When building a high-performance PC, choosing the right CPU cooler is crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures and maximizing your processor’s potential. For enthusiasts and gamers, all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers offer a powerful and aesthetically pleasing solution. Corsair’s H-series has long been a favorite, with the H170i and H150i models standing out as top contenders. While both deliver excellent cooling, they cater to slightly different needs. This guide will provide a comprehensive Corsair H170i vs H150i comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
Below is a detailed breakdown of the core specifications for both the H170i and H150i to help you see their differences at a glance.
| Feature | Corsair H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT | Corsair H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT |
| Radiator Size | 420mm (3 x 140mm fans) | 360mm (3 x 120mm fans) |
| Fan Size | 140mm | 120mm |
| Fan RPM | Up to 1700 RPM | Up to 2100 RPM |
| Airflow | Up to 89 CFM | Up to 65.57 CFM |
| Static Pressure | 2.00 mm-H2O | 2.68 mm-H2O |
| Socket Support | Intel: 1700, 1200, 115x, 2066; AMD: AM5, AM4, sTR4 | Intel: 1700, 1200, 115x, 2066; AMD: AM5, AM4, sTR4 |
| Noise Level | 10-33.8 dBA | 10-37 dBA |
Quick Highlights
Here are a few quick takeaways to summarize the main differences.
- Radiator Size: The H170i features a larger 420mm radiator with three 140mm fans, providing a greater surface area for heat dissipation. The H150i uses a 360mm radiator with three 120mm fans.
- Fan Performance: The H170i’s larger 140mm fans move a higher volume of air (CFM) at a lower RPM, generally resulting in quieter operation for a given thermal load. The H150i’s 120mm fans spin faster to compensate, leading to a higher static pressure but also a higher potential noise level.
- Case Compatibility: The H170i’s massive 420mm radiator requires a larger PC case with specific mounting support, limiting its compatibility. The H150i’s 360mm radiator is much more widely supported in modern mid-tower cases and up.
Key Takeaways
Making a choice between these two powerful coolers comes down to your specific PC build and needs.
- Raw Cooling Power: The Corsair H170i has a definitive edge in raw cooling performance due to its larger radiator and fans. It can dissipate more heat and is better suited for the most power-hungry CPUs, such as the Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 series, especially when overclocking.
- Acoustics: Because of its larger fans, the H170i can achieve excellent cooling while running at lower, quieter fan speeds. If silence is a top priority, the H170i is the superior choice under heavy loads.
- Case Compatibility: The H150i is a more practical choice for most PC builders. Its 360mm radiator fits in a vast majority of modern mid-tower cases, whereas the H170i’s 420mm radiator is only compatible with a select number of large or full-tower cases.
Pros & Cons of CORSAIR H170i vs H150i
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each cooler.
| Corsair H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT | Corsair H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT |
| ✅ Pros | ✅ Pros |
| Top-tier cooling performance, ideal for high-end CPUs. | Excellent cooling performance, sufficient for most high-end CPUs. |
| Quieter operation due to larger fans. | Fits in a much wider range of PC cases. |
| Superior heat dissipation, especially under sustained loads. | Generally more affordable than the H170i. |
| Comes with everything you need for a standard build. | |
| ❌ Cons | ❌ Cons |
| Limited case compatibility due to its large size. | Can be louder at full fan speed. |
| Higher price point. | Slightly less cooling potential than the H170i. |
Buying Recommendations
- Choose the Corsair H170i if: You own a large PC case (like a full tower) that can accommodate a 420mm radiator and you are running a top-tier, overclocked CPU (e.g., Core i9-13900K or Ryzen 9 7950X). This cooler is for those who prioritize the absolute best thermal performance and acoustics.
- Choose the Corsair H150i if: You have a mid-tower PC case and a high-end CPU. The H150i offers a fantastic balance of performance, compatibility, and price, providing more than enough cooling power for the vast majority of gaming and professional workloads. It is the more practical and widely recommended choice for most builders.
Final Verdict
In the battle of the Corsair H170i vs H150i, there’s no single winner. The H170i is the king of performance—if you can fit it. Its sheer size and larger fans give it a clear advantage in raw cooling capacity and noise levels. However, the H150i is the champion of practicality and value. It provides excellent cooling that’s more than sufficient for most high-end builds and fits into a much broader range of cases. For most users, the H150i is the smarter, more sensible choice, while the H170i is reserved for the most extreme, no-compromise PC builds.
FAQ and CORSAIR H170i and H150i
Q1: What is the main difference between the Corsair H170i and H150i?
Ans: The primary difference is the size of the radiator and fans. The H170i has a 420mm radiator with three 140mm fans, while the H150i has a 360mm radiator with three 120mm fans. This gives the H170i superior cooling capacity and quieter operation.
Q2: Will the H170i fit in a standard mid-tower case?
Ans: It is unlikely. A 420mm radiator is significantly larger than a 360mm one and requires a full-tower or a specifically designed larger mid-tower case with proper mounting points.
Q3: Do both coolers support the latest CPU sockets?
Ans: Yes, both the H170i and H150i models support modern Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets, along with a wide range of older sockets.
Q4: Which cooler is better for overclocking?
Ans: The H170i’s larger surface area makes it better for handling the additional heat generated by a heavily overclocked, high-end CPU.
Q5: Are the fans on both coolers RGB?
Ans: Yes, both coolers come with Corsair’s RGB fans (e.g., AF140 RGB ELITE or AF120 RGB ELITE), which are fully customizable through the iCUE software.
Q6: Do I need to buy a separate fan controller?
Ans: No, both coolers include a Corsair Commander CORE controller, which manages both fan speed and RGB lighting for the included fans and pump.
Q7: What is the purpose of the larger radiator on the H170i?
Ans: The larger radiator provides more surface area to dissipate heat, which allows the cooler to maintain lower CPU temperatures, especially under heavy, sustained loads. It also enables the fans to spin slower to achieve the same cooling, resulting in less noise.
Short Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Corsair H170i vs H150i comes down to your specific build constraints and performance goals. If you have the case space and budget, the H170i offers unmatched performance and quiet operation. However, for most users seeking a powerful and versatile AIO, the H150i is the perfect blend of performance, compatibility, and value.
If you have any questions about “CORSAIR H170i vs H150i: Which Liquid Cooler is Best for Your High-End PC?,” then feel free to let us know through your comments.
