Stock Clock Testing
For our stock clock testing, we have configured our CPU to run at factory settings for speed, and voltage, and configured memory to XMP mode. This yields an approximate power at the wall of 300w under load (a 200w differential from idle, which pulls about 100w). This results in the CPU running at 3.8GHz on all cores during the looping rounds of Cinebench R20. You can read more about this in our introduction article here.
Max Fans – 100% Pump Speed
One thing to note with the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD is that our test sample’s ML140 fans maxed out at 1500RPM, which is in the ballpark of the rated 1600RPM +/- 10%. With that, we will still compare it at its maximum performance against the competition and again with its competition set at 1500RPM. Overall, 140mm fans tend to have a slower maximum speed than 120mm fans.
Starting the bidding at maximum cooling capacity the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD draws a tie with the MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360 at 53 degrees Celsius. Of note, the MSI solution was running in the low 2000 RPM range, which helped it level the playing field against the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD.
1500 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Putting all coolers on the same footing at 1500RPM fan speed, the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD is obviously still at 53 degrees Celsius while the MSI MEG CORELIQUD S360 drops back to 56 degrees. The balance of the field turns in 1-4 degrees worse performances than the MSI at this setting.
1000 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Dropping down to 1000 RPM, we find the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD widens its lead over the MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360 to five degrees, however, the CORSAIR H115i Platinum (the only other cooler here with a 140mm fan) jumps up the standings to second place.
600 RPM Fans – 100% Pump Speed
Finally, at our slowest testing speed of 600RPM, we find the CORSAIR H170i ELITE LCD takes a lap around the rest of the competition at 64 degrees Celsius.