Two things are becoming increasingly popular in the computer hardware market: RGB lighting and AiO CPU coolers. Corsair has been playing this game for quite some time now and is updating its portfolio with the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix, among other products tested here. Especially the included controller and the RGB lighting, which is adjustable in detail, should convince the buyers. In our test we want to find out how the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix compares to other AiO coolers and if it can finally convince.
Technical data
The iCUE H115i Elite Capellix* with 280 mm radiator from Corsair has been available since September 2020. There is also a small version with a 240 mm radiator, the iCUE H100i Elite Capellix* with two 120 mm RGB fans and a larger version with a 360 mm radiator, iCUE H150i Elite Capellix* with three 120 mm RGB fans.
Radiator:
| Dimensions: | 322 x 137 x 27 mm |
| Material: | aluminum (black painted) |
CPU-Cooler:
| Height: | 65 mm |
| Material base plate: | copper |
| Tube length: | 380 mm |
Compatibility:
| Intel socket: | LGA 2066, 2011-3, 2011, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 |
| AMD socket: | AM4, sTR4, sTRX4 |
Fan:
| Type: | 2x 140 mm (CORSAIR ML140 RGB PWM fan) |
| Speed: | 400 – 2,000 rpm (zero mode possible) |
| Flow volume: | not specified |
| Static pressure: | up to 3.0 mm H2O |
| Volume: | up to 36.0 dB(A) |
| Connection: | 4-pin PWM, 4-pin RGB |
Packing and scope of delivery
The iCUE H115i Elite Capellix* arrives safely in a stylish and well-padded package.
In addition to the actual AiO water cooling, the following accessories are included in the scope of delivery:
-
- 2x 140 mm RGB fan (CORSAIR ML140 RGB PWM fan)
- Mounting kits and screws for mounting for the common mainboard platforms
- Pre-applied heat-conducting paste
- Alternative CPU Cooler Cover (white)
- Fan & RGB – Controller
- Double-sided adhesive tape
- Instructions
The accessories are extensively dimensioned. Especially the included controller is a useful extension of the accessories.
Workmanship and design
The workmanship of the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix* and its accessories is convincing at first glance. No significantly bent lamellas could be detected on the radiator. The hoses are sufficiently flexible and perfectly attached to the radiator and pump.
The pump housing is very stable. The pre-assembled Intel mainboard adapter can be removed without any problems within a few seconds. The underside of the pump shows the copper surface of the base plate with the heat conducting paste applied ex works.
The two included RGB fans (CORSAIR ML140 RGB PWM fan) have a black frame with white fan blades. The fans are each connected via a 4-pin PWM connector. They also have 4-pin RGB connectors. The fans do not have a rubber coating on the frame.
All fans can be connected directly via the controller included in the delivery. The controller is then connected to the mainboard via internal USB port and to the power supply via SATA. The pump and six 4-pin fans and 4-pin RGB cables can be connected to the controller.
Except for the fan blades, everything is black. Overall, the workmanship and design of the AiO cooler is completely convincing and shines with the fan and RGB controller included in the scope of delivery.
The installation
The assembly of the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix* was quite simple.
In our case, the radiator was mounted on the front, with the fans in between. The included RGB fans can easily be attached to the radiator. It is useful to do the rough cable management of the fans before mounting the radiator in the case. The radiator fits easily into the front of a Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB (here you can find our review). Due to the white case, the alternative white CPU cooler cover was installed.
After installing the radiator with the mounted fans, we continued with the compact CPU block. In our case, the holder for Intel mainboards was already mounted in advance. Since the mounting is done on an AM4 mainboard, the bracket included in the scope of delivery must first be connected to the pump. This can be removed easily within a few seconds.
When mounting on the AM4 mainboard, the bracket on the bracket of the mainboard must be tilted in on both sides and then tightened. Ideally this should be done lying down, otherwise the mounting will be quite difficult.
After successful assembly, all components are firmly and securely in place.
Lighting
In order to use the RGB lighting of the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix*, the supplied controller is ideally used. Additionally, the iCUE software has to be downloaded under Windows. Now the software can be used for both AiO and RGB control.
In the software itself there are hardly any limits. Further personalizations can be made between different finished profiles. The RGBs on the CPU cooler and fan of the AiO can be controlled, as well as all other devices compatible to the iCUE software.
In our test we created two different effects ourselves. Based on a temperature sensor – for example the processor or the graphics card – a color gradient can be set. With temperature adjustments the lighting changes. In gradient mode, however, a completely self-created color gradient can also be created in a configurable duration.
It is also worth mentioning that in principle a separate profile can be created for each individual LED. With 21 LEDs on the pump and 8 LEDs on each individual fan, the RGB enthusiast can fully unfold.
Unfortunately there is no information in the specifications about the consumption of the LED illumination at maximum brightness.
Cooling capacity and volume
Let’s get to one of the most important parts: How does the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix* – apart from the detailed lighting – perform in practice? To control the pump and the fan there are different variants in the iCUE software: different automatic programs or the manual control.
We test the cooling system first in “Quiet” mode and then in “Intensive” mode. The case fans remain in the “Quiet” profile throughout. Thus, both the daily operation and the maximum performance of the AiO can be estimated. We then look at the temperature in idle, as well as under full load with Prime95. The room temperature at each test was about 23° C.
In the “Quiet” profile, the cooling performance is impressive. Compared to other tested AiOs in Silent/Auto Mode, the cooling capacity is three Kelvin cooler under full load. In the profiles the fan speed increases with the CPU temperature. At the end of our Prime95 test, this is around 650 RPM. The fans are very quiet at this rotational speed.
When switching to the “Intensive” profile, expectations were high. However, the temperature difference is quite small. But the noise of the fans increases significantly. On average, 1400 RPM were used here.
Due to the small difference, another test is performed at maximum speed of the AiO fans. Since the CPU in the system was swapped between the two tests, no direct comparison to the other AiOs can be made here.
In contrast to the specification, however, not a maximum of 2000 RPM can be set, but only about 1750 RPM. Probably the 2000 RPM are only reached when the CPU threatens to overheat.
In this test the case fans were fixed at 1000 RPM. However, the difference between the Intensive profile and the maximum settings is very small and is again accompanied by a significant increase in volume.
Thus, the “Quiet” mode is recommended throughout. A change to other profiles is hardly useful for the small temperature difference.
The only thing missing is a consideration of the noise level of the pump. In our test we found that the pump in combination with the AM4 mount produces an audible sound even in “Quiet” mode. This noise is not really loud, but it is audible throughout. It doesn’t matter if the CPU cooler is only slightly screwed on by hand or a bit tighter with a cross-head screw, it’s all the same. As a test, we operated the pump for a short time without mounting it on a mainboard. Here the noise is almost completely eliminated. Whether this is only a problem with the AM4 mounting, or also for other sockets, could unfortunately not be tested.
In summary, the cooling performance of the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix* is very good in the “Quiet” profile. A different mode is not recommended. The fans are quite quiet, but the pump is always audible.
Conclusion on the Corsair iCUE H115i Elite Capellix
Corsair offers a good product overall with the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix. The workmanship is top notch and the lighting looks very chic. Special features like the included controller for the fans and RGB control make the AiO cooler stand out from the crowd. The cooling performance is very good in the “Quiet” profile, but the volume is not quiet due to the continuously audible pump.
With a RRP of about 170 Euro (current: € 95.46 *) the AiO cooler from Corsair is not really cheap. The potential buyer does not get a perfect overall solution here. However, a separate fan/RGB controller is included.
In summary, the iCUE H115i Elite Capellix is recommended for those who do not already own an RGB controller but would like to have a custom RGB lighting with good cooling performance. For those who want it quiet, the continuously audible pump means that you should think twice before buying. Maybe this is only a problem of the AM4 mount and does not occur with another mainboard socket. Here Corsair can hopefully improve on the next generation.
Corsair iCUE H115i Elite Capellix
Workmanship
Features
Installation
Cooling
Volume
Value for money
88/100
Personalized colorful with good cooling performance - but with audible pump.
