H110i GTX

Tephnos · 12 Nov 2015 at 02:12

So, finally got my H110i GTX I bought last week in the PC to replace my H100i, which had been working great.

However, I have a Define S and the top vents having absolutely no dust covers is stupid so I want to put on the moduvents for silence and run the rad off the front for a straight 3 intake 1 outtake setup.

Well, that was the plan. At first I ordered the H110i GT because its supposedly better. Turns out the damn thing uses 20mm spacing which seems really weird to me because I've never seen that ever. It also wouldn't fit properly.

Well, enter the H110i GTX. Turns out it STILL won't fit in the case because the 'bumps' at the end of the rad hit off the top of the case, so I have to install it really awkwardly where it is only held in with 4 screws and partially two fans so not all of the rad space is directly covered. I'd heard it fits properly in the front of this case but nobody mentioned that part?

Well, finally get it set up and think all is good for now at least... but nope, turn it on and there's a really shrill buzzing noise coming from the pump. Tilted the case a few times but it did nothing. It's quieter when I close the case but in a silent room all I can hear is the faint noise of that pump under my desk when it is supposed to be the whooshing of the fans like in my H100i.

So now I'm pretty annoyed. Begin questions:

Since both the H110i GT and GTX won't fit properly and are known for their pump noise, is there anything else better in the 280mm range that WILL fit in the front of the Define S properly?

If not, should I just go back to 240mm and scrap the Define S for an mATX cube case or something?

I could try replacing the AIO but they're notorious for pump noise and I really can't be bothered with it especially when it doesn't fit the front properly. Sigh.

Greybeard · 12 Nov 2015 at 23:36

Have you tried lowering down pump's rpm in Corsair Link? Assuming that you have Link installed in your system already. Also, is the noise more like a mechanical or like air pockets? It's not uncommon for brand new AIO coolers to exhibit such noise on the first few hours of operation.

We've seen pump noise here and there from the H100i GTX, rarely on our 280 spec AIO coolers (H110i GT and H110i GTX)

Tephnos · 13 Nov 2015 at 08:51

The noise is like a mechanical whirring, the whooshing noise of liquid stopped soon after it was turned on.

Hasn't really gotten any quieter, I can still hear it in a silent room over the fans.

chroniclard · 13 Nov 2015 at 08:53

Sounds like a faulty one. Mines near silent.

Tephnos · 13 Nov 2015 at 09:12

Is that in case or when you first turned it on? I tested it with the side panel off and the loudness of the pump shocked me. Sure, it's muted with the panel on but can still hear it. Greybeard is right that it *did* quiet down a little, but not much and it is still too loud compared to the H100i which was completely silent.

wam7 · 13 Nov 2015 at 10:50

I would return it whether or not you are within the 14 days Consumer Contracts Regulation. I'd also recommend the Swiftech H220-X / H240-X. Which cool better than the Corsairs but probably more importantly are so much quieter when under load. My H100i was like a jet turbine in comparison.You can get then in the UK now, had to get mine from Denmark at the time.

Tephnos · 13 Nov 2015 at 15:17

Interesting thoughts on the Swiftech. I'd have to see how it'd fare being on the front of the case rather than on the top. Definitely does seem a much quieter choice though.

chroniclard · 13 Nov 2015 at 16:19

Tephnos said:
Is that in case or when you first turned it on? I tested it with the side panel off and the loudness of the pump shocked me. Sure, it's muted with the panel on but can still hear it. Greybeard is right that it *did* quiet down a little, but not much and it is still too loud compared to the H100i which was completely silent.

I cant hear the pump at all over the noise of the 4 Noctua fans I have in the case(2 on cooler and 2 as case fans).

Tephnos · 13 Nov 2015 at 17:22

chroniclard said:
I cant hear the pump at all over the noise of the 4 Noctua fans I have in the case(2 on cooler and 2 as case fans).

Problem is, high noise levels in this model are widely reported so the chances of me getting a quiet one like you say you have is probably not worth the effort. The pump noise is measurably higher than competition, especially against that H240x.

wam7 · 13 Nov 2015 at 19:54

Tephnos said:
Interesting thoughts on the Swiftech. I'd have to see how it'd fare being on the front of the case rather than on the top. Definitely does seem a much quieter choice though.

It is definitely front (or rear) mountable though the orientation has to be correct. It just can't be put in the bottom.
I can't hear the pump in mine and the supplied Helix fans are also very good. There is no need to swap them out like I had to with the H100i and spend an extra £20 to get SP120's Performance or Quiet which a lot of people seem to do.

Plus you have the added advantage of being able to expand it should you want to.

Tephnos · 13 Nov 2015 at 20:47

Yeah, only problem is it is still a good £50 more expensive than everything else except the EK stuff on a competitors site!

wam7 · 13 Nov 2015 at 21:06

Tephnos said:
Yeah, only problem is it is still a good £50 more expensive than everything else except the EK stuff on a competitors site!

Which is indeed the problem! Rip off Britain. I got mine for £114.30 including postage from Denmark.

Tephnos · 13 Nov 2015 at 22:02

wam7 said:
Which is indeed the problem! Rip off Britain. I got mine for £114.30 including postage from Denmark.

I hate this.

Corsair for the love of god ditch those god awful noisy CLCs and come up with a big boy product.

The only question is if I did grab the Swiftech, I'd have to think about the 220 or 240, as I might downsize my case from the Define S to a Air 240. Seems like noise levels are around the same, but the case is much smaller. Just a shame to fit the pump in the front of a case you have to hide the reservoir

Greybeard · 14 Nov 2015 at 00:25

Well its rather given by default that you'll see nothing but complaints on the internet about those coolers.. it's just the way it is. This goes to any product, people who have issue with their merchandise tends to be more vocal compare to the ones that have no problem. We sell tens of thousands of these units every month, so yes, from time to time we see RMA cases that's somewhat related to noise. That said, the number of those cases does not suggest that noise issue is wide spread. So take into consideration, that there are thousands of people out there using the same cooler that doesn't have a noise issue.

In your case, it sounds like the problem lies on the pump itself. If you are still within your re-seller's return policy, I'd definitely get it replaced. If for some reason, you are not able to get it replaced, you can always submit an RMA request to us and we'll handle the replacement for you.