Corsair A115 CPU Cooler Review: Powerful Cooling for High-End CPUs
Corsair A115 CPU Cooler Review: Powerful Cooling for High-End CPUs
The Corsair A115 is a high-performance tower CPU air cooler designed to handle the heat output of even the most powerful processors. With its two AF140 ELITE fans, slide-and-lock fan mount, and pre-applied thermal paste, the A115 promises to keep your CPU cool and stable, no matter how intense your gaming sessions or workloads.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Corsair A115 is a serious contender in the world of high-end CPU air coolers. It’s designed to handle CPUs with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of up to 270W, which makes it suitable for overclocking and demanding gaming scenarios. I’ve been using the A115 for the past few weeks and have put it through its paces with various benchmarks and real-world applications.
Features
The Corsair A115 boasts an impressive array of features that contribute to its cooling performance and ease of use:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fans | Two Corsair AF140 ELITE fans |
| Fan Speed | 600-1,800 RPM |
| Airflow | 128 CFM |
| Noise Level | 27 dBA |
| TDP Support | Up to 270W |
| Compatibility | Intel and AMD sockets |
| Mounting Mechanism | Slide-and-lock |
| Thermal Paste | Pre-applied |
| Dimensions | 130mm x 127mm x 158mm |
| Weight | 935g |
The two AF140 ELITE fans are known for their high airflow and quiet operation, which is essential for effective cooling without excessive noise. The slide-and-lock mounting system makes installation a breeze, even for first-time builders. The pre-applied thermal paste ensures that you don’t have to worry about getting the right amount or applying it evenly.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Corsair A115 delivers as promised. I tested it with an Intel Core i9-12900K processor, which is known for its high TDP and demanding thermal requirements. Even under full load, the A115 kept the CPU temperatures well within acceptable limits.
I ran several benchmarks, including Cinebench R23 and Prime95, to stress the CPU and measure its temperature. The A115 consistently kept the CPU below 80°C, even during extended periods of heavy workloads. This is impressive considering the CPU’s high TDP.
In real-world gaming scenarios, the A115 also performed admirably. I played various demanding games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2, at high settings without experiencing any thermal throttling. The CPU remained cool and stable, allowing me to enjoy smooth gameplay without any performance hiccups.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the A115’s pros and cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional cooling performance
- Quiet operation, even under high loads
- Easy to install, thanks to the slide-and-lock mounting system
- Pre-applied thermal paste eliminates the need for a separate application
- Compatible with Intel and AMD sockets
- Attractive black aesthetic
Cons:
- Slightly larger than some other tower coolers, which might be an issue in smaller cases
- Can be expensive compared to some budget-friendly options
Final Verdict
The Corsair A115 is a highly recommended CPU cooler for anyone looking for top-notch cooling performance for their high-end CPU. It’s easy to install, quiet in operation, and keeps your CPU cool even under extreme workloads. While it might be pricier than some other options, its performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re serious about keeping your CPU cool and stable, the Corsair A115 is a fantastic choice.
