Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler Review

Looking back into the not too distant past I can remember when the original Corsair H80 AIO cooler come out. I had started out my overclocking adventures a little while before that using an H70 and remember thinking how cool it would be to step up to the bigger more powerful H80. It had a much thicker radiator than my cooler and dual fans as well! Flash forward half a decade and here we are with the newest iteration of that cooler. While many things have changed, some things such as the dual fans and super thick radiator have stayed the same. The H80 was an excellent entry level cooler for those looking for higher performance back then; lets check out the latest version the H80i GT and see if the same is still true today.

Special thanks to Corsair for providing us with the H80i GT for review!

Features
Extra-thick radiator
The 120mm radiator works with standard 120mm fan mounts for wide compatibility, but has a depth of 49mm for increased cooling surface area and faster, more efficient cooling.

Customized cooling performance
You can select the speed of the dual SP120L PWM fans via the Corsair Link control panel or any standard fan speed utility. And, you have options: use just one fan to save space, or install both in a push-pull configuration for extra cooling efficiency.

Built-in Corsair Link
Attach the included Corsair Link cable to a USB header on your motherboard and download the free Corsair Link software to unlock even more power.
You can customize cooling performance, monitor coolant and CPU temperatures, and change the color of the RGB LED lighting from the default white to match your system or to change color based on temperature readings and other inputs.

High-performance CPU cooling made simple
The H80i GT is a closed loop design that comes pre-filled. It includes a modular, tool-free mounting bracket for faster installation, and it features improved coldplate and pump designs for highly tuned efficiency.

About Hydro Series Liquid CPU Coolers
Corsair Hydro Series CPU coolers give you the power of liquid cooling in a compact, easy-to-install package. They offer superior cooling for higher overclocking performance, without the complexity of traditional water cooling kits.

Contents and Specifications
Package contents
– Hydro Series H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler
– Mounting kit for all modern CPU sockets
– Two 120mm High Torque Fans
– Fan and radiator mounting screws
– Thermal compound (pre-applied)

Compatibility
– Intel™ LGA 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3
– AMD™ sockets FM1, FM2, AM2, AM3

Technical specifications
– Radiator dimensions: 154mm x 123mm x 49mm
– Fan dimensions: 120mm x 120mm x 25mm
– Fan speed: 2435 +/- 10% RPM
– Fan airflow: 70.69 CFM
– Fan static pressure: 4.65 mmH2O
– Fan noise level: 37.7 dB(A)
– Warranty: Five years
– Cold Plate Material: Copper
– Fan Specification: 120mm (x2)
– Radiator Material: Aluminum
– Tubing: Large-diameter, low permeability

Packaging
When it comes to shipping care Corsair has always been right there at the top of the class for quality and product protection. After removing the shrink wrap we find the unit in a black box with grey and light blue accents. The front of the box shows us a picture of the cooler in the center and a few features are listed on the bottom portion. Flipping from the front straight to the back, we have some performance data at the top center, and a CAD drawing below that. To the right and left was find more features listed as well as some small photos of the unit.

Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler

Around the sides of the box we get a compatibility listing which includes all modern socket types as well as a statement mentioning the need for an open USB 2.0 header in order to use the Corsair link software. We also find the feature lists repeated and a listing of what to expect to find in the box.

Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler

Moving to the good stuff we flip open the top of the box. Laying on top of a thin sheet of foam we find a manual and a warranty guide. Removing those items, we find the cooler all tucked into the correct places and spaces in the molded cardboard case.

Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler Corsair H80i GT Liquid CPU Cooler

Like all of the Corsair units we have reviewed lately the H80i GT comes completely shrouded in plastic and the fans are protected by cardboard sleeves. Removing the shipping protection items we find the cooler and all the accessories are in good order and were properly protected during shipping.