Today we will solve the big dilemma, which of the two Corsair coffee machines is better: Corsair H100i v2 vs Corsair H115i PRO. We will compare their features, functions, specifications, and point out the differences between Corsair H100i v2 and Corsair H115i RGB Platinum PRO liquid CPU coolers.
In this day and age, thermal efficiency is paramount to attain peak system performance. As computers get more physical cores and higher frequencies, the system temperature is also expected to increase. And sometimes, air cooling is not enough. Enter liquid coolers. Using liquid coolers (particularly AIO liquid coolers) is the easiest way to attain chilly and comfortable temperatures for your computer.
In this article, we are going to compare two AIO liquid coolers from Corsair – H100i v2 and H115i RGB PLATINUM. Corsair is among the market leaders in CPU cooling as they are selling computer cases, air and liquid coolers, and computer fans. So, we are expecting these coolers to perform at the highest level. If you are in the market for an AIO liquid cooler, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start comparing Corsair H100i v2 and H115i RGB PLATINUM by looking at their similarities and differences.
Let’s review the specifics in a side by side chart.
| Name | Corsair H100i v2 | Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Cooling Socket Support | Intel and AMD sockets | Intel and AMD sockets |
| Cold Plate Material | Copper | Copper |
| Cold Plate Dimensions | Around 50mm x 50mm | 56 x 56mm |
| Radiator Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Radiator Size | 240mm | 280mm |
| Radiator Dimensions | 276mm x 125mm x 30mm | 322mm x 137mm x 27mm |
| Tubing Material | Black Sleeved Low-Permeation Rubber | Black Sleeved Low-Permeation Rubber |
| Tubing Length | 300mm | 380mm |
| Number of Fans | 2 | 2 |
| Fan Series | SP Series | ML RGB PRO Series |
| Fan Dimensions | 120mm x 25mm | 140mm x 25mm |
| Fan Speed | 2435 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fan Airflow | 70.69 CFM | 97 CFM |
| Lighting | RGB | RGB |
| CORSAIR iCUE Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| PWM Fan Control | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Level | 37.7 dBA | 10 – 36 dBA |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Wide Processor Compatibility
Corsair H100i v2 and H115i RGB PLATINUM have outstanding processor compatibility. Both AIO liquid coolers are compatible with both Intel and AMD processors. However, there is a minor difference in one specific motherboard socket. If you own an AM4 motherboard (Ryzen processors), the H100i v2 does not support your motherboard out of the box. You need to purchase bracket CW-8960046 to be compatible with AM4 sockets for an additional $5. Otherwise, you should still check whether your processor is compatible. If your processor is a recent model, it most likely is.
High-Quality Materials
Corsair is also known for its high-quality products. The H100i v2 and H115i RGB PLATINUM are also made out of high-quality, rugged materials. Regarding the cold plate (the surface directly in contact with your processor), it is made out of copper ensuring excellent heat transfer from your processor down to the radiator. Speaking of the radiator, the radiator of both AIO liquid coolers is made out of lightweight yet durable aluminum. Lastly, the tubing that transfers heated liquid away from the copper slug to the radiator is made out of Low-Permeation Rubber covered with black sleeving for a more muted and professional look.
Long Limited Warranty
When a product is backed by a long warranty, you know that this product can last you a long time because the company has the confidence to give you a long warranty. Corsair is confident enough to give you 5 long years of warranty. So, as a consumer, this gives you a clue that both the H100i v2 and H115i RGB PLATINUM have long-lasting quality.
Differences between Corsair H100i v2 vs Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM PRO
AIO Liquid Cooler Dimensions
The first obvious difference between these AIO coolers is their dimensions. Dimensions in coolers, in general, can help with thermal performance. The larger the surface area, the faster heat can dissipate.
Corsair H100i v2
The first dimension you should look out for is its cold plate dimensions. If this dimension is not large enough to span over your processor, thermals will turn out to be horrible. The Corsair H100 v2 has a rather circular copper cold plate with a diameter of around 50mm. In terms of its radiator, the H100i v2 has a smaller radiator that can support only two 120mm fans. Therefore, you can expect its thermals to run hotter. Lastly, its tubing has a length of 300mm which is long enough for most PC builds. However, you can run into some compatibility issues if you own a full-tower PC.
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM
The Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM, on the other hand, has a square copper cold plate that is perfect for most processors. This cold plate has a dimension of 56mm by 56mm. It has a larger surface area than the H100i v2 which helps for a better heat transfer. When it comes to its radiator, the H115i can support up to two 140mm fans. These larger fans can draw more airflow that can result in better thermal performance. Moreover, it has a longer tubing with a length of 380mm reducing the chance of incompatibility.
The Winner Is- Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM
Included Fans
The included fans in an AIO liquid cooler are a major part of its overall thermal performance. The fans draw out the heat from the liquid inside the AIO.
Corsair H100i v2
As mentioned earlier, the H100i v2 can only accommodate two 120mm fans. While it is a good middle ground between size and performance, you can still expect a sizable temperature decrease using the H100i v2. The included fans belong to Corsair’s SP series fans which can give you high static pressure for more efficient liquid cooling. It can run faster due to its higher spin frequency of 2435 RPM. Although it has a higher RPM, it draws less airflow at a little over 70 CFM. Moreover, it runs louder at 37.7 dBA due to this high RPM. If RGB is your thing, the fans included do not have RGB lighting but the Corsair branding on the housing of the cold plate does.
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM
Aside from having a larger radiator, the H115i can accommodate the larger 140mm fans. Its fans are from Corsair’s ML PRO RGB series. ML stands for magnetic levitation which dramatically reduces friction resulting in a quieter operation. It has RGB, so, if that is your thing, you are lucky. The fans that come with the H115i, although it has a lower maximum RPM, can create more airflow of 97 CFM.
The Winner Is- Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM
Cooling Performance
The cooling performance is what everyone is after in an AIO liquid cooler. Let’s see how these AIO liquid coolers perform.
Corsair H100i v2
Although it is smaller, the Corsair H100i v2 can keep up with its competitor in terms of thermal performance. Take note that the fan speed in our test run at 1530 RPM which is not its maximum fan speed. At 1530 RPM, the idle temperature is around 6.6 degrees Celsius. However, it ramped up to 42.0 degrees Celsius when tested against a workload. These numbers are certainly respectable for a dual 120mm AIO liquid cooler.
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM
The Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM has a larger radiator and fans. So, it should perform better, right? Well, of course. Even when the fans are running at just 1200 RPM, the idle temperature records at 5.5 degrees which is 1.1 whole degrees less than the H100i v2. Moreover, it only reached an average of 37.9 degrees Celsius when the bench PC is subjected to load (it is running still at 1200 RPM). It is already expected from a larger AIO liquid cooler to perform remarkably better.
The Winner Is- Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM
Pros and Cons
Corsair H100i v2
Pros:
- For the thermal performance you gain with the Corsair H100i v2, its lower price gives it a better value proposition.
- Thermal performance is considered to be right on the mark, despite its size.
- The quality of materials and a long warranty backed by Corsair make the H100i a better buy for budget consumers.
Cons:
- If you are concerned with acoustics, the H100i can be audible when cranked to the highest fan speed.
Corsair H115i PRO RGB PLATINUM
Pros:
- Its larger dimensions and fans give the H115i a better thermal and cooling performance.
- Corsair includes one of its best-performing fans with the H115i.
- It is a lot quieter due to its lower RPM and magnetic levitation technology.
Cons:
- You should be wary if the H115i can fit inside your case since it is a chunky AIO cooler.
Which Corsair Liquid CPU Cooler to Buy?
The Corsair H100i v2 and H115i RGB PLATINUM are great performers considering their prices. If you have a lower budget for an AIO liquid cooler, go for the Corsair H100i v2. However, take note that it can get louder at times (particularly when subject to loads). If you have more money for an AIO liquid cooler, the performance the H115i gives is unbeatable. Their price difference is not that high, anyway.