Conclusion
We are now at the end of this test of the H170i Elite LCD XT from Corsair. So, what is this model worth? We take stock.
Very nice kit and very nice screen!
As you can see, one of the major assets of this AIO is the integration of a very nice 2.1″ IPS screen. Despite this format, we find a resolution of 480×480 pixels offering a very satisfactory definition. The images displayed will offer a good rendering, especially since the screen is bright and the viewing angles are good, much better than what the K360 from MSI offered. On the other hand, considering the range, we would have appreciated being able to play video files like on an S360, still from MSI.
Nevertheless, we have a kit that offers a very good finish with a complete accessory part. In the box, we will have what we need to mount push-pull configurations for those who want to look for the latest degrees. The same goes for the USB splitter that will avoid using all the connectors on your motherboard.
Apart from that, the assembly goes well and will not be particularly difficult. Although after a first installation, we find ourselves lacking thermal paste, which is a shame. Remember that we are on very high end, too bad not to have a small syringe in the box. Moreover, with this AIO in 420 mm, we will watch the capacity of its case.
Good temperatures despite a slim radiator!
Regarding performance, compared to the previous generation of the brand’s kit, there is clearly some improvement. On our Ryzen 9 7900X, it offers better temperatures while generating less noise, the temperature to noise ratio is greatly improved.
However, it has competition, starting with Asus and its Ryuo III 360, which was very good on temperatures, especially on our 200W CPU. On the other hand, we have the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 kit which offers similar temperatures but more controlled noise.
It’s time to rob a bank:
In the end, the cold shower will finally concern the price. For the US, you’ll have to count $309.99 which seems expensive but fair. But for Europe, currently, it is necessary to count between 400 € and 420 € depending on the stores. At this price, the kit is very, very difficult to recommend, unless you are in love with the brand and want to have the best in Corsair AIO. Otherwise, what else can I tell you except to opt for a Liquid Freezer II 420 which performs very well in AM5 (which is 35% of the Corsair price) or a custom watercooling set!
By the way, in Europe, we can’t help but feel cheated, especially if we compare the US price to the European price. On the American website of the brand, the kit is displayed at $309.99, we are far from the 400 € here… Even if we consider an exchange rate of $1 = 1 €, even if we add the VAT at 20% where we arrive at ~372 €.
Corsair H170i Elite LCD XT :
We like:
- The look of Corsair, as well as the good level of finishing of the kit
- The quality of the display: bright and well defined
- The complete accessory part with up to six fans
- The complete software support allowing the management of the lighting, the screen and the speed of the fans/pump
- Overall simple assembly
- Flexible tubing for easy installation
- Improved performance over the previous generation!
- A more controlled noise
We liked less :
- The pre-applied thermal paste good for one use only
- The imposing dimensions of the radiator implying a particular attention to the choice of the case
- The lack of support for video files as is the case with MSI
- The temperatures at 200W, we expected better
- The stratospheric price
- The Liquid Freezer II 420 costs more than 2x less!
In the end, we choose to award bronze to this kit signed Corsair which remains extremely expensive. It is typically the kind of solution that we will choose because we like the brand and we want the best in their catalog. Otherwise, we don’t see any objective reason to buy this H170i Elite LCD XT as a Liquid Freezer II 420 does better for 140 €. And if you have a full purse and you like to get your hands dirty, you might as well go for a custom one.
A big thank you to Corsair !