC cooling market rests firmly on the Hydro Series line of products. From the H60 for entry-level systems to the H80i for those in need of some extra cooling performance, Hydro products cover nearly every segment of the market,. Then there are the H100i and H110 for extreme cooling purposes as both were until recently the best the cooling line had to offer. When it comes to heatsinks and fans, Corsair really does have a product for just about everyone.

Today, I will look at Corsair's new high-end product, the Hydro Series H105. This AIO liquid CPU cooler is their new top-of-the-line model. It features a 240 mm x 120 mm x 38 mm radiator that is 11 mm thicker than the H100i and H110. With some high speed fans, a new design, and a thicker radiator, the Hydro Series H105 should prove to be a top contender, so let's get down to it to see what it is capable of!
Specifications
MANUFACTURER:Corsair
MODEL:Hydro Series H105
SOCKET SUPPORT:Intel: LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, LGA2011
AMD: AM2, AMD2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+
COLD PLATE:Material: Copper
RADIATOR:Dimensions: 270 mm x 120 mm x 38 mm
Material: Aluminum
FANS:Dimensions: 120 mm x 120mm x 25 mm
Fan Speed: 800 - 2700 RPM (PWM)
Fan Airflow: 73 CFM
Fan Noise: 37.7 dBA
Fan Static Pressure: 3.9 mm H2O
TUBING:Material: Rubber
FEATURES:All-new mounting bracket design for easy installation
Three color accent rings
Dual SP120L fans with PWM control
WARRANTY:Five years
MSRP:$119.99

Packaging & Contents


The Hydro Series H105 comes in a fairly large and attractive box. Measuring in at roughly 34.3 cm in length, 24.7 cm in width, and 14 cm in height and using the typical red and black scheme, it stands out and commands attention. There is an image of the H105 on top, along with Corsair's logo and "H105" in boldfaced letters. The front lists the product's features. These include its large 240 mm radiator, advanced SP120L fans, and improved mounting-bracket design, to name a few. Users will also find the product's dimensions and the specifications for both radiator and fan on the left side of the box. The information on both sides is presented in multiple languages.


You will find the product's socket and processor support table here. Some information presented here also mentions easier-to-install mounting hardware, the 38 mm radiator for increased cooling capacity, and customizable performance via PWM. A list on the right side lists the contents of the box. All information on this side is again presented in multiple languages.

Contents


After suppressing an Aw Yeah! moment, I opened the box to be greeted by exactly what I expected: A cardboard insert that holds the cooler and its accessories in place, with a layer of foam on top. The installation guide is the first thing you will encounter upon opening the box. Corsair's packaging is above average and serves its purpose in protecting the product. I doubt the Hydro Series H105 will come to harm during shipping.


Everything you need to mount the Hydro Series H105 has been included, although Corsair only provides eight fan screws, so you will have to get another set of screws if you want to use a push-pull setup. You will need 6/32 UNC screws that are 1.25 inches or 3.175 cm long. The mounting hardware is, other than that, self-explanatory; one set of black standoffs for AMD, another in silver for LGA2011, and one for LGA115x. The universal mounting bracket for Intel CPUs works with all modern Intel sockets and the same goes for the AMD bracket and AMD's processors. The backplate has also been improved over previous designs. Corsair's new hardware incorporates a sliding mechanism that is self-contained, instead of four metal pieces in the backplate that can ruin it if the screws are overtightened. This makes installing and removing the Hydro Series H105 much easier and reduces the risk of failure.

Common parts supplied for mounting include:
  • 16x Metal washers
  • 8x Radiator mount screws
  • 8x fan screws
  • 4x LGA2011 standoffs
  • 4x LGA115x standoffs
  • 4x AMD black standoffs
  • 4x Thumbscrews
  • 2x SP120L fans
  • 1x Pump/block combo
  • 1x 240 mm radiator
  • 1x Intel backplate
  • 1x Retention ring
  • 1x Intel mounting bracket
  • 1x AMD mounting bracket
  • 1x Fan Y-header
  • 1x Installation guide
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Jul 29th, 2025 17:08 CDT change timezone

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