The Corsair H100i V2 is a popular choice for PC enthusiasts looking to upgrade their cooling system. This all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler offers efficient heat dissipation, keeping your CPU running at optimal temperatures even under heavy workloads. However, during installation, a common question arises: should you connect the pump to the CPU_FAN header or a dedicated AIO_PUMP header on your motherboard?
Understanding the Headers
Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify the difference between CPU_FAN and AIO_PUMP headers.
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CPU_FAN Header: This header is primarily designed for powering and monitoring the speed of your CPU air cooler fan. It typically delivers a constant voltage to the fan, ensuring consistent cooling.
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AIO_PUMP Header: Modern motherboards often include a dedicated header labeled AIO_PUMP or W_PUMP. This header is specifically designed for powering AIO liquid cooler pumps. Unlike the CPU_FAN header, it usually provides full voltage to the pump, ensuring maximum performance.
Connecting Your Corsair H100i V2: The Optimal Choice
For the Corsair H100i V2, the recommended approach is to connect the pump to the dedicated AIO_PUMP header if your motherboard has one. Here’s why:
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Full Power Delivery: The AIO_PUMP header delivers a constant, full voltage to the pump, ensuring it operates at its peak efficiency. This translates to better heat transfer and lower CPU temperatures.
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Accurate Monitoring: Connecting the pump to the AIO_PUMP header allows your motherboard to accurately monitor the pump’s speed. This information can be used to detect potential issues or adjust fan curves for optimal performance.
What if My Motherboard Doesn’t Have an AIO_PUMP Header?
If your motherboard lacks a dedicated AIO_PUMP header, don’t worry. You can still safely connect the Corsair H100i V2 pump to the CPU_FAN header.
However, keep these points in mind:
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Check BIOS Settings: Some motherboards allow you to configure the CPU_FAN header to deliver full voltage, even though it’s not a dedicated pump header. Consult your motherboard manual for instructions.
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Potential Noise at Startup: When connected to the CPU_FAN header, the pump might run at full speed during startup, potentially causing some noise. This is usually temporary and shouldn’t affect overall performance.
Conclusion
Connecting your Corsair H100i V2 to the dedicated AIO_PUMP header, if available, is the optimal choice for maximizing cooling efficiency and ensuring accurate pump monitoring. If your motherboard doesn’t have a dedicated header, connecting to the CPU_FAN header is still viable with some minor considerations.
By understanding the differences between these headers and choosing the right connection, you can unlock the full potential of your Corsair H100i V2 and enjoy a cooler, quieter, and more powerful PC.