Introduction

We began our extensive coverage of CORSAIR's foray into custom PC watercooling with their Hydro X Series XC9 CPU block a few months ago, and I had alluded to how that block had come along with the XC7 version intended for mainstream CPU sockets. It took longer than I expected to set up my new test setup for CPU blocks, which has already been used for a few Bitspower CPU block reviews so far, and the time between has seen reviews of CORSAIR's Hydro X GPU block, reservoir/pump combo, and radiators, too. Coming back full circle, here we are again with a look at the awaited Hydro X Series XC7 CPU block, and thanks to CORSAIR for sending a sample along.


The CORSAIR Hydro X Series XC7, or simply CORSAIR Hydro XC7 henceforth in this review for my own ease, is a companion CPU water block to the (slightly) higher-end Hydro XC9 in that the latter targets Intel and AMD HEDT platforms and uses a metal trim cover and this one is marketed for Intel and AMD mainstream CPU sockets and uses a plastic trim cover as seen above. The cooling engine here is presumably slightly simpler, but should still be plenty enough to cool the lower heat output from these relatively low-core count processors. Owing purely to the cost of system builds, the Hydro XC7 should be more popular than the Hydro XC9, so with eyes on this review, we begin with a look at the specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

CORSAIR has adopted a black and yellow color scheme for most of their new products, DIY or otherwise, and the Hydro XC7 CPU water block is no exception. The packaging gets a plastic cover, and a matte cardboard wrap helps with aesthetics and information alike, especially given the retail channels these will be stocked in. On the front is the company and product name, a printed render of the block with the LEDs in action, and the CPU socket compatibility list to ensure no buyer's regret on that front. Marketing features and specifications greet us on the back and sides in multiple languages.


Single flaps and seals on the top and bottom help keep the contents inside in place, and opening either side helps access them. I appreciate that CORSAIR has gone with a closed two-layer plastic clamshell for the primary components, which results in them arriving in top condition. Inside the box, we also find a handy quick-start guide (online copy here), again in multiple languages, as well as a warranty notice. Do go through the guide if this is your first time with a custom watercooling loop. CORSAIR has done a good job of keeping it user friendly.


Owing to the nature of supporting more CPU sockets relative to the Hydro XC9, the CORSAIR Hydro XC7 comes with the installation hardware separately alongside the block inside the plastic clamshell. Here, we see an AMD mounting bracket, given the Intel bracket comes pre-installed on the block, a block socket backplate, four plastic washers in their own plastic zip-lock pouch, and a set of four mounting posts, springs, spring washers, and mounting nuts tied together for neater packaging even though you need to separate them for the actual installation. I would rather they came separated, but this is a personal preference only and by no means a real complaint.