The Corsair A115
In terms of packaging, we find the brand’s usual colors: yellow and black. Naturally, an illustration of the heatsink is featured on the front of the packaging, with a reminder of its functions/features on the back.
Inside, we find rather effective protection with black foam and cardboard over-wrapping. Everything arrived intact, not a single fin bent on the cooler, everything is spotless.
Radiator:
Weight and dimensions :
On unpacking, we clearly get a feel for the NH-D15. It has to be said that this model clearly shares the aesthetics of Noctua’s cooler, with its black color and black fans. On the other hand, it remains imposing, measuring 153 (W) x 155 (D) x 164.8 (H) mm, with fans in their lowest position. In terms of dimensions, it straddles the line between be quiet!’s Dark Rock and Noctua’s D15.
Be that as it may, watch out for the weight, as it weighs in at a hefty 1.59 kg. In fact, it’s the heaviest cooler we’ve ever tested. A D15 weighs in at 1.320 kg, compared with 1.29 kg for the Dark Rock Elite from be quiet!
The base :
Under the heatsink, we’re dealing with a wide, nickel-plated copper base. Unlike the A500, the brand’s previous heatsink, there are no heatpipes in direct contact with the CPU. Corsair has opted for standard models, with six heatpipes each 6 mm in diameter.
In terms of dimensions, the base is a handsome 38×42 mm, enough to cover the whole of a recent Intel or AMD CPU. What’s more, the distribution of the heat pipes means that the entire CPU will be covered by them, leaving, in theory, no area uncovered.
As for the finish, there’s nothing to complain about either, since the machining marks are very fine. Couple this with nickel plating and you have a well-finished base. However, polishing does not go so far as to produce a perfect mirror.
Radiator:
As we said, the aluminum fin block is a double-turn heatsink, so there are two stacks. Each of them has 45 fins, a number similar to the new be quiet! models. Here, we find a sawtooth-shaped cut-out, the aim being to maximize the heat exchange surface.
As with many double-turn models, the first three fins are shortened. Once again, the undisguised aim is to improve memory compatibility. But the best way to achieve this is to raise the fans mounted on the slides. The latter are screwed directly onto the fins. Note that the notches are much less hard and pronounced than on be quiet’s Dark Rock Elite. This makes them more pleasant and easier to handle.
The finish :
In terms of finish, this A115 benefits from a completely matte black coating, making it extremely discreet. However, the top remains disappointing. True, we have Corsair branding on the top, but we’re forced to admit that it’s too discreet. What’s more, in the face of the competition, the ends of the heat pipes remain visible, as do the screws on the adjustment rails. It’s a shame, given the price of this model.
Compatibility :
In terms of compatibility, Corsair indicates that its cooler can be mounted on the following motherboards:
- Intel: LGA-115x – LGA-1200 – LGA-1700
- AMD: AM4 – AM5
Once again, we find a heatsink that will only be compatible with mainstream motherboards. Here, there is no compatibility with AMD’s HEDT platforms. At the same time, this is understandable, especially when you consider that the brand’s smallest Threadripper has a TDP of 350W. At 250W, it’s easy to see why it doesn’t make the cut!
Fans:
As far as ventilation is concerned, the heatsink comes with a pair of mills well known to Corsair. And with good reason, since the brand offers us its AF140 Elite fans. These 140×25 mm fans are as classic as it gets.
Physically speaking, they feature a total of nine rather thin, curved blades, in line with the current trend in this field. On the other side, the frame remains classic, with silentblocs at all four corners and a brand name reminder on the edge. At the rear, a total of nine blades are present, forming the AirGuide technology.
Finally, as far as the power supply is concerned, we have a flat black PWM cable measuring some sixty centimeters.
In terms of technical specifications, the fans will operate from 400 rpm to 1600 rpm. At full speed, they’ll be blowing hard, with airflow announced at 84.5 CFM, while static pressure will rise to 1.73 mmH2O.
The bundle:
The accessory section is housed in a small cardboard box and features :
- Warranty and safety guides
- PWM splitter for two fans
- Left and right slides and screws for front fan
- Hardware for mounting on AMD platform
- Hardware for mounting on Intel platform with metal backplate
The accessory section is basically straightforward. Once again, you’ll have to make do with pre-applied thermal paste. Again, a syringe of paste would have been welcome; as it is, in the event of reassembly, you’ll have to spend around ten euros for an extra syringe.
Roughly speaking:
In broad terms, Corsair’s new cooler promises to be imposing, and you’ll have to be vigilant about the space available in its case. While the overall finish is meticulous, we’re a little disappointed that the top section has clearly been left out of the picture. Compared to the competition, and even to the A500, we’re one notch below, which is a shame.
