Corsair Hydro Series H70 CPU Cooler Review

Installation

Installation

We installed the H70 into our closed test bench that features the Intel i7-920 LGA 1366 processor running at 2.8GHz. The first item to configure is the H70 backplate. This backplate has three different configurations, but we pushed in each screw so it could be used with our i7-920.

Here is the finished backplate configured for the LGA 1366 test system. This is a very innovative backplate that can be used in multiple Intel configurations.

The next step is configuring the H70 mounting plate. This involves popping in each of the screw mounts so we could secure the mounting bracket to the backplate. Pretty standard stuff that we performed during H50 testing.

Each of the four screws will need to be screwed in (just a little) before we connect it the corresponding backplate.

Here is the mounting bracket fully configured and ready to be moved into the system.

We mounted the backplate using double-sided tape. You can see the residue from other backplate installations, but this backplate goes around the entire CPU socket.

Next, we installed the first fan on the H70. But, you’ll have to wait to install the second fan because you’ll use the same screws to attach the entire fan and radiator setup to the chassis.

Here’s a quick pic of us installing the radiator and fans using four screws that were provided with the unit. Simple stuff.

Next, we tightened down the mounting bracket to the backplate and motherboard. Don’t screw it all the way down because we will need a little slack to add the pump and cold plate housing.

We locked in the pump/cold plate and finished securing it to the motherboard by tightening down the mounting bracket. The water loops swivel so that made installation a lot easier. You can see in the photo how far the extended radiator and fans go over the CPU. I guess that’s why they didn’t include an LCD over the pump housing like the Vantage A.L.C. The entire installation took a little over 30 minutes to complete. The only minor issue we ran into that was tricky was mounting the fans and radiator to the chassis. It’s a bit difficult because you have to manually hold us the fan to the chassis and thread the screws first before you can attach the radiator to the fan. Overall, it was a very simple installation and much easier than other air-cooled solutions.